Indulge in the comforting embrace of Italian cuisine with our delightful Italian Sausage and Swiss Chard Individual Lasagna! This mouthwatering dish combines savory Italian sausage, fresh Swiss chard, and creamy ricotta, all layered between perfectly cooked noodles and topped with bubbling mozzarella. Whether you're hosting a cozy dinner or simply treating yourself, these individual lasagnas are sure to impress! With just an hour from prep to plate, you’ll want to keep this recipe on hand for those nights when you crave something special. Ready to dive into cheesy goodness? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 8 oz lasagna noodles
- 2 cups Swiss chard, chopped
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper and four individual oven-safe ramekins or small baking dishes.
- Cook lasagna noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it into small pieces. Cook until no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Add chopped Swiss chard to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the chard is wilted and tender. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, mix ricotta cheese, egg, 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Begin layering individual lasagnas: Start with a thin layer of marinara sauce in each ramekin. Cut lasagna noodles to fit the dishes.
- Layer each ramekin with noodles, ricotta mixture, sausage and Swiss chard mixture, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat layers 2-3 times.
- Top each lasagna with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cover each ramekin with aluminum foil.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let lasagnas rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the sausage and Swiss chard mixture a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and assemble your lasagnas when you're ready to bake!
- Noodle Alternatives: For a healthier twist, consider using whole wheat or gluten-free lasagna noodles. They work just as well and add a unique flavor.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix up the cheeses! Adding a layer of ricotta with herbs or using provolone cheese instead of mozzarella can elevate the flavor profile.
- Extra Veggies: Want to pack in more nutrients? Add other vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sausage mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Resting Time: Allowing the lasagna to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking helps the layers set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley not only adds a pop of color but enhances the dish’s flavor. Don’t skip this final touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 580kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 110mg
