Go Back
+ servings
Lasagna al Pesto

Delicious Lasagna al Pesto for an Easy Comfort Food Night

This Lasagna al Pesto is a delightful twist on a classic Italian dish, perfect for comfort food lovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 6 slices
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Layers
  • 12 oz Lasagna Noodles Choose between fresh, dried, or no-boil varieties.
For the Cheese Filling
  • 15 oz Ricotta Cheese Offers a creamy texture.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Freshly shredded.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Adds nutty flavor.
  • 1 large Egg Acts as a binder.
For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 3 cups Whole Milk Avoid low-fat.
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted Butter Enhances richness.
  • 4 tbsp All-Purpose Flour Used to thicken the béchamel.
For Flavor
  • ½ cup Basil Pesto Homemade is recommended.
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil Complement the pesto.
  • ½ tsp Garlic Powder Gives extra flavor.
  • to taste Salt Vital for seasoning.
  • to taste Black Pepper Vital for seasoning.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • large mixing bowl
  • 9x9-inch baking dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Carefully add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Drain and toss with olive oil.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour for about 2 minutes. Gradually pour in 3 cups of whole milk, whisking until thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper, then fold in ½ cup of basil pesto.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and a large egg. Sprinkle in 1 tsp of dried basil, ½ tsp of garlic powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly.
  4. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a 9x9-inch baking dish, spread a layer of béchamel on the bottom. Layer noodles, the cheese mixture, shredded mozzarella, and basil pesto until finishing with noodles and a topping of béchamel and mozzarella.
  5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for about 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until top is bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes after baking to set the layers. Use fresh mozzarella for the best texture.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!