Description
Creamy ricotta and hearty vegetable layers meld together in this irresistible Vegetarian Lasagna masterpiece. Robust Italian flavors and nourishing ingredients create a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Vegetables:
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 yellow squash, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Cheese and Protein Components:
- 1 (15 ounces) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 (24 ounces) jar marinara sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Noodles and Seasonings:
- 12 lasagna noodles (regular or oven-ready)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 400F (200C), creating an ideal roasting environment for vegetables.
- Combine zucchini, squash, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, and garlic with olive oil, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to enhance flavor profiles.
- Spread seasoned vegetables evenly across a baking sheet, ensuring maximum caramelization during the 20-25 minute roasting process.
- While vegetables roast, create a creamy ricotta blend by mixing ricotta, egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and basil until smooth and well-incorporated.
- If using traditional lasagna noodles, cook according to package instructions, then gently rinse with cold water to halt cooking and prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna by spreading a thin marinara sauce base in a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Construct the first layer with noodles, followed by an even spread of ricotta mixture, roasted vegetables, marinara sauce, and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella.
- Repeat layering process two more times, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed for consistent flavor and texture.
- Complete the final layer with remaining noodles, sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese as a flavorful topping.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375F (190C) for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top turns golden and edges become crispy.
- Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes, enabling it to set and making slicing easier.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve while warm, presenting a vibrant and appetizing vegetarian dish.
Notes
- Customize roasted vegetables by adding seasonal produce like eggplant or asparagus for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Choose oven-ready lasagna noodles to simplify preparation and reduce cooking time.
- Swap ricotta with tofu or cashew cream for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
- Enhance protein content by incorporating plant-based alternatives like lentils or crumbled tempeh between layers.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg