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Homemade Veggie Pesto & Spinach Lasagna photo

Veggie Pesto & Spinach Lasagna

This Veggie Pesto & Spinach Lasagna is a comforting crowd-pleaser, bursting with fresh flavors and creamy layers!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large onion finely chopped
  • 600 g spinach coarsely chopped
  • 100 g butter
  • 100 g flour
  • 1 liter whole milk
  • 300 g basil pesto
  • 100 g Parmesan cheese + extra for sprinkling
  • 1 packet lasagna sheets
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Olive oil for sautéing

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Oven-safe baking dish
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Once the onions are ready, add the coarsely chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach has wilted down, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes until it is golden. Gradually pour in the whole milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens and is smooth. Season with salt and pepper, and set aside.
  4. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). In your oven-safe baking dish, start by spreading a layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom. Place a layer of lasagna sheets over the sauce, followed by a layer of the sautéed spinach and onions. Drizzle some basil pesto over the spinach, and sprinkle a layer of Parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a layer of béchamel sauce and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan on top.
  5. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
  6. Once the lasagna is out of the oven, allow it to rest for about 10 minutes before cutting. This will help the layers set and make serving easier.

Notes

  • Feel free to make this lasagna ahead of time; it can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • For an added flavor boost, consider incorporating roasted garlic into the béchamel sauce.
  • Using homemade ricotta in layers will elevate the creaminess of the dish.
  • If you have leftover pesto, it can be a great addition to salads or as a dip for bread.