Pesto Lasagna

Lasagna is one of the most beloved Italian dishes and Aida shares two of her favorite recipes. First, her family’s Sweet Sausage and Three Cheese Lasagna. Then a unique Pesto Lasagna that everyone will love.

Yield: 9 servings/3 cups sauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
InActive Prep Time: 20 minutes
Ease of Preparation: intermediate
Total Preparation Time: 35 Minutes 
Total Time: 60 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the pesto: 
    • 4 cups basil leaves, loosely packed, washed and tough stems trimmed and roughly torn 
    • 2 cups finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 2 ounces) 
    • 1 cup extra-virgin olive oil 
    • 3/4 cup heavy cream 
    • 1/3 cup toasted pine nuts 
    • 8 medium garlic cloves, peeled 
    • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 
    • 2 teaspoons kosher salt 
  • For the lasagna:  
    • 1 pound fresh lasagna noodles, cooked and drained 
    • 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1-ounce) 

Method

  1. For the lasagna:  :
  2. 1 pound fresh lasagna noodles, cooked and drained 
  3. 1 cup finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (about 1-ounce) 
  4. For the pesto:
    1. Combine half pesto ingredients in a blender or food processor, and process until evenly combined, about 1 minute. Add remaining ingredients and process until evenly blended, about 1 more minute. Taste and adjust seasoning, as desired.
  5. For the lasagna: Heat oven to 375 degrees F and arrange rack in upper third.
    1. Meanwhile, alternatively layer a scant 1/4 cup pesto and 1 sheet of fresh lasagna noodles in an 8 by 8-inch baking dish, trimming noodles, as needed, to fit. There should be about 10 to 12 layers. Top lasagna with cheese and bake until bubbly around edges and cheese is melted, about 20 to 25 minutes. Let sit at least 20 minutes before serving.;