Prepare your taste buds for a culinary adventure with our irresistible Sage Pesto Florentine Lasagna! This Italian delight is a harmonious blend of creamy ricotta, vibrant spinach, and aromatic sage pesto, all nestled between layers of perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. In just 1 hour and 15 minutes, you can create a dish that not only satisfies your cravings but also impresses your family and friends. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, this recipe will guide you through every step, ensuring that your lasagna emerges from the oven golden, bubbly, and absolutely delicious. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup sage pesto
- 2 cups spinach, cooked and drained
- 3 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Cook the lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well blended.
- Drain the cooked spinach completely, pressing out excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
- Begin layering the lasagna by spreading a thin layer of sage pesto on the bottom of the baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Place the first layer of lasagna noodles, slightly overlapping to cover the bottom of the dish.
- Spread half of the ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by a layer of cooked spinach.
- Drizzle sage pesto over the spinach and sprinkle with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layering process with another layer of noodles, remaining ricotta mixture, spinach, pesto, and 1 cup of mozzarella.
- Add the final layer of noodles, top with remaining sage pesto and mozzarella cheese.
- Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top layer for added flavor and golden color.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn't touch the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes covered, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the layers to set and makes cutting easier.
- Slice into 6 equal portions and serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the ricotta mixture and cook the spinach a day in advance. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to assemble the lasagna.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven, and this will prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Layering Technique: For even distribution of flavors, ensure that each layer is spread evenly. This helps every bite to be as delicious as the last.
- Rest Before Serving: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Customize Your Greens: Feel free to substitute or add other greens like kale or Swiss chard to the filling for an extra nutritional boost and flavor variation.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh sage leaves or a drizzle of olive oil on top before serving can elevate the dish’s presentation and add a touch of freshness.
- Make it Your Own: Experiment with different cheeses or add cooked chicken or sausage for a heartier version of this classic dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 520kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
