Baked Hidden Ricotta and Spinach Lasagna

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A layered pasta dish where a creamy spinach-ricotta mixture is hidden within the noodles for a nutrient-rich surprise. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 450 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup ricotta cheese, 2 cups chopped fresh spinach, 1/4 cup whole milk, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, and 1 large egg; mix until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Bring 4 quarts of salted water to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz lasagna noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and lay flat on a clean surface.
  3. Step 3: Spread 1 cup tomato sauce evenly in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 4 cooked lasagna noodles on top, then spread 1/2 cup of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 cup shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan over the mixture.
  5. Step 5: Repeat layers: 1 cup tomato sauce, 4 noodles, remaining 1/2 cup ricotta-spinach mixture, 1 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup Parmesan.
  6. Step 6: Top with remaining tomato sauce and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to allow layers to set.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Hidden Ricotta and Spinach Lasagna take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Hidden Ricotta and Spinach Lasagna?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lasagna noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Hidden Ricotta and Spinach Lasagna?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Hidden Ricotta and Spinach Lasagna for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Hidden Ricotta and Spinach Lasagna?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes