baked lasagna with asparagus and pesto pasta

Author of this recipe: Waldo Migliori

Delicious Baked Lasagna with Asparagus & Pesto Pasta | Easy Recipe | Vegan Option | Healthy Dinner Ideas | Keyword: Asparagus Pesto Lasagna

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Ingredients

• - **Ingredients for Baked Asparagus and Pesto Pasta Lasagna**
• - **Asparagus:**
• - Fresh asparagus spears, trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces (1 lb)
• - **Pesto Pasta:**
• - Whole wheat pesto pasta sheets or traditional lasagna noodles (8 oz)
• - **Tomato Sauce:**
• - Canned crushed tomatoes (24 ounces)
• - Diced fresh tomatoes (1 cup, optional for added flavor and freshness)
• - Fresh basil leaves (a handful, roughly chopped), for garnish
• - **Cheese Layering:**
• - Part-skim ricotta cheese (8 oz)
• - Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups)
• - Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
• - **Additional Seasonings and Toppings:**
• - Garlic powder (1 teaspoon), for flavor enhancement
• - Salt to taste (to season the tomato sauce and asparagus)
• - Freshly ground black pepper (a generous amount)
• - Olive oil (2 tablespoons) – for sautéing asparagus and cooking noodles
• - **Other:**
• - Mozzarella cheese, sliced (optional, for a gooey topping layer)
• **SEO-Friendly Tips:**
• - Include keywords such as "pesto pasta," "asparagus lasagna," and "baked lasagna" in your content to improve search engine visibility.
• - Use relevant tags like #lasagnarecipes, #pestolastagnarecipe, and #bakingwithasparagus for social media posts or blogs.

Steps

1. ## Delicious Baked Asparagus & Pesto Lasagna Recipe
3. Baking an asparagus and pesto lasagna is a delightful way to enjoy a hearty meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. This recipe combines the freshness of asparagus with the rich, herby goodness of pesto, creating layers of deliciousness in every bite. Follow these detailed steps for a mouthwatering dish your family will love.
5. ### Ingredients
7. - 12 lasagna noodles
8. - 4 cups fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
9. - 2 cloves garlic, minced
10. - 3 tablespoons olive oil
11. - 1 (8 oz) container ricotta cheese
12. - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
13. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14. - 1 cup pesto sauce (store-bought or homemade)
15. - Salt and pepper to taste
17. ### Equipment Needed
19. - Large pot for boiling noodles
20. - 9x13 inch baking dish
21. - Mixing bowls
23. ### Instructions
25. #### Step 1: Preheat the Oven
26. Set your oven to preheat at 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your lasagna bakes evenly without drying out.
28. #### Step 2: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
29. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
31. #### Step 3: Prepare Asparagus
32. While the noodles are cooking, blanch the asparagus in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes or until it is bright green and slightly tender. Remove from heat, drain, and place on a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
34. #### Step 4: Cook Garlic
35. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
37. #### Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna
38. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked lasagna noodles with half of the ricotta cheese, pesto sauce, shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
40. Layer the prepared asparagus in a 9x13 inch baking dish. Spoon the cheese mixture over the asparagus, ensuring each layer is covered. Repeat this process by adding more noodles, asparagus, and the remaining cheese mixture.
42. #### Step 6: Top with Mozzarella
43. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top layer of the lasagna.
45. #### Step 7: Bake
46. Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, and continue baking until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown, approximately 20-30 more minutes.
48. #### Step 8: Serve
49. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to serve. Enjoy your delicious asparagus and pesto lasagna!
51. ### Tips & Variations
53. - For an extra burst of flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes during the preparation of the garlic.
54. - To make this dish even more nutritious, you can include spinach or kale into the ricotta mixture.
56. ### Conclusion
58. Creating a baked asparagus and pesto lasagna is not only fun but also a great way to incorporate seasonal vegetables into your meals. The combination of fresh asparagus with the rich flavors of pesto pasta makes for an unforgettable dining experience that’s perfect for any occasion!

Relevante Seiten

• baked lasagna with asparagus and pesto pasta