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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Prepare the cheese blend by combining ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and herbs. Mix thoroughly, ensuring even distribution of ingredients and balanced seasoning.
- 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.
- 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.
- Conclude layering with a final noodle layer, lavishly coating with remaining pesto sauce and a generous cheese topping.
- Cover lasagna with foil, allowing it to bake for 50 minutes, trapping moisture and developing intense flavors.
- 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