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Cottage Cheese Lasagna Bake (Mushroom & Spinach)

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A lighter twist on classic lasagna that layers tender noodles with savory mushrooms, wilted spinach, tangy tomato sauce, and creamy cottage cheese.

Ingredients

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  • 9 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1012 oz mushrooms, sliced (cremini or button)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz fresh spinach (or 1 package frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 1 large egg (optional)
  • 2 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 11 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or pecorino
  • Salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil or parsley to finish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles until al dente if using regular noodles. Drain and lay flat.
  2. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 5 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until browned and most liquid evaporates, about 6–8 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  3. In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, egg, and half the Parmesan. Fold in the cooled mushroom-spinach mixture. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  4. Spread 1/2 cup marinara on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, half the cottage-cheese filling, 3/4 cup sauce, and 1/2 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers and finish with the final noodle layer, remaining sauce, mozzarella, and remaining Parmesan.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer. It reheats well and allows for various substitutions to meet dietary preferences.

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