Ricotta Topper Lasagna

If you’re looking for a lighter, yet still indulgent lasagna option, Ricotta Topper Lasagna is the perfect choice! This dish allows you to skip the traditional béchamel sauce and instead use creamy ricotta, making it not only easier to prepare but also a delightful treat for your taste buds. Let’s dive into this cooking guide, which includes a full ingredient list, cooking instructions, tips, and nutritional information.

Ingredients

For the Ricotta Topping

• Ricotta Cheese: 2 cups (about 500g)
• Egg: 1 large
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped (optional)
• Parmesan Cheese: ¾ cup, freshly grated

For the Lasagna Layers

• Lasagna Noodles: 12 no-boil noodles or fresh lasagna sheets
• Marinara Sauce: 4 cups (about 1 liter), store-bought or homemade
• Mozzarella Cheese: 2½ cups (about 300g), shredded

Grocery List

• Ricotta cheese
• Eggs
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional)
• Parmesan cheese
• Lasagna noodles (no-boil or fresh)
• Marinara sauce
• Mozzarella cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Ricotta Mixture:
   • In a medium bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, egg, salt, black pepper, and chopped parsley until smooth and well combined.
3. Assemble the Lasagna:
   • Spread about ½ cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
   • Place four lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping them.
   • Spoon one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles and spread it evenly.
   • Add another cup of marinara sauce on top of the ricotta layer.
   • Sprinkle with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
   • Repeat this layering process two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
4. Final Layer:
   • For the top layer, place the last four noodles over the marinara sauce.
   • Pour any remaining marinara sauce over these noodles and sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Bake:
   • Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Allow the lasagna to cool for about 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps set the layers for easier serving.

Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Assuming this recipe serves 6:

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 22g

Tips for Success

• Use high-quality ingredients for better flavor; fresh cheeses make a noticeable difference.
• Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for added nutrition.
• If you prefer more flavor, consider adding Italian herbs or spices to your ricotta mixture.

Side Notes

This lasagna pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. It’s also freezer-friendly; you can prepare it in advance and freeze it before baking. Just extend the baking time if cooking from frozen.

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With this guide, you’re all set to create a scrumptious Ricotta Topper Lasagna that’s sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy your cooking adventure!