Lasagna Spinaci (italian Spinach Lasagna)

Total Time: 1 hr 20 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 1 hr

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 (14 1/2 ounce) 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)

Recipe

• 1 prepare marinara: saute onions in saucepan. do not brown.
• 2 add liquid drained from diced tomatoes.
• 3 add basil, italian seasoning, oregano, sugar & red peppers.
• 4 simmer 30 minutes or until reduced by half.
• 5 add all tomatoes & garlic, and cook 1 minute. remove from heat & set aside.
• 6 prepare pasta: cook pasta according to package directions. drain, rinse, return to pot & cover w/ cold water.
• 7 prepare filling: heat oil in nonstick skillet over medium heat.
• 8 add garlic and cook 20 seconds. add spinach and cook, stirring often, 3 to 4 minutes. transfer to bowl.
• 9 stir in ricotta, parmesan, olives, crushed red pepper, salt and 1/2-2/3 c marinara.
• 10 spread 1/3-1/2 cup marinara in bottom of 9x13" baking dish.
• 11 line bottom of baking dish with single layer of lasagna noodles. spoon layer of filling over noodles and spread evenly.
• 12 if desired, add layer of cooked italian sausage. repeat layers. top with marinara sauce & mozarella.
• 13 bake 20-25 minutes until bubbling & cheese melted.
• 14 can be frozen up to 1 month.