Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that doesn’t sacrifice on freshness or flavor, this Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe is an absolute must-try. I absolutely love how this lasagna comes together with creamy cottage cheese, tender artichokes, and vibrant spinach layered with a homemade tomato sauce—it’s rich, satisfying, and just the right kind of indulgence without feeling heavy. Trust me, once you make this, your family (and friends!) will be asking for seconds and maybe even thirds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Super Creamy Yet Light: Using cottage cheese blended smooth keeps the texture luscious without the heaviness of ricotta or cream.
  • Packed with Vegetables: The combination of fresh spinach and artichokes adds vibrant color, nutrition, and that perfect tender bite.
  • Easy Homemade Sauce: The quick tomato and basil sauce adds freshness and just the right amount of tang without feeling processed.
  • Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this—it’s one of those recipes that everyone devours and no one can get enough of.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. I always recommend choosing fresh veggies and good-quality cheeses to make sure every bite sings.

  • Diced tomatoes: Use a good quality canned variety for a naturally rich tomato base without any extra work.
  • Fresh basil: Adds brightness and a pop of herbal aroma that lifts the entire dish.
  • Olive oil: For that smooth, fruity undertone and to sauté the veggies just right.
  • Garlic cloves: They’re the secret punch of flavor—don’t be shy with them!
  • Salt and red pepper flakes: Balances and layers flavor with just a hint of warmth.
  • Low-fat cottage cheese: When blended, it creates a creamy texture without too much fat.
  • Red onion: Offers a subtle sweetness when softened and helps build depth in the filling.
  • Artichokes: Whether jarred or frozen (defrosted), they bring a tender, slightly tangy bite that’s irresistible.
  • Baby spinach: Preferably organic for freshness, it wilts down beautifully and blends perfectly with the artichokes.
  • Black pepper: Freshly ground to give that subtle kick and warmth.
  • No-boil lasagna noodles: They save prep time but still cook into tender sheets that hold up well.
  • Fontina or mozzarella cheese: Melts like a dream, creating golden, gooey layers that your whole crew will love.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe is, so feel free to make it your own! Over time, I’ve tweaked it according to what I have in my kitchen or to suit different tastes. You’ll find it’s pretty forgiving but super rewarding when you get creative.

  • Make it vegan: Swap cottage cheese with a cashew-based ricotta and use vegan mozzarella for a dairy-free delight—I tried this for a friend and it turned out surprisingly rich!
  • Add protein: Layer in cooked shredded chicken or ground turkey if you want it more substantial; my kids loved that hearty twist.
  • Spice it up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch more red pepper flakes or toss in some sliced jalapeños with the spinach; it gives a nice kick.
  • Seasonal greens: Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard when in season—I’ve done this and the flavor and texture are still fantastic.

How to Make Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Fresh Tomato-Basil Sauce

Start by draining your diced tomatoes in a fine sieve—this removes any excess watery juice that would otherwise make the sauce too thin. Then toss them with fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Pulse just enough to break down the tomatoes into a spreadable sauce that’s fresh and lively. Having made this a dozen times, I’ve found that not over-blending keeps the sauce chunky and full of texture, which really shines through once layered in the lasagna.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Cottage Cheese Base

Rinse out your food processor and blend half of the cottage cheese until smooth and creamy—this is the secret to that velvety texture you’re craving. I used to struggle with uneven cottage cheese curds in my lasagna, but this step makes all the difference. Pour it into a large bowl because you’re going to add more deliciousness to it soon.

Step 3: Sauté the Onion, Garlic, Spinach & Artichokes

Warm olive oil in a skillet and gently cook your red onion with a pinch of salt until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Then add garlic for a quick burst of fragrance. Next, toss in the artichokes and baby spinach in batches, stirring and sautéing until the spinach wilts and the mixture loses its moisture. This takes around 12 minutes total, but it’s key to cook off excess liquid so your lasagna layers don’t get soggy. I learned the hard way: rushing this step will leave you with a watery mess instead of that perfect, creamy filling.

Step 4: Combine and Chop the Spinach Artichoke Mixture

Pop the spinach and artichoke mixture back into the food processor and pulse about a dozen times until finely chopped but not pureed—you want some texture! Fold this into the whipped cottage cheese along with the remaining cottage cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. This blend is creamy, flavorful, and exactly what ties the whole lasagna together.

Step 5: Assemble Your Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

Grab a 9-inch square baking dish and spread half a cup of that lovely tomato sauce on the bottom. Layer three no-boil noodles, overlapping them if needed. Slather half the spinach artichoke mixture evenly, then add another ½ cup tomato sauce and sprinkle on ½ cup shredded cheese. Repeat the noodles and spinach layers but this time just cheese on top—skip the tomato sauce here! Finish with the last noodles, spread the remaining tomato sauce evenly, and top with a full cup of cheese for that perfect golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Bubbly Perfection

Cover your lasagna with parchment paper or foil (if you use foil, keep it from touching the cheese to avoid sticking). Pop it in your 425°F oven and bake covered for 18 minutes, then remove the cover and rotate the pan for even browning. Bake for 12 more minutes until you see those golden, spotty brown cheese patches. Let it cool for at least 15 minutes—this helps it set so you get pretty, clean slices. I can’t stress enough how much I love this resting step for perfect portioning and flavor melding!

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Pro Tips for Making Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

  • Drain Tomatoes Well: Standing the diced tomatoes in a sieve before blending prevents a runny sauce, which can cause soggy lasagna layers.
  • Cook Spinach Thoroughly: Wilting spinach fully removes excess moisture; otherwise, your lasagna might be watery—something I learned after a soggy first batch!
  • Smooth Cottage Cheese: Blending half your cottage cheese until smooth makes the filling creamy, avoiding curds that can break the texture.
  • Rest Before Serving: Letting the lasagna cool and rest after baking is key for neat slices and flavors that meld perfectly.

How to Serve Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

A square piece of lasagna sits in the middle of a white plate with a simple scalloped edge. The lasagna has clear layers starting with a light yellow cooked pasta layer at the bottom, followed by a thick layer of green spinach mixed with white cheese. Another pasta layer sits above, topped with a vibrant red tomato sauce layer that has melted white cheese over it. Bright green basil leaves garnish the top, adding fresh color. A silver fork rests behind the lasagna on the plate. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always sprinkle extra chopped fresh basil on top right before serving—it adds that fresh pop of color and a crisp herbal note that contrasts the creamy richness beautifully. Sometimes I’ll grate a little bit of fresh Parmesan for guests who want an extra salty bite on top.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness, I like pairing this lasagna with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some simply roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also make fantastic companions if you want something more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered individual servings in small ramekins and sprinkled a tiny basil leaf on top, which looks so charming and makes portion-control easy for guests. Another idea that was a hit: serve squares alongside a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftovers cool completely, then cover them tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. They keep beautifully for 3 to 4 days and actually taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight.

Freezing

This Spinach Artichoke Lasagna freezes wonderfully! I like to assemble it in a disposable aluminum pan, cover it well with foil, and freeze before baking. When I want to serve it, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed—just add 10 extra minutes covered to heat through gently.

Reheating

Reheating is easy: just pop a portion into the oven at 350°F for 15 to 20 minutes covered with foil to keep moisture in. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but do it in short bursts and stir or flip halfway to keep the texture consistent.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe?

    Absolutely! If you use frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much water as possible before cooking to prevent excess moisture that can make your lasagna watery. I recommend sautéing it with the artichokes just like fresh spinach to bring out the best flavor and texture.

  2. Do I have to use no-boil noodles, or can I use regular lasagna noodles?

    You can definitely use regular boiled noodles if you prefer! Just cook them according to package directions, drain, and pat dry before layering. Sometimes I do this when I want extra control over noodle texture, but no-boil noodles are a fantastic time-saver and they work really well with this recipe.

  3. Is this Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe suitable for meal prepping?

    Yes! It makes excellent make-ahead meals because it holds up well in the fridge and freezer. You can prepare and assemble the lasagna a day or two in advance, then bake it fresh right before serving—or bake it first and reheat portions as needed throughout the week.

  4. How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

    Simply swap out the no-boil noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles. Most brands perform well in baked dishes like this, especially if you cook them ahead according to package instructions. I’ve done this successfully and still enjoyed great texture and layers of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines that hearty, comforting feeling of classic lasagna with a fresh twist of garden-fresh flavors and healthier ingredients. Every time I serve it, I end up sharing the story of how I tweaked the cottage cheese to get it just right or how I learned the importance of fully cooking down the spinach. I hope you enjoy making it just as much as I do—it’s truly one of those dishes that brings people together and fills your home with warm, inviting aromas. Give it a try soon and let me know how it becomes a favorite in your family too!

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Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

Spinach Artichoke Lasagna Recipe

4.8 from 256 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 to 9 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Spinach Artichoke Lasagna is a wholesome and flavorful vegetarian dish featuring layers of no-boil lasagna noodles, a creamy spinach-artichoke mixture, homemade tomato sauce with fresh basil, and melted fontina cheese. It is baked to a perfect golden brown and offers a healthy twist on classic lasagna, packed with fresh vegetables and rich textures that are even better the next day.


Ingredients

Scale

Tomato Sauce

  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, pressed or minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Spinach Artichoke Mixture

  • 2 cups (16 ounces) low fat cottage cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped red onion (about 1 smallish red onion)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 4 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
  • 1 cup jarred or defrosted frozen artichokes, drained, quartered if necessary
  • 12 ounces baby spinach, preferably organic
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Assembly & Topping

  • 9 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 2 cups (5 ounces) shredded fontina cheese or low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella
  • Garnish: sprinkling of additional chopped fresh basil


Instructions

  1. Prepare Tomato Sauce: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drain excess juice from the diced tomatoes using a mesh sieve or fine colander. Transfer drained tomatoes to the food processor bowl. Add fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, salt, and red pepper flakes. Pulse about 10 times until the tomatoes reach a spreadable consistency. Set sauce aside in a bowl (approximately 2 cups).
  2. Blend Cottage Cheese: Rinse the food processor and pour half the cottage cheese (1 cup) into it. Blend for about 1 minute until smooth. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Leave the food processor bowl in place for later use.
  3. Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chopped red onion and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring often, until translucent and tender, about 4-5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in artichokes, then add spinach in batches, cooking and stirring frequently until fully wilted. Continue cooking for about 12 minutes until most moisture evaporates and spinach quantity significantly reduces.
  4. Process Spinach Artichoke Mixture: Transfer the cooked spinach and artichokes to the food processor and pulse 12-15 times until finely chopped but not puréed. Add this mixture to the bowl with blended cottage cheese. Top with the remaining cottage cheese and mix well. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Assemble Lasagna: Spread ½ cup tomato sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9-inch square baking dish. Layer three lasagna noodles on top, overlapping as needed. Spread half of the spinach mixture evenly over the noodles, then ½ cup tomato sauce, followed by ½ cup shredded cheese. Repeat with three noodles, remaining spinach mixture, and ½ cup shredded cheese. Skip tomato sauce in this middle layer. Top with remaining three noodles, spread the remaining tomato sauce on top, and sprinkle with 1 cup shredded cheese.
  6. Bake Lasagna: Cover the lasagna with parchment paper or foil (foil should not touch the cheese). Bake covered for 18 minutes. Remove cover, rotate pan 180 degrees, and bake uncovered for an additional 12 minutes until the top is spotty brown and bubbly.
  7. Finishing Touches: Remove from oven and let the lasagna cool for 15 minutes to set. Garnish with additional chopped fresh basil before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • This vegetarian lasagna is rich in fresh spinach and artichokes with simple homemade tomato sauce for a wholesome meal.
  • Lasagna tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
  • Recipe yields one 9-inch square lasagna, serving 8 to 9 people.
  • Using no-boil noodles simplifies preparation without sacrificing texture.
  • Feel free to substitute fontina cheese with mozzarella for a milder flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of lasagna)
  • Calories: 384
  • Sugar: 6.8 g
  • Sodium: 758 mg
  • Fat: 18.3 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7.1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10.9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 7.5 g
  • Protein: 20.8 g
  • Cholesterol: 38 mg