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Lasagna al Pesto

Lasagna al Pesto: Creamy Comfort Food that Wows Every Time

Lasagna al Pesto is a creamy vegetarian dish featuring layers of ricotta, mozzarella, basil pesto, and béchamel sauce, perfect for any occasion.
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: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Béchamel Sauce
  • 2 cups Whole Milk Avoid low-fat alternatives for the best creaminess.
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter Make sure it's fresh for the best flavor.
  • ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour Sift for lump-free texture.
For the Cheese Mixture
  • 15 ounces Ricotta Cheese Whole-milk ricotta is recommended.
  • 1 piece Egg Room temperature works best.
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated will melt more smoothly.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Basil Consider using fresh basil for brighter flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder Feel free to use minced fresh garlic for extra flavor.
  • to taste Salt Adjust to your taste preferences.
  • to taste Black Pepper Adjust to your taste preferences.
For the Lasagna Assembly
  • 9 sheets Lasagna Noodles You can use fresh, dried, or no-boil varieties.
  • 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese Freshly shredded yields the best results.
  • 1 cup Basil Pesto Homemade pesto can elevate the taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowl
  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Lasagna al Pesto
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking continuously for 5-7 minutes until thickened. Stir in salt, pepper, and desired amount of basil pesto.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of grated Parmesan, 1 beaten egg, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
  4. Spread a layer of béchamel sauce in a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Layer with noodles, half of the cheese mixture, and a third of the mozzarella. Top with basil pesto and repeat layers, finishing with béchamel and remaining mozzarella.
  5. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
  6. Let the lasagna rest for about 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a fresh salad or garlic bread.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 22gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 20IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 10mg

Notes

Allow the lasagna to rest for at least 15 minutes after baking to help slice easily. Customize layers with sautéed veggies for added nutrition.

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