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Lasagna with pesto cream, ricotta, and spinach

17/11/2023

I can provide you with a recipe for lasagna with pesto cream, ricotta, and spinach. This dish is a tasty variation on the traditional lasagna Bolognese and will offer you a fresh and light flavor thanks to the combination of pesto and spinach with the sweetness of the ricotta.

Ingredients

  • 250 g of lasagna noodles (fresh or dry, to be pre-cooked if necessary)
  • 200 g of Genovese pesto
  • 250 g of ricotta
  • 300 g of fresh or frozen spinach (if frozen, make sure to thaw and squeeze out excess water)
  • 100 g of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 150 ml of milk or light béchamel
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Nutmeg to taste (optional)

Preparation

  1. If you are using fresh spinach, wash it thoroughly and cook it in a pan with a drizzle of oil until wilted. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out excess water.
  2. In a bowl, mix the ricotta with the pesto to obtain a smooth cream. Add milk to make the mixture softer and more workable. Season with salt, pepper, and, if you like, a sprinkle of nutmeg.
  3. Lightly grease a baking dish and start assembling your lasagna. Spread a first layer of pesto and ricotta cream on the bottom.
  4. Cover with a layer of lasagna noodles, then add a generous amount of pesto and ricotta cream, and a handful of spinach.
  5. Sprinkle with some grated Parmesan cheese and then continue with the second layer following the same order: pasta, cream, spinach, and Parmesan.
  6. Continue until all ingredients are used, finishing with a final layer of lasagna noodles covered by the pesto and ricotta cream, and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (356°F) for about 20-25 minutes or until the surface is golden brown and crispy.
  8. Before serving, let the lasagna rest for 5-10 minutes so that it sets and becomes easier to cut.

Curiosity

This version of lasagna is an excellent choice for those looking for a dish slightly lighter than the classic lasagna Bolognese. The pesto, typically from Liguria, combined with spinach and ricotta creates a pleasant contrast of flavors and colors that also makes the dish very visually appealing.

Enjoy your meal!