Pesto Lasagna

Total Time

Prep: 25 min. Bake: 35 min. + standing

Makes

12 servings

Updated: Jul. 01, 2023

The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna. Paired with a rich cheese sauce and layers of noodles, it’s a potluck dish that will have guests asking you for the recipe. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Pesto Lasagna Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

1/3 cup butter, cubed1 medium onion, chopped1 garlic clove, minced1/2 cup all-purpose flour1 teaspoon salt3-1/2 cups 2% milk4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided1 teaspoon dried basil1 teaspoon dried oregano1/2 teaspoon white pepper1 carton (15 ounces) whole-milk ricotta cheese1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry1 jar (8.1 ounces) prepared pesto

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add onion. Cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and pepper; set aside. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley and remaining 2 cups mozzarella; set aside. Spread about 1-1/2 cup cheese sauce into a greased 13×9-in. baking dish; top with 3 noodles and half of each of the following: ricotta mixture, pesto and spinach. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.

Pesto Lasagna Tips

Can you use homemade pesto to make pesto lasagna?

You can use homemade or store-bought pesto to make pesto lasagna. Here’s a primer on how to make pesto for the homemade version, or try any one of our highly-rated store-bought pesto brands for ease. If you use homemade, you’ll need about 1 cup of pesto.

What else can you add to pesto lasagna?

Like other vegetarian pasta recipes, you could add meat for a heartier lasagna. Try layering in cooked seasoned ground beef, Italian sausage, cubed chicken or shredded turkey. You could also add layers of roasted red peppers, Greek olives or chopped artichokes for extra interest.

How long will pesto lasagna last?

Store leftover pesto lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you have leftover pesto, use it up on another one of our pesto recipes.

—Peggy Woodward, Taste of Home Senior Food Editor