MacDonnells Cheese and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Special equipment needed:
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

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

3. In a mixing bowl, combine chopped spinach, ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.

4. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.

5. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.

6. Spread half of the spinach and cheese mixture on top of the noodles.

7. Pour 1/3 of the marinara sauce over the spinach and cheese mixture.

8. Repeat layers of noodles, spinach and cheese mixture, and sauce.

9. Top with the remaining 3 lasagna noodles.

10. Pour the remaining marinara sauce over the noodles.

11. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese on top.

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

13. 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:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 14g
Carbohydrates: 33g
Protein: 20g
Sodium: 850mg
Sugar: 8g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
- Ricotta cheese can be substituted with cottage cheese.
- Marinara sauce can be substituted with homemade tomato sauce.

Variations:
- Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce for a meaty lasagna.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or fontina, for a different flavor.
- Add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers to the spinach and cheese mixture for added vegetables.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to drain the spinach well to avoid a watery lasagna.
- Boil the lasagna noodles until they are al dente, or slightly firm, to prevent them from becoming too mushy when baked.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving to make it easier to cut and serve.

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

Reheating instructions:
- To reheat, place a portion of lasagna on a microwave-safe plate and microwave on high for 1-2 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
- Steamed broccoli

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the lasagna is too watery, try draining the spinach more thoroughly or using less marinara sauce.

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

Food history:
- Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that dates back to the Middle Ages.

Flavor profiles:
- Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy from the marinara sauce.

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the lasagna hot and bubbly with a side of garlic bread and a Caesar salad.

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Taste: Savory, Cheesy, Creamy, Garlicky, Herby, Rich