Homemade Lasagna al Pesto Recipe: A Luscious Italian Delight

Crafting a delightful lasagna al pesto brings together rich, herbaceous flavors that dance across your palate.

Layers of tender pasta nestle between vibrant green sauce and creamy cheeses.

Mediterranean ingredients transform this classic dish into a culinary adventure.

Basil-infused goodness weaves through each carefully constructed layer, creating depth and complexity.

Handcrafted with passion, this recipe celebrates traditional Italian cooking techniques.

Gentle preparation and quality ingredients promise a memorable meal that will transport you straight to the sun-drenched hills of liguria.

One bite promises to make you the hero of any dinner gathering.

FAQs

• Is this lasagna suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this lasagna is vegetarian-friendly as it doesn’t contain any meat. It features a delicious combination of pesto, ricotta, and mozzarella cheeses.

• Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What type of pesto works best for this recipe?

Homemade basil pesto is ideal, but store-bought traditional basil pesto works perfectly fine. Just ensure it’s high-quality and fresh for the best flavor.

• How can I make this lasagna gluten-free?

Replace the regular flour with gluten-free flour for the sauce, and use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Why Lasagna Al Pesto Is A Favorite

• Craft Pesto Paradise: A unique twist on classic lasagna that transforms traditional recipes with vibrant basil pesto, creating a fresh and exciting flavor profile.
• Master Layered Luxury: Simple step-by-step assembly allows home cooks of all skill levels to build a professional-looking dish with gorgeous cheese and sauce layers.
• Customize Your Comfort: Flexible recipe permits easy modifications like adjusting cheese quantities or switching baking dish sizes to match personal preferences and ingredient availability.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where guests crave a satisfying, cheesy main course that feels both familiar and innovative.

Essential Ingredients For Lasagna Al Pesto

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic Italian pasta perfect for layering and creating delicious lasagna structure.

• Basil Pesto: Fragrant sauce that provides rich herbal flavor and green color to the lasagna.
• Unsalted Butter, Flour: Essential ingredients for creating a smooth and creamy white sauce base.
• Whole Milk: Provides creamy texture and helps create a silky sauce consistency.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance overall flavor profile.

• Ricotta Cheese: Soft Italian cheese that creates a creamy and rich layering texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and salty cheese that adds depth and nutty undertones to the dish.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild cheese that melts beautifully and provides classic stretchy cheese experience.
• Large Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and create a more stable filling.
• Dried Basil, Garlic Powder: Dried herbs that introduce additional aromatic flavors to the cheese mixture.

Step-by-Step Guide To Lasagna Al Pesto

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water following package instructions.

Drain when they reach al dente texture and gently toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Creamy Pesto Sauce

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat.

Whisk in flour and cook briefly.

• Whole milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer while stirring until sauce thickens, about 7-10 minutes.

Step 3: Blend Pesto into Sauce

Remove sauce from heat and stir in basil pesto.

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Egg
• Dried basil
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly and adjust seasonings.

Step 5: Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish

Warm oven to 375°F.

Spread initial layer of pesto sauce in baking dish.

Step 6: Layer First Noodle Base

Cut noodles in half.

Arrange first layer of noodle strips slightly overlapping.

Step 7: Add Cheese Layers

Spread cheese mixture over noodles.

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Pesto sauce

Step 8: Repeat Layering

Create second layer following same pattern as first layer.

Step 9: Final Cheese Topping

Add final noodle layer.

Cover with remaining pesto sauce and cheese.

Step 10: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with foil and bake 50 minutes.

Remove cover, bake additional 10-15 minutes until top turns golden brown.

Step 11: Rest and Serve

Allow lasagna to rest 15 minutes before cutting and serving.

Top Tips For Making Lasagna Al Pesto

• Toss cooked lasagna noodles with olive oil to keep them from clumping together and ensure smooth layering.
• Adjust cheese quantities to suit your preference, reducing portions for a lighter dish or keeping full amounts for maximum cheesiness.
• Choose a deep 9×9 dish for perfect layers, or use a 9×13 pan if you prefer wider, potentially requiring extra noodles.
• Remove foil earlier or use broiler briefly to achieve a golden, crispy top layer for enhanced visual appeal and texture.
• Allow lasagna to rest 15 minutes after baking, enabling layers to set and making cutting and serving much easier.

Flavor Twists For Lasagna Al Pesto

• Gluten-Free Pesto Lasagna: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Herb Lasagna: Substitute ricotta with tofu, use plant-based mozzarella, replace egg with ground flaxseed, and create a cashew cream sauce instead of milk-based sauce.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Lasagna: Swap pasta noodles with thinly sliced zucchini strips, keeping the same pesto and cheese mixture for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Spinach Pesto Lasagna: Incorporate chopped spinach into the cheese mixture, use sun-dried tomato pesto, and add crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.

Pairings That Go Well With Lasagna Al Pesto

• Elegant Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this lasagna as the star of your dining table, garnished with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a gourmet touch.
• Cozy Side Companions: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers to complement the rich pesto flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Enhance the meal with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that balances the creamy, herbal notes of the lasagna.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the lasagna in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve, making it an excellent option for stress-free entertaining or weeknight dinners.

Proper Storage For Lasagna Al Pesto

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container, covering tightly with plastic wrap or lid. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring the lasagna is completely cooled before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions or entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Place a label with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove lasagna from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Lasagna al Pesto Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Layered Italian Classic pesto lasagna blends Ligurian herbs with creamy cheeses for a Mediterranean masterpiece. Silky pasta sheets and rich verde sauce create a comforting plate you’ll savor with pure Mediterranean delight.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 5 lasagna noodles
• 15 ounces ricotta cheese
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 ½ cups basil pesto

Cheese and Dairy:

• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 6 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Seasonings and Thickeners:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• ½ tablespoon dried basil or 2 tablespoons fresh (chopped)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, then drain and lightly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare basil pesto if not already made.
3. Create a roux by melting butter in a pot, then whisk in flour and cook for 30-60 seconds.
4. Gradually add milk, salt, and pepper to the roux, simmering for 7-10 minutes until sauce thickens.
5. Remove sauce from heat and blend in pesto, adjusting seasoning to taste.
6. Mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
7. Preheat oven to 375°F.
8. Spread ½ cup pesto sauce across the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish.
9. Cut noodles in half and layer three strips across the bottom, slightly overlapping.
10. Spread 1 cup of cheese mixture evenly over noodles.
11. Sprinkle 1 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan on top of cheese mixture.
12. Gently spread ½ cup pesto sauce over the cheese layer.
13. Repeat the layering process with noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pesto sauce.
14. For the final layer, top with remaining noodles and pesto sauce.
15. Finish with the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and 2 tablespoons Parmesan.
16. Cover with foil and bake for 50 minutes until edges are bubbling and cheese is melted.
17. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until top is lightly browned.
18. Let lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving.
19. Note: Adjust cheese quantities if desired, and consider a 9×13 dish if needed for more space.

Notes

• Ensure noodles are perfectly al dente by testing them a minute before package instructions suggest to prevent overcooking.
• Homemade pesto elevates the dish’s flavor dramatically compared to store-bought versions.
• Adjust cheese quantities based on personal preference, reducing or increasing for lighter or richer results.
• Create even layers by gently spreading ingredients and ensuring consistent coverage across the dish for uniform taste and texture.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 565 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg