Hidden Spinach & Cheese Lasagna

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A classic lasagna with a concealed layer of spinach and cheese that adds vibrant color and nutrition without compromising the comforting flavor. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, chopped fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 610 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.

★ 3.8 (15 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 35 min Serves 6 Italian cuisine 610 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. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with 1/4 cup olive oil.
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup chopped spinach, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly distributed (this is the hidden layer).
  3. Step 3: Cook 12 oz lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce on the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer 4 noodles, then spread half of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles. Top with 1/2 cup marinara and 1/2 cup mozzarella.
  5. Step 5: Repeat layers: 4 noodles, remaining ricotta-spinach mixture, 1/2 cup marinara, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Cover with the last 4 noodles, remaining marinara, and 1/2 cup mozzarella.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan over the top. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.

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 Hidden Spinach & Cheese Lasagna take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (25 min prep + 35 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 Hidden Spinach & Cheese 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 Hidden Spinach & Cheese 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 Hidden Spinach & Cheese 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 Hidden Spinach & Cheese 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