This healthy eggplant Parmesan with spinach is a lighter take on the classic Italian dish. It features layers of baked eggplant, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato sauce, topped with a sprinkle of cheese for added flavor.
The recipe is simple to follow and perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner. You can easily adjust the ingredients to include your favorite vegetables or spices.
Lightened-Up Eggplant Parmesan with Spinach
This dish combines tender baked eggplant slices with sautéed spinach and a homemade tomato sauce, creating a delicious and satisfying meal. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim recommended)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Eggplant: Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and let them sit for about 30 minutes to draw out moisture. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.
- Bake the Eggplant: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the eggplant slices on a baking sheet, brush with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and tender.
- Sauté the Spinach: In a skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with garlic powder and oregano.
- Assemble the Dish: In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce, followed by a layer of baked eggplant, sautéed spinach, and a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with sauce and cheese on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 280kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
This recipe is part of my 39 Easy Healthy Family Dinner Ideas. Just click that link to see all the amazing options!
Jeff was a leader for Whole Foods Market for over 2 decades and is now a recovering foodie. When he's not spending time in the kitchen, he can usually be found with 3 daughters, practicing martial arts, making music, or blogging on his other sites. Click Here to learn more about me. Click Here to learn more about my site. Editorial Policies.
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