There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy, and creamy lasagna, layered with tender pasta sheets, rich béchamel sauce, sautéed mushrooms, and vibrant spinach. This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is the perfect vegetarian alternative to traditional meat-based lasagna, offering a decadent and hearty dish that satisfies just as much. The combination of earthy mushrooms, garlicky spinach, and a velvety white sauce infused with cheese creates an irresistible, melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Whether you’re looking for a meatless dinner option, a dish to impress at a gathering, or a comforting homemade meal to enjoy with family, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The best part? It’s easy to customize with different cheeses, herbs, or even a bit of heat for extra depth.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna, from ingredient selection to layering techniques and expert tips. So grab your baking dish and get ready to create a delicious masterpiece that’s packed with flavor and warmth.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The béchamel sauce and cheese create a luscious, velvety texture.
- Packed with Vegetables: A great way to enjoy mushrooms and spinach in a satisfying meal.
- Comforting and Hearty: Layers of pasta, creamy sauce, and cheese make this an indulgent dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Leftovers taste even better the next day!
- Customizable: Swap in different mushrooms, cheeses, or herbs to suit your taste.
Now, let’s dive into the details of making this heavenly spinach and mushroom lasagna!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mushroom Spinach Filling:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or shiitake)
- 5 cups fresh spinach (or 10 oz frozen, thawed and drained)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Assembling the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and lay them flat on a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- If using no-boil noodles, ensure your sauce has enough moisture to cook them properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Mushroom and Spinach Filling
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and cook until softened and browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Toss in fresh spinach, stirring until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s well-drained before adding.
- Season with salt, black pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Béchamel Sauce
- In a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Stir in 4 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, creating a roux.
- Slowly pour in 3 cups of warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add salt, nutmeg, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce at the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Spread half of the mushroom-spinach mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Drizzle some béchamel sauce over the vegetable layer.
- Sprinkle ½ cup of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of ricotta cheese on top.
- Repeat another layer with three noodles, the remaining vegetable mixture, béchamel sauce, and more cheese.
- Finish with a final layer of lasagna noodles, béchamel sauce, and the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle with dried oregano for extra flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
- Serve hot and enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Tips for the Best Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
- Use fresh ingredients – Fresh spinach and mushrooms add the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles – Slightly undercooked pasta holds up better in layers.
- Make it ahead – Assemble the lasagna a day before and bake when needed.
- Let it rest – Allowing the lasagna to sit after baking helps the layers set.
- Customize the cheese – Try adding gruyère, fontina, or gouda for extra richness.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Protein Boost: Mix in shredded chicken or crumbled tofu.
- Extra Creamy: Stir in ricotta between layers.
- Nutty Twist: Add toasted pine nuts or almonds for crunch.
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze unbaked lasagna for up to 3 months and bake when needed.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes or microwave individual portions.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna is a rich, satisfying dish that proves you don’t need meat to create a hearty and indulgent meal. Every bite is packed with savory mushrooms, creamy béchamel, gooey cheese, and tender pasta, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving it at a gathering, this recipe will impress everyone at the table.
Now, grab your ingredients and start layering—this vegetarian lasagna is about to become your new favorite go-to meal!