Quick & Tasty Pesto Layered Lasagna Recipe for Weeknights

Pesto layered lasagna elevates ordinary pasta into a vibrant culinary adventure that captivates taste buds with its rich, herbaceous essence.

Mediterranean-inspired flavors dance through each carefully constructed layer, promising a delightful twist on traditional comfort food.

Fragrant basil and creamy cheese intermingle, creating a harmonious blend that elevates this classic dish beyond expectations.

Robust ingredients weave together, generating a sensory experience that speaks to both comfort and sophistication.

Intricate preparation techniques ensure each bite delivers maximum flavor complexity and textural intrigue.

Home cooks can easily master this elegant recipe, turning simple ingredients into a stunning centerpiece for family gatherings or intimate dinners.

Professional-level results await those willing to embrace a slightly more nuanced approach to lasagna construction.

Reheat and Save Leftover Lasagna Right

• Refrigeration: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions or the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Reheating: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to restore crispy top layer.

Best Side Options for Pesto Lasagna

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the herbal pesto notes and cut through the rich, creamy cheese layers.
• Serve with Fresh Arugula Salad: A peppery green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the lasagna's heaviness and adds a bright, zesty contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toasted, buttery garlic bread helps soak up the extra pesto sauce and provides a crunchy texture alongside the soft lasagna.
• Finish with Light Citrus Sorbet: A lemon or mandarin orange sorbet cleanses the palate after the rich, cheesy dish and provides a refreshing end to the meal.

Personalizations for the Pesto Layered Lasagna

• Spinach Pesto Power: Replace traditional pesto with vibrant spinach pesto, adding extra nutrients and a fresh green color to the lasagna. The spinach version brings a lighter, earthier flavor profile that complements the creamy cheese layers.
• Mediterranean Veggie Fusion: Incorporate roasted zucchini, eggplant, and sun-dried tomatoes between lasagna layers for a Mediterranean-inspired variation. These vegetables add depth, texture, and a burst of Mediterranean flavors to the classic recipe.
• Chicken Pesto Protein Boost: Shred cooked chicken breast and layer it between the noodles for a protein-packed version. The tender chicken integrates seamlessly with the pesto sauce and creates a more substantial meal perfect for hearty appetites.
• Gluten-Free Green Dream: Swap traditional wheat noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets or zucchini ribbons for a celiac-friendly alternative. This version maintains the creamy pesto essence while catering to dietary restrictions.

Reasons to Make Pesto Layered Lasagna

• Savor Creamy Pesto Fusion: Combines classic lasagna with vibrant pesto sauce, creating a luxurious twist on a traditional favorite that bursts with herbal and cheesy flavors.
• Simplify Layered Comfort: Easy assembly process makes this recipe perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, delivering restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen stress.
• Customize Cheesy Delight: Flexible recipe allows personal touches with cheese variations and potential protein additions, making it adaptable for different dietary preferences and family tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Weekend Meal: Excellent for family dinners, potlucks, and gatherings where everyone craves a hearty, satisfying dish that looks impressive and tastes amazing.

What Goes Into This Pesto Lasagna

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base for the filling, providing rich and smooth texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and helps bind the mixture.
• Egg: Helps set the cheese mixture and provides structure.
• Dried Basil, Fresh Basil: Brings herbal aromatics and classic Italian seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Introduces mild, savory depth to the cheese blend.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall flavor and balances the cheese mixture.

• Unsalted Butter, Flour: Classic roux base for creating smooth, creamy sauce.
• Whole Milk: Provides rich, luxurious liquid for the sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Seasons the sauce with basic seasoning.
• Basil Pesto: Adds vibrant green color and intense herbal flavor to the sauce.

• Lasagna Noodles: Structural foundation of the dish, providing layers and texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully, creating stretchy, gooey layers.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds final sprinkle of nutty, salty finish to the dish.

How to Layer and Bake Pesto Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare Noodle Foundation

Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water following package instructions until perfectly tender. Drain and gently coat with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside for layering.

Step 2: Create Creamy Pesto Sauce

• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 7-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in fresh pesto, blending until smooth and aromatic.

Step 3: Mix Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Fresh chopped basil
• Garlic
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

Stir ingredients until well incorporated and seasoned to taste.

Step 4: Layer Lasagna Masterpiece

• Spread thin layer of pesto sauce on bottom
• Arrange halved noodles
• Sprinkle cheese mixture
• Add mozzarella
• Dust with Parmesan

Repeat layering process, finishing with a final layer of noodles, pesto sauce, and cheese topping.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

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

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow lasagna to cool for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This helps layers set and makes cutting easier. Serve warm and enjoy your delectable creation!

Tips for Pesto Layered Lasagna

• Parboil Precisely: Slightly undercook noodles by 2-3 minutes to prevent mushiness during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture in the final lasagna.
• Layer Strategically: Create even layers by spreading ingredients gently and consistently, using the back of a spoon to distribute cheese and sauce uniformly.
• Cheese Chilling Trick: Refrigerate cheese mixture for 15-20 minutes before assembling to help it bind better and prevent excess liquid seepage.
• Pesto Power Boost: Use freshly made pesto or high-quality store-bought version for maximum flavor depth and aromatic intensity.
• Resting Ritual: Allow lasagna to rest 15-20 minutes after baking, which helps layers set and makes cutting and serving much easier and cleaner.

Pesto Layered Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Pesto layered lasagna invites Mediterranean flavors into a comforting classic pasta dish. Rich basil sauce and creamy cheese create a luxurious Italian-inspired meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein and Cheese Ingredients:

• 15 ounces (425 grams) ricotta cheese
• 3 cups (340 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 7.5 Tablespoons (45 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 5 lasagna noodles (approximately ⅓ box)
• 0.5 Tablespoons dried basil (or 2 Tablespoons fresh, chopped)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Butter Ingredients:

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) basil pesto

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Instructions

1. Boil lasagna noodles in generously salted water until perfectly tender, ensuring they maintain a slight bite. Gently drain and coat with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
2. Create a luxurious pesto béchamel by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour and whisk continuously, creating a smooth roux. Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly to eliminate lumps. Season with salt and pepper, simmering until the sauce transforms into a velvety consistency. Remove from heat and fold in vibrant pesto, adjusting seasoning to taste.
3. Prepare the cheese blend by thoroughly mixing ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, eggs, and fresh herbs. Season with a pinch of salt and cracked black pepper to enhance the flavors.
4. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Begin layering by spreading a thin base of pesto sauce in a 9×9 baking dish. Arrange noodles to cover the sauce completely, slightly overlapping for even coverage.
5. Distribute a generous layer of cheese mixture across the noodles, followed by a sprinkle of mozzarella and a dusting of Parmesan. Repeat the layering process, creating alternating strata of noodles, cheese, and sauce.
6. Conclude the final layer with remaining noodles, drizzling the remaining pesto sauce and topping with a final cascade of cheeses.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes. Uncover and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top achieves a golden, slightly crispy surface.
8. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling the layers to set and making serving easier.

Notes

• Mastering this pesto lasagna requires patience and attention to layering techniques for maximum flavor fusion.
• Cheese mixture can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before assembling the lasagna.
• Letting the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes after baking allows cheese to set and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg