Introduction
Nothing says “holiday comfort food” quite like lasagna, but this holiday Alfredo lasagna brings an extra twist to the classic dish. It combines the creamy decadence of Alfredo sauce, the freshness of spinach, and the rich texture of ricotta, all balanced between layers of tender lasagna noodles. The addition of mozzarella gives it a perfect cheesy finish, making it an ideal dish for holiday gatherings and special family dinners.
This lasagna will not only wow your guests with its flavor but also with its elegant presentation. Whether you’re looking for a meatless holiday dish or simply want to switch things up from the traditional red-sauce lasagna, this festive Alfredo lasagna will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Why this lasagna is perfect for the holidays:
Creamy Alfredo sauce for a rich and indulgent flavor
Healthy spinach, balancing the richness with freshness
Ricotta for a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture
Melty mozzarella cheese for the perfect golden crust
A meatless yet satisfying option for your holiday table
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For this Holiday Alfredo Lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
For the lasagna:
12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 eggs
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For homemade Alfredo sauce (optional):
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
3 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Holiday Alfredo Lasagna:
Step 1: Prepare the spinach and ricotta mixture
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained before adding it to the skillet.
In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, eggs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully combined and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles
If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente.
Drain the noodles and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo sauce (if making from scratch)
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.
Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce to coat the bottom.
Lay 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, ensuring they slightly overlap.
Spread 1/3 of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the noodles.
Pour another layer of Alfredo sauce over the ricotta-spinach layer and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta-spinach mixture, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese, until you’ve completed three layers. Finish with a top layer of noodles and pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top. Sprinkle the final layer of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake the lasagna
Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Once baked, remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
Cooking Notes:
If you want to save time, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce instead of making it from scratch. Just be sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce while it’s simmering.
If you like your lasagna with a little extra texture, you can add some sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers into the spinach-ricotta mixture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Holiday Alfredo Lasagna with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or green beans.
Garlic bread or a warm baguette pairs perfectly with this creamy lasagna, allowing your guests to mop up any leftover sauce.
For a festive presentation, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and sprinkle a bit of Parmesan on top before serving.
Tips:
Make-Ahead Option: You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Freezing Instructions: To freeze, assemble the lasagna but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Variation Ideas: If you’d like to add some protein, shredded chicken or crumbled sausage can be incorporated into the layers for a heartier dish.
Prep Time:
20 minutes (35 minutes if making homemade Alfredo sauce)
Cooking Time:
45-50 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour 10 minutes (1 hour 25 minutes if making homemade Alfredo sauce)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, serves 8):
Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 850mg
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Conclusion
This Holiday Alfredo Lasagna with Ricotta and Spinach offers a fresh, festive take on the traditional lasagna. Its creamy Alfredo sauce, combined with savory ricotta and spinach, creates a rich and decadent dish that’s sure to be the star of your holiday meal. With simple, yet flavorful ingredients, and a show-stopping cheesy top, this lasagna is perfect for any holiday gathering or special family dinner. Give your guests something to rave about this season!
Holiday Alfredo Lasagna with Layers of Ricotta and Spinach
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (1 hour 25 minutes if making homemade Alfredo sauce)
Ingredients
For this Holiday Alfredo Lasagna, you will need the following ingredients:
For the lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 3 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing spinach)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For homemade Alfredo sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your delicious Holiday Alfredo Lasagna:
Step 1: Prepare the spinach and ricotta mixture
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. If using frozen spinach, ensure it is fully thawed and drained before adding it to the skillet.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, sautéed spinach, eggs, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until fully combined and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the lasagna noodles
- If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente.
- Drain the noodles and lay them flat on parchment paper to prevent them from sticking together. If using oven-ready noodles, skip this step.
Step 3: Prepare the Alfredo sauce (if making from scratch)
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the lasagna
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a 9×13-inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce to coat the bottom.
- Lay 3 lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, ensuring they slightly overlap.
- Spread 1/3 of the ricotta-spinach mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Pour another layer of Alfredo sauce over the ricotta-spinach layer and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process: noodles, ricotta-spinach mixture, Alfredo sauce, and mozzarella cheese, until you’ve completed three layers. Finish with a top layer of noodles and pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the top. Sprinkle the final layer of mozzarella and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Bake the lasagna
- Cover the lasagna with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes.
- After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once baked, remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps it set and makes it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: serves 8
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g