Hey there, my friend. You are about to make the best skinny spinach lasagna ever. This one is light but still cheesy, hearty, and packed with flavor.
The secret? I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta and a homemade tomato sauce that keeps everything fresh and light. Oh, and there’s no meat in this one, but trust me, you won’t miss it.
Now, let’s get started.
Utensils You Need
These are the utensils and equipment you need to make this recipe.
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Aluminum foil
- Oven mitts
Important Info
- Servings: 6 slices
- Estimated Cost to make this recipe: Around $12
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Calories per serving: 290
- Cook Method: Baking
- Season: All seasons
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diets: Vegetarian, LowCalorieDiet
How to Make Skinny Spinach Lasagna
Now I am going to tell you what ingredients you need to make this delicacy and how to make it.
Ingredients You Need
- 9 whole wheat lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 10 oz fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
Alternative Ingredients
If you do not have the ingredients I listed above, do not worry. You can swap them out for the alternatives below.
| Ingredient | Alternative |
|---|---|
| Whole wheat lasagna noodles | Regular lasagna noodles |
| Cottage cheese | Ricotta cheese |
| Fresh spinach | Frozen spinach (thawed and drained) |
| Mozzarella cheese | Low-fat cheddar cheese |
| Parmesan cheese | Nutritional yeast (for a dairy-free option) |
| Olive oil | Vegetable oil or butter |
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft. Add the garlic and stir for about 30 seconds.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, basil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well.
- Spread a small amount of tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Lay three lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the cottage cheese mixture on top, followed by a layer of tomato sauce.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining cottage cheese mixture, and more sauce.
- Add the final layer of noodles, top with the rest of the tomato sauce, and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
- Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
- Let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Helpful Tips
- If using frozen spinach, squeeze out excess water before adding it to the sauce.
- Let the lasagna rest after baking—it helps everything set and makes slicing easier.
- Want extra protein? Add some lentils or mushrooms to the sauce.
- Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the lasagna neatly.
- If your cottage cheese is too watery, drain it slightly to prevent a soggy lasagna.
What to Serve with Skinny Spinach Lasagna
Lasagna on its own is great, but you can serve it with:
- A fresh green salad with balsamic dressing
- Garlic bread or whole wheat toast
- Roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers
How Do You Serve the Recipe?
A good spatula helps lift each slice without making a mess. Serve it on a plate with some extra Parmesan on top. If you want to be fancy, a sprinkle of fresh basil adds a nice touch.
Where Do You Serve This Recipe the Most?
This is perfect for a cozy dinner at home, meal prepping for the week, or even taking to a potluck. It’s a great holiday dish, too—especially if you have vegetarian guests.
Storage
Short-Term Storage (Room Temperature)
- If serving within a few hours, cover with foil and keep at room temperature.
Refrigeration
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Freezing
- Slice the lasagna and wrap each piece in plastic wrap before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the sauce.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and swap the cottage cheese for blended tofu with a little lemon juice for a similar texture.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes! The cheesy layers and mild spinach flavor make it a great way to get kids to eat more greens.
Can I add meat to this lasagna?
If you want to add protein, cooked ground turkey or chicken would work well in the sauce.
Meta Description
This skinny spinach lasagna recipe is light, cheesy, and packed with spinach. A healthier take on a classic Italian dish, perfect for any season.