White Sauce Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms
Layers of tender pasta sheets with sautéed spinach and mushrooms enveloped in a smooth béchamel white sauce and melted mozzarella. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 70 minutes blends sheets lasagna noodles, unsalted butter, all-purpose flour into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 9 sheets lasagna noodles
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg, ground
- 6 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook 9 lasagna noodles for 8 minutes until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a towel.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tbsp all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture bubbles and is lightly golden.
- Step 3: Gradually whisk in 3 cups whole milk, continuing to whisk until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Stir in 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Step 4: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until they release moisture and start to brown.
- Step 6: Add 6 cups chopped fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.
- Step 7: Spread a thin layer of the white sauce on the bottom of a 9x9 inch baking dish. Layer 3 lasagna noodles over sauce, then half of the spinach-mushroom mixture, 1/3 of the remaining white sauce, and 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella.
- Step 8: Repeat layering with 3 noodles, remaining spinach mixture, 1/3 white sauce, and 2/3 cup mozzarella.
- Step 9: Top with last 3 noodles, remaining white sauce, 2/3 cup mozzarella, and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
- Step 10: Cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Step 11: Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does White Sauce Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (25 min prep + 45 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover White Sauce Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in White Sauce Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms?
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 White Sauce Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms 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.
Is White Sauce Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.