Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many. It’s a hearty and delicious meal that is perfect for any occasion. However, as a vegetarian, finding a lasagna recipe that is both delicious and meat-free can be a challenge. That’s why I have created this Italian vegetarian lasagna recipe that is sure to satisfy even the most carnivorous of eaters!
Recipes Information
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Recipe Category: Main Dish
- Recipe Cuisine: Italian
- Aggregate Rating: 4.5/5
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 (24 ounce) jar pasta sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes. Drain noodles, and rinse with cold water. In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, Parmesan cheese, parsley, basil, salt, and pepper.
- In a 9×13 inch baking dish, spread 1 1/2 cups of pasta sauce. Arrange 3 noodles lengthwise over sauce. Spread with one half of the ricotta cheese mixture. Top with a third of mozzarella cheese. Spoon 1 1/2 cups sauce over mozzarella, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers, and top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil, and bake an additional 25 minutes. Cool for 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrition | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 391 |
| Total Fat | 20.7g |
| Saturated Fat | 11.3g |
| Cholesterol | 79mg |
| Sodium | 986mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 26.7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.8g |
| Total Sugars | 7.9g |
| Protein | 25.3g |
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the mozzarella cheese with any type of cheese that you prefer. - Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it until ready to bake. - Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna before or after baking. Just make sure to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. - How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 9 servings. - What should I serve with this lasagna?
This lasagna pairs well with a simple side salad and garlic bread. - Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh herbs for the dried herbs in this recipe. Just be sure to use a larger quantity of fresh herbs than dried.
Tips
If you want to make this recipe even healthier, you can substitute the lasagna noodles with thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant. You can also add additional vegetables to the ricotta cheese mixture, such as spinach or mushrooms. Finally, if you want to make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the ricotta cheese with a tofu-based ricotta alternative.
When cooking the lasagna noodles, be sure to cook them al dente (firm to the bite) as they will continue to cook in the oven. Additionally, when layering the lasagna, be sure to spread the cheese mixture evenly and cover the noodles completely to prevent them from drying out.
Finally, be sure to let the lasagna cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set and prevent it from falling apart when serving.