Fresh lasagna with pesto

This vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for guests – it can be made in advance, giving you time to mingle with your guests. Enjoy layers of fresh lasagna noodles generously topped with a flavorful pesto sauce. The bright green color and aromatic herbs will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite is a perfect combination of soft pasta and the rich, creamy pesto, making it a hearty and filling meal for both vegetarians and pasta lovers. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal dinner party, this fresh pesto lasagna is sure to impress your guests with its deliciousness and visuals.

Ingredients

1.2l milk
100g butter, cut into pieces
100g plain flour
Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
500g baby spinach leaves
250g lasagna sheets – fresh is best
3 tablespoons good quality pesto
500g cherry tomatoes on the stem, two or three stems left whole
good handful of basil leaves (or a supermarket pack)
175g piece of fresh Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative), coarsely grated
2 x 150g balls of mozzarella, preferably buffalo, torn into bite-sized pieces

Preparation steps

Preheat the oven to 200°C/gas 6/fan 180°C.
Place milk, butter and flour in a medium saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until thickened and smooth.
Simmer the mixture for 1 minute.
Remove the pan from the heat, season the mixture and add the nutmeg.
Cool the mixture, stirring occasionally to prevent a skin from forming.
Place the spinach in a large heatproof bowl.
Pour boiling water over a kettle and let stand for 30 seconds.
Drain the spinach in a colander.
Cool the spinach under the cold tap.
Squeeze the spinach well to remove excess liquid.
Spread a spoonful or two of the sauce in the bottom of a large ovenproof dish.
Place a third of the lasagne on top of the sauce.
Pour in a third of the sauce and spread it evenly.
Swirl a spoonful of pesto through the sauce with a knife.
Scatter half of the spinach over the sauce.
Add a third of the tomatoes, a few basil leaves and a third of the cheese.
Season the layer with salt and pepper.
Layer another third of the lasagna on top.
Add a third of the sauce and a spoonful of pesto.
Add the rest of the spinach, a third of the tomatoes and the cheese.
Add some basil and season the layer.
Finally place a layer of lasagne on top.
Spread the rest of the sauce, the pesto, the cheese and the remaining tomatoes, including those on the vine, on top.
Bake the dish for 35-40 minutes until golden brown.
Scatter the last basil leaves on top.
Serve the fresh lasagna with pesto.

Nutritional Information

kcal	fat	saturates	carbohydrates	Sugar	fiber	protein	Salt
711	43g	25g	46g	0g	4g	38g	2.5g

Equipment and tools

To prepare this fresh lasagna with pesto, you will need the following equipment and tools:

Big pot
Whisk
baking pan
frying pan
Sharp knife
dulcimer
grater

Allergen information

This recipe for fresh lasagna with pesto contains the following allergens:

butter
Flour
milk
Parmesan (or vegetarian alternative)
Mozzarella

It may also contain allergens found in store-bought pesto, such as nuts or dairy. Please check the ingredients of your pesto if you have certain allergies.

Storage and leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this fresh lasagne with pesto, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume leftovers within 2-3 days. To reheat, you can either use the microwave or the oven until heated through.

The Health Benefits of “Fresh Lasagna with Pesto”

Fresh Lasagna with Pesto is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines the benefits of spinach, cherry tomatoes, basil and cheese. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, this recipe will not only tantalize your taste buds but also provide multiple health benefits. Let’s take a closer look at the most important ingredients and their possible positive effects on your well-being:

spinach

Baby spinach is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is rich in vitamins A, C and K as well as folic acid, iron and calcium. These nutrients contribute to healthy bones, strong immunity and improved vision. Additionally, spinach contains antioxidants that help fight oxidative stress and fight inflammation in the body.

Pesto

Pesto, a spicy sauce made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic and olive oil, offers several health benefits. Basil is an herb known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can also promote digestion and help reduce stress. Olive oil, the main ingredient in pesto, is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants. These can contribute to reduced inflammation, improved heart health and a lower risk of chronic disease.

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Cherry tomatoes

Cherry tomatoes improve the taste and nutritional value of the dish. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, which support eye health, boost the immune system and support collagen production. Additionally, these miniature tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that may help protect against certain cancers and promote heart health.

basil

Basil, the main ingredient in pesto, is more than just an aromatic herb. It contains essential oils that have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Basil also contains a lot of vitamin K, which is important for maintaining healthy bones and good blood clotting. In addition, it is a good source of antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress and support overall well-being.

Parmesan cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the lasagna a special touch. A small amount of this hard cheese can make a big difference in terms of taste. Parmesan is a good source of protein, calcium and phosphorus. It provides essential amino acids for muscle building, supports bone health and supports energy metabolism. For those on a vegetarian diet, there are also excellent alternatives on the market.

Mozzarella

Mozzarella, preferably buffalo mozzarella, gives the lasagna a creamy texture and rich flavor. It is a good source of protein, essential for muscle growth and repair. Mozzarella also provides calcium and phosphorus, promoting bone health. Additionally, this cheese contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid that may have positive effects on weight control and cardiovascular health.

By combining these healthy ingredients in a fresh lasagna with pesto, you can create a nutritious and tasty meal that nourishes your body and delights your senses. So why wait? Gather the ingredients and treat yourself to a healthy and delicious homemade lasagna today!