Asparagus Lasagna Bianco
Creamy asparagus lasagna bianco layered with ham and mozzarella offers a rich, comforting flavor ideal for family dinners and vegetable lovers seeking a cheesy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the lasagna noodles, drain, and cut them in half crosswise.
- In a saucepan, cook garlic and thyme in margarine.
- Blend in flour and cook and stir for 2 minutes.
- Stir in milk and cook until thickened.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper.
- In a buttered dish, layer 1/3 of the noodles, sauce, cheese, ham, and asparagus.
- Repeat the layering process twice.
- Cover the dish and microwave on High for 9 to 10 minutes, turning twice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using fresh thyme instead of dried. If you don't have margarine, unsalted butter works well. To make the dish gluten-free, substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives or try Zucchini Noodles as a lighter option. If you're a fan of smoky flavors, adding a bit of smoked cheese will enhance the dish, reminiscent of Italian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This asparagus lasagna pairs beautifully with a light side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A chilled glass of white wine complements the flavors perfectly. For an extra touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving, or consider serving alongside Italian Delight(An Old Family Favorite From The 1930'S) for a delightful Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover asparagus lasagna can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with a damp paper towel and microwave in 1-minute intervals until heated through. For best results, you can also bake it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed and bubbly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Asparagus Lasagna Bianco contains roughly 1068 calories, with 10g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (40% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (24% of the Daily Value), and calcium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2790mg per serving (121% 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 use fresh asparagus instead of canned?
Absolutely! If using fresh asparagus, blanch it in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes before layering it in the lasagna. This will ensure it cooks properly and maintains a nice texture in the final dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Yes, you can easily make this lasagna vegetarian by omitting the ham and adding extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. This will enhance the flavor while keeping the dish hearty and satisfying.
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can assemble the lasagna up to a day in advance. Prepare the layers, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to cook. Just add a few extra minutes to the microwave time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
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).