Mushroom Spinach Lasagna

### Instructions for Making Mushroom Spinach Lasagna

#### 1. **Prepare the Lasagna Noodles**
Begin by boiling the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Be sure to salt the water well to add flavor to the pasta. Once cooked, drain the noodles and lay them flat on a baking sheet or wax paper to prevent sticking. Set them aside.

#### 2. **Cook the Mushrooms and Spinach**
Heat the **olive oil** in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the **onion** and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the **garlic** and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Next, add the sliced **mushrooms** to the skillet and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they release their moisture and become tender. Once the mushrooms are cooked, add the fresh **spinach** in batches, stirring until wilted and evenly distributed. Season with a pinch of salt, pepper, and **dried herbs** (basil and oregano), if using. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.

#### 3. **Prepare the Cheese Mixture**
In a mixing bowl, combine the **ricotta cheese**, **egg**, ½ cup of **Parmesan cheese**, and 1 cup of **mozzarella cheese**. Mix everything together until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.

#### 4. **Assemble the Lasagna**
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or lasagna pan.

Start by spreading a thin layer of **marinara sauce** on the bottom of the baking dish. Next, place a layer of **lasagna noodles** over the sauce. Spread a portion of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a generous layer of the cooked mushroom and spinach mixture.

Repeat the layers: sauce, noodles, cheese mixture, and mushroom-spinach filling. Continue layering until you’ve used up all the ingredients. Finish with a final layer of noodles topped with the remaining marinara sauce and the remaining ½ cup of shredded **mozzarella** and **Parmesan cheese**.

#### 5. **Bake the Lasagna**
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.

#### 6. **Cool and Serve**
Once the lasagna is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut neat portions. Garnish with fresh chopped **basil** or **parsley** and extra grated **Parmesan cheese** if desired.

### Tips for Perfect Mushroom Spinach Lasagna

– **Use Fresh Ingredients**: Fresh spinach and mushrooms bring the best flavor and texture to this dish. If you use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water to avoid a soggy lasagna.
– **Don’t Overcook the Noodles**: Be sure to cook the noodles al dente (slightly firm) so they don’t become mushy when baking in the lasagna.
– **Add Extra Veggies**: You can easily customize this recipe by adding more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for even more flavor and texture.
– **Let It Rest**: Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and prevent the lasagna from falling apart when you cut into it.
– **Make Ahead**: This lasagna is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble the lasagna a day ahead and refrigerate it until ready to bake. You can also freeze the assembled lasagna for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

### Why You’ll Love Mushroom Spinach Lasagna

– **Delicious Layers of Flavor**: The rich, earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach balance perfectly with the creamy ricotta, melty mozzarella, and tangy marinara sauce.
– **Comfort Food**: It’s the ultimate comforting meal, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.
– **Vegetarian-Friendly**: Packed with wholesome vegetables and protein-rich cheese, this lasagna is an ideal vegetarian option that still feels indulgent.
– **Make-Ahead Friendly**: You can prepare it in advance, saving you time on busy days without sacrificing flavor.

### Variations on Mushroom Spinach Lasagna

While the traditional version is already packed with flavor, here are a few ideas to personalize your lasagna:

– **Add More Cheese**: For a cheese-lover’s dream, you can add layers of **fresh mozzarella** or **fontina cheese** for extra melty goodness.
– **Pine Nuts**: Toasted **pine nuts** can be sprinkled between the layers for a nice crunch and nutty flavor that complements the spinach and mushrooms.
– **Spicy Kick**: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some **red pepper flakes** into the mushroom and spinach mixture or into the marinara sauce.
– **Béchamel Sauce**: Add a rich, creamy layer by making a simple béchamel (white sauce) and layering it in between the noodles for extra richness.

### Final Thoughts

**Mushroom Spinach Lasagna** is the perfect vegetarian comfort food that will please both plant-based eaters and meat lovers alike. With layers of tender pasta, creamy cheese, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach, this dish is bursting with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or as a special treat for guests, this lasagna is sure to be a hit.

It’s an easy-to-make, adaptable dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. So, grab your ingredients, heat up the oven, and prepare to enjoy a comforting, flavorful meal that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!