Easy Spinach Garlic Lasagna with Ricotta

Serving Size: 4-6
Prep Time:  15 Minutes
Cook Time: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
Total Time:  1 Hour, 45 Minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb. Pappardelle's Spinach Garlic Lasagna
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 (28-oz.) can whole peeled tomatoes
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
2 tsp. Kosher salt, divided
1 (16-oz.) package frozen spinach, thawed, drained & chopped
1 (16-oz.) container whole-milk ricotta
4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
3 oz. grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1-½ cups heavy cream
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions: 

  1. Preheat oven to 375° degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13" baking dish with olive oil. 
  2. Heat ¼ cup olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring frequently, until beginning to brown around edges and fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  3. Add tomatoes and crushed red pepper flakes. Crush tomatoes with a wooden spoon to form a mostly smooth sauce. Season with 1 tsp. salt. Cook until mixture is thickened, about 15–17 minutes. Transfer to a large heatproof measuring glass and, stirring constantly, pour in water to make 3 cups sauce.
  4. Meanwhile, mix spinach, ricotta, cream cheese, and Parmesan in a large bowl to combine, then mix in heavy cream. Season with black pepper and remaining 1 tsp. salt.
  5. Pour 1/2 cup tomato sauce into prepared baking dish and spread into a thin layer to coat. Place 3 dried lasagna noodles in a single layer on top. Spread 1 cup spinach mixture over evenly. Pour 1/2 cup sauce on top and spread over evenly. Starting with another layer of noodles, repeat process to create 4 more layers. Sprinkle a thin layer of finely grated Parmesan on top and cover pan with foil.
  6. Bake lasagna for 45 minutes in the oven. Heat broiler. Uncover lasagna and broil until top is golden brown and bubbly, about 4 minutes. Remove the lasagna from the oven and let cool for at least 5 minutes before serving.
  7. Divide pasta into serving dishes and garnish with Parmesan. Serve and enjoy!