Lasagna al Pesto Recipe

Step 1

Cook the noodles in a large pot of water as per package direction. When al dente (still firm but not crunchy and not too soft), drain and toss with a little olive oil to help prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2

Make your basil pesto, if not done already.

Step 3

In a medium or large pot (same pot of the noodles is great), melt the butter over medium heat. When melted, add the flour and stir to combine. Cook 30-60 seconds.

Step 4

Whisk in the milk, salt, and black pepper. Cook on a simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens, approximately 7-10 minutes.

Step 5

Remove the sauce from the heat. Add the pesto and stir to combine. Season to taste with salt and black pepper.

Step 6

In a medium bowl, combine all of the cheese mixture ingredients. Season to taste with salt, basil, and pepper.

Step 7

When ready to cook, preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 8

Spread ½ cup of the pesto sauce across the bottom of a 9 by 9 baking dish.

Step 9

Cut the lasagna noodles in half to turn each one into shorter strips. Lay three strips across the bottom of the dish, slightly overlapping.

Step 10

Dollop 1 cup of the cheese mixture over the noodles and gently spread across the noodles.

Step 11

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella on top of the cheese mixture, followed by 2 Tablespoons of Parmesan.

Step 12

Scoop and gently spread 1 cup of the pesto sauce across the cheeses.

Step 13

Repeat another layer of noodles, cheese mixture, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pesto sauce. You should be out of the ricotta cheese mixture at this time.

Step 14

Prepare the top layer by laying out the third layer of noodles. Top with the remaining pesto sauce, approximately 1.5 cups (unless you want to save some for serving).

Step 15

Sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup of mozzarella and 2 Tablespoons of Parmesan.

Step 16

Cover with tin foil or a lid and bake for approximately 50 minutes. The edges of the dish should be bubbling and the top cheese melted. Remove the lid/foil and finish baking 10-15 minutes or until the top is lightly browned. (Want a darker top? Remove the cover earlier or turn on the broiler for a few minutes).

Step 17

Remove from oven and let sit 15 minutes before cutting and serving.