Imagine diving into a steaming pan of lasagna where every layer tells a story of love, tradition, and mouthwatering Italian cuisine. This isn't just any lasagna - this is a culinary masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a symphony of flavors, featuring handmade pasta sheets that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a passionate cooking enthusiast, this homemade lasagna recipe will elevate your cooking game and create memories around the dinner table.
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta dough by combining flour, 2 eggs, olive oil, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Knead the dough for 10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover and let rest for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Roll out the pasta dough on a floured surface using a rolling pin or pasta machine. Roll until the dough is thin enough to see your hand through it, approximately 1/16 inch thick.
- Cut the rolled dough into rectangular lasagna noodle shapes, approximately 4 inches wide and 10 inches long. Let the noodles dry slightly on a clean kitchen towel.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese, 1 egg, dried basil, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a 9x13 inch baking dish by spreading a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Begin layering the lasagna: Start with a layer of pasta noodles, then spread ricotta mixture, sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and cover with marinara sauce. Repeat layers 3-4 times.
- Ensure the top layer is covered with sauce and cheese for a golden, crispy top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let the lasagna rest for 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make cutting easier.
Tips
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste of your lasagna.
- Let the pasta dough rest: Allowing the dough to rest helps develop gluten and makes rolling easier.
- Roll pasta thin: Aim for translucent pasta sheets for the most delicate texture.
- Layer strategically: Alternate layers evenly to ensure each bite has a perfect balance of pasta, cheese, and sauce.
- Don't skip the resting time: Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps it set and makes serving much cleaner.
- Use a sharp cheese grater for better cheese distribution.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano to your ricotta mixture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 135mg
