Ingredients

2 cans diced tomatoes
2 cans crushed tomatoes
1 cup white onion , diced
3 tablespoons fresh basil , chopped
2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh oregano , chopped
2 tablespoons unbleached cane sugar
1 garlic clove , minced
12 whole wheat lasagna noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 garlic cloves , minced
15 ounces fat-free ricotta cheese
3 cups chopped spinach
1/2 cup fresh parmesan cheese , shredded
2 tablespoons kalamata olives , finely chopped ( optional )
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese , shredded
1/4 cup fat free mozzarella cheese , shredded
1 -2 cup cooked italian sausage ( optional )
Lasagna Spinaci, also known as Italian Spinach Lasagna, is a classic Italian dish that has been a staple in households and restaurants around the world for generations. The dish is made up of layers of lasagna noodles, a flavorful tomato sauce, and a spinach and cheese mixture that is both hearty and satisfying. This recipe puts a healthy spin on the traditional dish, using whole wheat noodles, fat-free cheeses, and a homemade tomato sauce that is loaded with fresh herbs and spices. Whether you are looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish to serve at your next dinner party, Lasagna Spinaci is sure to impress.

Instructions

1.Preheat oven to 375°F.
2.In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, white onion, fresh basil, Italian seasoning, fresh oregano, unbleached cane sugar, and minced garlic. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and let simmer 20-30 minutes.
3.Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook for about 8 minutes until they are al dente. Drain and set aside.
4.In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and spinach and cook until spinach is wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese, shredded parmesan cheese, kalamata olives (optional), crushed red pepper flakes, and salt.
5.Spray a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Spread about 1/3 cup tomato sauce in the bottom of pan. Place 3 lasagna noodles in the bottom of the pan. Top with 1/2 of the spinach mixture. Repeat layers, ending with the last 3 lasagna noodles.
6.Spoon remaining tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and fat free mozzarella cheese.
7.Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes.
8.Serve hot.

PROS

This classic Italian dish is a filling and satisfying comfort food.

The addition of spinach adds extra nutrition and flavor.

This recipe can be made with or without Italian sausage to accommodate different dietary needs.

CONS

Traditional lasagna recipes tend to be high in calories, fat, and sodium.

The use of whole wheat noodles and fat-free cheese in this recipe helps to make it slightly healthier.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Spinach is a rich source of vitamins A and C, as well as iron and calcium.
Whole wheat noodles are high in fiber, which can help promote healthy digestion and lower cholesterol levels.
Reducing the amount of fat and sodium in the recipe by using fat-free cheese and a homemade tomato sauce can help make this dish more heart-healthy.

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