Pesto Lasagne
A flavorful layered lasagne featuring fresh spinach, pesto, ricotta, and mozzarella, perfect for satisfying vegetarian dinners or casual gatherings with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. fresh spinach ⓘ
- 1 c. minced onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- salt and pepper to taste ⓘ
- 1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- extra olive oil for top ⓘ
- 1 c. pesto (regular basil or sun dried tomato) ⓘ
- 2 lb. Ricotta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. toasted sunflower seeds ⓘ
- 20 to 24 lasagne noodles ⓘ
- 1 lb. Mozzarella cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Clean and stem the spinach, then chop very fine and set aside.
- In a large, heavy skillet, sauté the minced onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until soft, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
- Stir the chopped spinach into the hot onions and transfer into a large bowl.
- Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese, pesto, ricotta cheese, and sunflower seeds to the spinach mixture.
- Mix thoroughly and grind in some extra pepper if desired.
- Prepare lasagne noodles according to package instructions, then drain.
- Layer the noodles with the spinach and cheese mixture in a baking dish, topping with mozzarella cheese and extra olive oil.
- Repeat layers as needed, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
- Drizzle extra olive oil over the top layer.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade pesto instead of store-bought. You can also substitute the sunflower seeds with pine nuts or walnuts for a different texture. If you want to lighten it up, swap half of the ricotta with cottage cheese. Ensure the spinach is well-drained to prevent a soggy lasagne, and try adding a layer of sautéed zucchini for extra veggies. This dish is a great addition to any collection of vegetarian recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the pesto lasagne with a side of Garlic Bread(Microwave) for a complete meal. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish nicely. For a special occasion, consider pairing it with Italian Cream Cake(Ella Drgac'S Grand Champion) for dessert to create a delightful Italian-themed dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover pesto lasagne can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 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 Pesto Lasagne contains roughly 2939 calories, with 20g protein, 22g carbohydrates, and 314g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (51% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and calcium (39% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1339mg per serving (58% 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 make this lasagne ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagne a day in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge. This makes it convenient for busy weeknights or when entertaining guests.
Can I freeze pesto lasagne?
Absolutely! You can freeze the assembled lasagne before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed.
What can I substitute for ricotta cheese?
If you don't have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or even cream cheese mixed with a bit of sour cream. For a dairy-free option, try using blended tofu with a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Each of these alternatives will work well in this pesto lasagne.
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).