Imagine diving into a mouthwatering lasagna that's packed with layers of vibrant spinach, gooey mozzarella, and rich marinara - without spending hours in the kitchen! This Instant Pot Spinach Lasagna is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal in under 45 minutes, transforming the classic Italian favorite into a quick and effortless dinner that will have your family begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 9 lasagna noodles, 2 cups ricotta cheese, 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 cups fresh spinach, 2 cups marinara sauce, 1 egg, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the fresh spinach with half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. This will be your spinach mixture.
- Prepare your lasagna noodles according to the package instructions, usually by boiling them for a few minutes until slightly softened. Drain and set aside.
- To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of the Instant Pot. This will prevent sticking.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles over the marinara sauce, slightly overlapping them.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the spinach mixture. Then, add another layer of marinara sauce over the spinach.
- Repeat the layers: add another 3 lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta cheese mixture, the remaining spinach mixture, and another layer of marinara sauce.
- Top with the final 3 lasagna noodles and cover them with the remaining marinara sauce. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot to create steam. Place the lasagna on the trivet inside the pot.
- Close the lid of the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' setting and set the timer for 30 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and let the lasagna sit for a few minutes before slicing. This will help it set and make serving easier.
- Serve the lasagna warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious Instant Pot Spinach Lasagna!
Tips
- Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save even more time and reduce prep work.
- Ensure your ricotta mixture is well-seasoned with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Don't skip the natural pressure release - it helps the lasagna set and prevents a watery result.
- For extra richness, consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder to your cheese mixture.
- Let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to make slicing easier and help the layers hold together.
- If you prefer a golden top, transfer the lasagna to the broiler for 2-3 minutes after cooking.
- Customize by adding cooked ground meat or switching to a vegetarian marinara sauce.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
