Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
I make this creamy spinach mushroom lasagna whenever I want something comforting that still feels a little bit light. Layers of tender noodles, earthy sautéed mushrooms, silky wilted spinach, and a glossy béchamel come together into a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight, a casual Sunday dinner, or bringing to a potluck. It’s rich without being greasy, easy to scale up for guests, and simple enough to pull off even on a busy evening.
Why you’ll love this dish
This lasagna hits a sweet spot: familiar comfort-food structure with a fresher, vegetarian filling. The creamy béchamel binds everything without the heaviness of a tomato sauce, while mushrooms add meaty umami and spinach keeps it bright and nutritious. It’s a great way to serve vegetables to picky eaters and to make a satisfying main that’s easy to adapt.
“The béchamel makes this feel indulgent, but the spinach keeps it from being too rich—our whole family asked for seconds.”
— a happy home cook
Why make it: it’s quick to assemble if you use a store-bought béchamel, budget-friendly when mushrooms are in season, and freezer-friendly for future dinners. Ideal for weeknight comfort, holiday side swaps, or meal-prep batches.
Step-by-step overview
You’ll first cook the noodles and sauté the filling to remove excess moisture. Then assemble in simple layers: béchamel, noodles, mushroom-spinach, and cheese. Bake covered so it heats through, then uncover to get a golden top. Rest briefly before slicing so the lasagna sets and serves clean squares.
Key ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil; see notes)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (packed)
- 2 cups mushrooms, sliced (cremini, button, or mixed)
- 2 cups béchamel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient notes and substitutions:
- Béchamel: If you prefer, make a quick béchamel with 2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp flour, and 2 cups milk—cook until thickened and season with nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Store-bought white sauce is a time-saver.
- Mushrooms: Use creminis for deeper flavor. If mushrooms are watery, cook them longer to evaporate liquid.
- Cheese: Swap part of the mozzarella for fontina or provolone for a richer melt. For a lighter version, use part-skim mozzarella.
- Spinach: Baby spinach works well; if using frozen, thaw and squeeze out excess water before using.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets and a gluten-free roux (or cornstarch) in the béchamel.
Step-by-step instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain, spread out on a clean towel, and set aside so they don’t stick.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced mushrooms. Cook without crowding, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms brown and release their moisture, about 6–8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and taste for seasoning.
- In a baking dish (about 9×13 inches), spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom.
- Lay down the first layer of noodles, then spread half the mushroom-spinach mixture over them. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella.
- Repeat: another layer of béchamel, noodles, the remaining mushroom-spinach, and another third of the mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining béchamel spread on top, the last of the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it set.
Serving suggestions
Pair this lasagna with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut the creaminess. Garlic-roasted broccoli or a simple roasted tomato salad are excellent side choices. For wine, try a medium-bodied white like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir. To plate, cut squares and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper for a restaurant-style finish.
Storage and reheating tips
- Refrigerator: Cool the lasagna to room temperature (within two hours) then cover and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezing: Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil or put in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes if chilled, or 30–40 minutes if frozen and thawed, until heated through. Individual slices reheat well in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or in the microwave until hot.
- Food safety: Always refrigerate leftovers promptly. Reheat to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Pro chef tips
- Squeeze excess moisture out of cooked spinach and mushrooms to avoid a soggy lasagna.
- Brown the mushrooms well—those caramelized bits add depth of flavor.
- If you’re short on time, use no-boil noodles but add a touch more béchamel so they hydrate properly during baking.
- To prevent sticking, brush the baking dish with a thin layer of béchamel or oil before assembling.
- Let the lasagna rest before cutting; it will slice cleaner and hold its layers together.
Creative twists
- Add caramelized onions and thyme for a sweeter, aromatic profile.
- Stir 1/4 cup ricotta into the béchamel for an even creamier interior.
- Make it vegan: swap béchamel for cashew cream, use plant-based mozzarella, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan alternative.
- Add protein: folded sautéed spinach and mushrooms pair nicely with crumbled Italian sausage (precooked) or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spice it up: a pinch of red pepper flakes in the mushroom sauté gives a subtle heat.
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Yes. If you use no-boil noodles, ensure there’s enough béchamel to hydrate them—add an extra 1/2 cup of sauce if needed. Bake as directed.
Q: How do I stop the lasagna from being watery?
A: Cook mushrooms until their liquid evaporates and squeeze thawed or cooked spinach well. Also don’t over-layer watery ingredients; use a thin initial layer of béchamel to protect the noodles.
Q: Can I assemble this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead, keep covered in the fridge, then bake straight from cold—add 5–10 minutes to the covered baking time.
Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
A: Absolutely. Freeze a fully assembled lasagna (before baking) or baked portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
Q: What if I don’t have béchamel?
A: You can mix ricotta with a splash of milk and an egg for a binder, or make a quick roux-based béchamel in about 10 minutes.
Conclusion
If you want more inspiration or variations on creamy spinach and mushroom lasagna, check recipes like Creamy Mushroom and Spinach Lasagna | For the Love of Cooking or explore another take at Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Lasagna • Kroll’s Korner. Both offer useful twists and serve as good references when you’re customizing this recipe for your family.

Creamy Spinach Mushroom Lasagna
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain, spread out on a clean towel, and set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Cook without crowding, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms brown and release their moisture, about 6–8 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and taste for seasoning.
- In a baking dish (approximately 9x13 inches), spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom.
- Layer the first layer of noodles, then spread half the mushroom-spinach mixture over them. Sprinkle with one-third of the mozzarella.
- Repeat: another layer of béchamel, noodles, the remaining mushroom-spinach, and another third of the mozzarella.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining béchamel spread on top, the last of the mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to help it set.
