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High Protein Lasagna

High Protein Lasagna: 30g Protein Healthy Italian Classic

This high protein lasagna delivers 30 grams of protein per serving with lean turkey, whole wheat noodles, and spinach. A healthier version of the classic Italian comfort food.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

  • 9 whole wheat lasagna noodles
  • 1 pound lean ground turkey or chicken
  • 24 oz marinara sauce 1 jar
  • 15 oz ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 10 oz frozen spinach thawed and thoroughly drained
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese freshly shredded preferred
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil leaves optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling noodles
  • large skillet
  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • mixing bowl
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until just tender. Drain well and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey or chicken. Cook until browned and fully cooked with no pink remaining, breaking it apart with a spatula, about 7 to 10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Stir in the marinara sauce, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, egg, thoroughly drained spinach, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended into a thick, creamy mixture.
  5. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  6. In a 9x13 inch baking dish, spread a thin layer of the meat sauce on the bottom. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
  7. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of meat sauce, and sprinkle with a third of the mozzarella cheese.
  8. Repeat the layers with 3 more noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, meat sauce, and another third of mozzarella.
  9. Add the final layer of 3 noodles, remaining meat sauce, and top with the rest of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden at the edges.
  11. Allow the lasagna to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time lets the layers set for clean cuts. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired.

Notes

Cook noodles according to package instructions before assembly and drain well. Thoroughly squeeze frozen spinach in a clean kitchen towel to remove all excess moisture, this prevents watery lasagna. Can use no-boil lasagna noodles but add extra baking time. Freshly shredded mozzarella melts better than pre-shredded varieties. Let baked lasagna rest 10 minutes before slicing for clean cuts. Whole lasagna can be assembled and frozen before baking, add 20 minutes to baking time if baking from frozen.
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