- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Vegetable Filling
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3–5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and mushrooms, cooking until the mushrooms release their liquid and are lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen).
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Make the Béchamel Sauce
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, whisking constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually add the warm milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
- Season with nutmeg (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat on a clean surface.
- If using no-boil noodles, ensure the sauce is slightly thinner to compensate for the noodles absorbing moisture during baking.
4. Assemble the Lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by:
- A layer of the vegetable filling.
- A drizzle of béchamel sauce.
- A sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Repeat layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of noodles, béchamel sauce, and cheese.
5. Bake the Lasagna
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to set.