Zesty Pesto Butter Layered Lasagna Recipe Everyone Will Love

Rich, herbaceous pesto butter revolutionizes traditional lasagna into a culinary masterpiece that tingles taste buds and challenges classic comfort food expectations.

Layers of vibrant green and creamy white create a visual symphony that promises intense flavor complexity.

Mediterranean ingredients dance together, weaving aromatic basil notes through delicate pasta sheets and velvety cheese.

Each bite represents a harmonious blend of traditional Italian technique with innovative culinary creativity.

Unexpected combinations elevate this dish from standard pasta fare to gourmet experience, challenging preconceived notions about lasagna potential.

Cheese, herbs, and carefully crafted butter merge into a luxurious texture that melts effortlessly on your palate.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe invites home cooks to experiment with bold flavor profiles.

Why Pesto Butter Lasagna Layers Are So Satisfying

• Savor Creamy Layers: Experience a luxurious combination of pesto-infused béchamel sauce and rich cheeses that create incredibly smooth, velvety textures in every single bite.
• Customize with Ease: Whip up this lasagna effortlessly with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking steps that make it perfect for both novice and experienced home cooks.
• Transform Classic Comfort: Elevate traditional lasagna by infusing classic Italian flavors with a modern pesto twist, turning an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure that will delight family and friends.
• Quick Weekend Winner: Prepare a hearty, satisfying dish in under two hours that delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal kitchen effort, making it an ideal choice for relaxed weekend dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients for This Rich, Herby Lasagna

• Whole Milk: Creamy base for béchamel sauce, choose full-fat for rich flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Provides smooth texture and rich base for sauce.
• Ricotta Cheese: Soft, creamy cheese that adds moisture and richness to the lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creates stretchy and gooey cheese layers.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps bind the cheese mixture.
• Egg: Helps bind the cheese mixture and provides structure.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the recipe.
• Dried Basil, Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings fresh, herbal notes.
• Garlic Powder: Provides subtle garlic flavor throughout the dish.
• Basil Pesto: Concentrated herb sauce that adds intense basil and garlic flavor.

• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta for layering, provides structure to the dish.
• Flour: Helps thicken the béchamel sauce and create smooth consistency.

How to Build the Perfect Pesto Butter Lasagna

Step 1: Noodle Preparation

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Gently cook lasagna noodles following package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain and softly coat with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside on a clean kitchen towel.

Step 2: Creating Dreamy Pesto Béchamel Sauce

• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer sauce until it thickens slightly, about 7-10 minutes. Remove from heat and swirl in fresh pesto. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 3: Mixing Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Grated Parmesan
• Shredded mozzarella
• Chopped fresh basil
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste and season accordingly.

Step 4: Layering Lasagna Magic

• Spread ½ cup pesto sauce on bottom
• Arrange halved noodles
• Sprinkle cheese mixture
• Add mozzarella
• Dust with Parmesan

Repeat layering, finishing with noodles topped with remaining sauce and cheese.

Step 5: Baking To Perfection

Cover lasagna with aluminum foil. Bake for 50 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking 10-15 minutes until top turns golden brown and slightly crispy.

Step 6: Serving

Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows layers to set and makes cutting easier. Serve warm with a fresh side salad.

Handy Tips for Lasagna That’s Never Dry

• Master Noodle Preparation: Cook pasta exactly to al dente stage to prevent mushy texture and ensure perfect lasagna layers.
• Sauce Consistency Trick: Whisk béchamel continuously while simmering to avoid lumps and achieve silky smooth pesto sauce.
• Cheese Mixture Magic: Use room temperature cheeses for smoother blending and more even distribution throughout the lasagna.
• Strategic Layering Technique: Create even layers by spreading ingredients gently and uniformly to guarantee balanced flavors in every bite.
• Baking Brilliance: Let lasagna rest 10-15 minutes after baking to help layers set and make cutting and serving easier.

How to Store and Reheat Layered Lasagna Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen lasagna maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheat: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results. Warm individual slices in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

What to Serve with This Comforting Lasagna

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Reach for a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the rich, creamy pesto butter lasagna. These light, zesty wines complement the herbaceous pesto and balance the heavy cheese layers perfectly.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: Toss a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a peppery, bright contrast to the lasagna's decadent flavors. The salad's crispness helps cleanse the palate between bites.
• Add Roasted Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious pesto sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the creamy lasagna. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh parsley for an extra flavor boost.
• Finish with Lemon Sorbet: Cool down the meal's richness with a tangy lemon sorbet that refreshes the palate and provides a light, citrusy finish to the hearty dish.

New Takes on Classic Pesto Butter Lasagna

• Veggie Power Lasagna: Replace half the noodles with thin zucchini or eggplant slices for a low-carb, nutrition-packed version that adds extra vegetable goodness.
• Spicy Mediterranean Layers: Mix red pepper flakes into the pesto, add crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle kalamata olives between layers for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired rendition.
• Protein-Packed Chicken Edition: Shred cooked chicken and distribute evenly between layers, enhancing the lasagna with lean protein and creating a heartier meal option.
• Mushroom Umami Spin: Sauté mixed wild mushrooms and fold them into the cheese mixture, introducing rich, earthy flavors that complement the pesto's herbal notes.

Pesto butter Layered Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired pesto butter lasagna delivers a luxurious twist on classic Italian comfort. Rich herb-infused layers meld creamy cheese and aromatic basil, creating a harmonious dish you’ll crave with every savory bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 5 lasagna noodles
• 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups basil pesto

Cheeses and Seasonings:

• 6 tablespoons (90 milliliters) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• ½ tablespoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh, chopped)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Base Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Immerse lasagna noodles in generously salted boiling water, cooking until tender yet firm. Carefully drain and gently coat with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2. Craft a luxurious pesto béchamel by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously to create a smooth roux. Allow mixture to develop a light golden hue for maximum flavor depth.
3. Gradually stream milk into the roux, whisking constantly to eliminate potential lumps. Season with salt and pepper, allowing sauce to simmer and thicken into a velvety consistency. Remove from heat and fold in vibrant green pesto, creating a fragrant sauce.
4. Prepare the cheese blend by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and herbs. Mix thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and balanced seasoning.
5. Preheat oven to 375°F, creating an ideal baking environment. Spread a thin layer of pesto sauce across the bottom of a 9×9 baking dish to prevent sticking.
6. Construct lasagna layers strategically: arrange noodle halves, generously spread cheese mixture, sprinkle additional mozzarella, and dust with Parmesan. Repeat layering process, ensuring each stratum is evenly distributed.
7. Conclude layering with a final noodle layer, lavishly coating with remaining pesto sauce and a generous cheese topping.
8. Cover lasagna with foil, allowing it to bake for 50 minutes, trapping moisture and developing intense flavors.
9. Remove foil for the final 10-15 minutes, encouraging a golden, crispy exterior that promises delectable caramelization.

Notes

• Layering techniques are crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in this creamy, herbaceous masterpiece.
• Prepare components ahead of time to streamline the assembly process and maximize your cooking efficiency.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 75 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 470
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 760mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 90mg