Imagine a dish that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - a luxurious lasagna that transforms your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience! This Turkey Lasagna with Pumpkin Alfredo isn't just another pasta recipe; it's a game-changing meal that combines the hearty richness of ground turkey, the creamy decadence of pumpkin Alfredo sauce, and layers of melted cheese that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat your family to a memorable meal, this recipe promises to be your new seasonal favorite.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 1 hrs
Total Time: 1 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 2 cups pumpkin puree
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, laying noodles flat to prevent sticking.
- In a large skillet, brown ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until no pink remains, about 8-10 minutes.
- Prepare the pumpkin Alfredo sauce by whisking together pumpkin puree and heavy cream in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until smooth and warm.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella, adding a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Begin layering the lasagna: spread a thin layer of pumpkin Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Layer lasagna noodles, followed by ground turkey, ricotta mixture, and pumpkin Alfredo sauce. Repeat layers two more times.
- Top the final layer with remaining mozzarella cheese, ensuring even coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make cutting easier.
Tips
- Prevent Soggy Lasagna: Make sure to drain your lasagna noodles thoroughly and lay them flat to prevent sticking and excess moisture.
- Cheese Mixing Hack: When combining ricotta and mozzarella, mix in a pinch of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Even Layering: Use a spatula to spread sauce and ingredients evenly to ensure each bite is perfectly balanced.
- Resting is Key: Always let your lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the layers set and makes cutting much easier.
- Cheese Browning Tip: For a golden, crispy cheese top, remove the foil in the last 15 minutes of baking to allow beautiful caramelization.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This lasagna can be assembled a day in advance and refrigerated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 480kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Cholesterol: 120mg
