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Lasagna al Pesto

Creamy Lasagna al Pesto: A Comfort Food Dream Come True

This Creamy Lasagna al Pesto offers a delightful twist on the traditional dish, perfect for cozy dinners and vegetarian options.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Creamy Filling
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto fresh or store-bought
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese or cottage cheese
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese shredded
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese grated, or Pecorino Romano
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter or margarine
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour or gluten-free flour
  • 2 cups Whole Milk or half-and-half
  • 1 large Egg or omit for vegan
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper
For the Noodles
  • 12 pieces Lasagna Noodles fresh, dried, or no-boil
For Extra Flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil or fresh herbs
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water, then toss with olive oil.
  2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour to create a roux. Gradually add milk, then cook until thickened. Stir in basil pesto and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread a layer of béchamel in a baking dish, followed by noodles, half the cheese mixture, mozzarella, and béchamel. Repeat layers, ending with noodles and remaining béchamel and mozzarella.
  5. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until golden.
  6. Let rest for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm, perhaps with a fresh salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 320mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 700IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Allow layers to settle before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be frozen before baking.

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