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Polenta lasagna baked in a white dish with marinara and melted cheese, next to a green salad

Polenta Lasagna

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This gluten-free vegetarian lasagna layers tender polenta, spinach, zucchini, roasted peppers, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella in rich marinara sauce.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings (one 9 x 13-inch dish)

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 3 (10-ounce) bags baby spinach

  • 2 zucchini, cut into ½-inch coins

  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided

  • 2 cups ricotta cheese

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

  • 1 (18-ounce) tube cooked polenta, sliced into 24 pieces

  • 4 cups (32 ounces) marinara sauce

  • 1 (12-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, chopped

  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 pound fresh mozzarella, thinly sliced

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven. Heat the oven to 375°F.

  2. Cook the spinach. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.

  3. Wilt the spinach. Add half of the spinach and half of the salt. Cook for about 3 minutes, until wilted. Add the remaining spinach and cook for another 3 minutes.

  4. Drain the vegetables. Transfer the spinach to a colander and press gently to remove as much excess liquid as possible.

  5. Cook the zucchini. Add the zucchini coins to the same skillet and cook for about 3 minutes. Transfer to the colander and drain off excess liquid.

  6. Prepare the ricotta mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, egg yolks, nutmeg, and remaining salt. Stir until smooth.

  7. Start layering. Spread 1 cup of marinara sauce across the bottom of a deep 9 × 13-inch baking dish. Arrange half of the polenta slices over the sauce.

  8. Add the first layer of filling. Spread half of the spinach and zucchini mixture over the polenta, followed by half of the roasted red peppers.

  9. Continue layering. Add half of the remaining marinara, half of the ricotta mixture, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan.

  10. Repeat the layers. Use the remaining polenta, vegetables, roasted peppers, marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to create a second layer.

  11. Bake covered. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

  12. Finish uncovered. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  13. Rest and serve. Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Drain the spinach thoroughly: Spinach releases a lot of moisture. Removing excess liquid helps prevent watery lasagna.

  • Cook the zucchini first: Briefly sautéing and draining the zucchini helps keep the layers from becoming soggy.

  • Slice polenta evenly: Consistent slices make layering easier and help the lasagna heat evenly.

  • Use a deep baking dish: The multiple layers need enough room without spilling over.

  • Let it rest: Resting for 10 minutes helps the layers settle, making cleaner slices.

  • Author: Miks
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Rest: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Cuisine: Italian

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One Potato is a community and newsletter written by real people who are parents, having real conversations about our families, cooking traditions, and cultures. We are passionate about raising healthy and happy kids while navigating the challenges of picky eaters, dietary restrictions, busy schedules, and daily life.