Italian > Lasagnas

Creamy Tomato and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Skillet for cooking sauce

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir to combine.

5. Add 1 cup of water to the skillet and bring to a simmer. Cook for 10 minutes.

6. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.

7. Add thawed and squeezed dry spinach to the skillet and stir to combine.

8. Spread a thin layer of the tomato and spinach sauce on the bottom of the 9x13 inch baking dish.

9. Place 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

10. Spread 1/3 of the remaining tomato and spinach sauce over the noodles.

11. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.

12. Repeat layers of noodles, sauce, and cheese two more times.

13. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

14. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 50 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 420
Fat per serving: 20g
Carbohydrates per serving: 38g
Protein per serving: 21g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk.
- Instead of frozen chopped spinach, you can use fresh spinach that has been chopped and cooked until wilted.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the tomato and spinach sauce for a meaty version of the lasagna.
- Use ricotta cheese instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Add sliced mushrooms to the tomato and spinach sauce for an extra boost of flavor.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to squeeze the excess water out of the thawed spinach before adding it to the sauce.
- To prevent the lasagna noodles from sticking together, lay them out on a clean kitchen towel after boiling and draining.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving to allow the layers to set.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat individual servings, microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through.
- To reheat the entire lasagna, cover with foil and bake in a 350°F oven for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the lasagna on a large platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil

Pairings:
- Garlic bread
- Caesar salad

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too dry, add a little more water or cream to the tomato and spinach sauce.
- If the lasagna is too watery, let it bake for a few more minutes uncovered to allow the excess liquid to evaporate.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the lasagna to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure that it is safe to eat.

Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to ancient Rome. It is typically made with layers of pasta, tomato sauce, and cheese.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Tomato-y
- Cheesy
- Savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot and bubbly straight from the oven for a comforting and satisfying meal.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Creamy, Rich, Tomato, Savory, Cheesy, Tomato-Y