Anita'S Lasagna
A hearty, cheesy lasagna layered with ricotta, Romano, Parmesan, fresh parsley, and mozzarella, perfect for family dinners and gatherings with rich, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 c. soft ricotta cheese
- 3-4 fresh eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/3 c. grated Romano cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 to 1/2 c. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
- Salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 c. grated cheese of your choice
- 1 lb. dry lasagna noodles ⓘ
- 8-10 slices of mozzarella or scamorza cheese ⓘ
- Italian Pasta Sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix the ricotta cheese, eggs, grated Romano cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Boil a 1-pound package of lasagna noodles until al dente, then drain.
- Spread 1 tablespoon of Italian Pasta Sauce evenly in the bottom of a 9 x 13 inch pan.
- Place a layer of noodles in the pan, close together without overlapping, using about 3 or 4 noodles per layer.
- Sprinkle with grated cheese of your choice.
- Spread half of the cheese mixture as a layer over the noodles.
- Cover with 4-5 slices of mozzarella or scamorza cheese.
- Add another layer of noodles, sprinkle with grated cheese, and cover with sauce.
- Add another layer of noodles, spread with remaining cheese filling, and top with sliced cheese.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, grated cheese, and sauce.
- Bake in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 30-40 minutes or in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20-30 minutes, until the cheese filling appears firm.
- Allow the lasagna to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Serve with any leftover sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, use whole milk ricotta instead of low-fat. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; consider adding basil or oregano to the cheese mixture. If you prefer a meat lasagna, layer in cooked ground beef or sausage between the noodles. Don't hesitate to experiment with different cheeses like fontina or gouda for added depth. For more flavor, try using homemade Italian Pasta Sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the lasagna with a fresh salad for a balanced meal, and consider pairing it with garlic bread for a classic touch. A glass of red wine complements the dish beautifully. Leftover Italian Pasta Sauce can be served on the side for extra flavor. This dish also pairs wonderfully with Italian recipes like Sicilian Pizza or Tortellini And Spinach.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Anita'S Lasagna contains roughly 230 calories, with 13g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (31% of the Daily Value) and protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 611mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare the lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the wrap and add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
Can I freeze lasagna?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagna before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake according to the recipe. It can also be frozen in individual portions for convenience.
What can I substitute for the ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a great substitute if you want a lower-fat option. You can blend it to achieve a smoother consistency. Another alternative is mascarpone, which will add a richer flavor. Just keep in mind that using these substitutes may slightly change the texture of the lasagna.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).