This White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for holiday entertaining or a comforting family dinner. Layers of cheese bechamel sauce, basil pesto, spinach, and caramelized mushrooms create a rich and savory meal. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time and bake just before serving, making it a great option for gatherings. The combination of cheeses and pesto adds a unique twist to the classic lasagna.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 6 tablespoons salted butter

• 12 ounces wild mushrooms, roughly torn

• Kosher salt and pepper, to taste

• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 2 cups shredded Emmi Raclette (or provolone/fontina)

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese

• 2 (10 oz) packages frozen spinach, thawed and drained

• 1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)

• 1 box no-boil lasagna noodles

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.

2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until golden. Stir occasionally until mushrooms caramelize (about 3-5 minutes). Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Add butter, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Add milk and broth, bring to a boil, and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in Raclette cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese. Set aside.

4. In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, spinach, and pesto.

5. Spread 1/4 of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Add 3-4 lasagna noodles, followed by 1/2 of the ricotta mixture, another 1/4 of the cheese sauce, and half of the mushrooms. Repeat with another layer of noodles, ricotta, sauce, and mushrooms. Finish with the remaining noodles and pour the remaining cheese sauce over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese.

6. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until the top is bubbly and slightly browned. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrients (Per Serving)

• Calories: 1158 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 35g

• Protein: 34g

• Fat: 35g

  • Saturated Fat: 12g

  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g

  • Monounsaturated Fat: 13g

  • Trans Fat: 0.3g

• Cholesterol: 141mg

• Sodium: 1462mg

• Potassium: 711mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 6g

• Vitamin A: 1069 IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 264mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is Perfect for Special Occasions

White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is an ideal choice for special occasions, such as holiday dinners or festive gatherings. The creamy bechamel sauce and the richness of the cheese provide a luxurious texture that elevates the dish, while the addition of pesto adds a fresh, aromatic twist. The combination of these flavors creates a complex and satisfying meal that feels indulgent without being overwhelming.

This lasagna is also a versatile dish that can easily cater to various dietary preferences. The use of ricotta and other cheeses creates a comforting and familiar flavor profile, while the pesto brings a burst of freshness that complements the more traditional elements of the lasagna. For those looking to enjoy a vegetarian meal, the spinach, mushrooms, and cheese provide a well-rounded and hearty filling that will satisfy even the most carnivorous appetites.

Because this lasagna can be prepared ahead of time, it’s also perfect for busy holiday meals where time in the kitchen is limited. Simply assemble the lasagna, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to serve. The convenience and ability to prep in advance make it a great dish for entertaining guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.

The Layers of Flavor in White Pesto Spinach Lasagna

One of the standout features of White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is the layers of flavor that come together with each bite. The bechamel sauce, made with butter, garlic, and a blend of milk and vegetable broth, forms the creamy base of the dish. The addition of Raclette cheese and Parmesan adds a nutty, slightly sharp flavor that complements the creamy richness of the sauce.

What sets this lasagna apart, however, is the vibrant pesto. Basil pesto, whether homemade or store-bought, brings a fresh, herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce and offers a bright contrast to the earthy mushrooms. The pesto also provides a visually appealing green hue that adds to the overall aesthetic of the dish.

The mushrooms, caramelized to perfection, add depth and an umami flavor to the lasagna. Their natural earthiness pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauces and the savory cheeses, providing a perfect balance of flavors. The spinach adds both color and nutritional value to the dish, while also adding another layer of flavor. Together, these ingredients combine to create a rich, satisfying meal that is far from ordinary.

Caramelized Mushrooms: The Secret Ingredient

The caramelized mushrooms in White Pesto Spinach Lasagna are an essential element that brings the dish to life. Mushrooms, when cooked slowly over medium heat, develop a deep, savory flavor and a tender texture. The process of caramelization allows the natural sugars in the mushrooms to be released, resulting in a rich, almost sweet flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce and sharp pesto.

When added to the lasagna, the mushrooms provide both texture and flavor, making the dish more complex and hearty. The caramelization also helps to bring out the mushrooms’ natural umami, which enhances the overall savory profile of the lasagna. Whether you use wild mushrooms, cremini, or a mix, the caramelization process ensures that the mushrooms are flavorful and contribute to the dish’s depth of taste.

Bechamel Sauce: The Creamy Foundation

The bechamel sauce in White Pesto Spinach Lasagna serves as the rich, creamy foundation that ties all of the ingredients together. Made from butter, flour, milk, and vegetable broth, this sauce is a classic French technique that adds a velvety texture and a mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. The addition of Raclette cheese and Parmesan enhances the creaminess of the sauce while providing a slightly nutty flavor that complements the pesto and mushrooms.

The bechamel sauce helps to bind the layers of lasagna together, creating a cohesive dish with a rich, indulgent mouthfeel. The use of whole milk and vegetable broth ensures that the sauce remains smooth and balanced, while the cheeses contribute to the luxurious, comforting texture that is characteristic of lasagna.

Assembling the Lasagna: Building Flavorful Layers

As with any lasagna, the assembly process is key to ensuring that all the flavors are well-distributed and that each bite is as flavorful as the last. White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is built in layers, with each layer of noodles, cheese, mushrooms, spinach, and sauce creating a balanced and cohesive dish.

Start by spreading a bit of the cheese sauce on the bottom of the baking dish, then layer the no-boil lasagna noodles, followed by the ricotta mixture, a portion of the cheese sauce, and half of the caramelized mushrooms. Repeat this process to create multiple layers, ensuring that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish. Finally, top the lasagna with the remaining cheese sauce and a generous sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, which will melt and create a golden, bubbly crust when baked.

The use of no-boil lasagna noodles is another helpful feature of this recipe, as it cuts down on prep time and simplifies the process. These noodles absorb the moisture from the sauces and become tender as the lasagna bakes, eliminating the need to pre-cook the pasta and making the dish even easier to prepare.

Baking and Serving White Pesto Spinach Lasagna

Baking the White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is a simple process, but it’s important to allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after it’s out of the oven. This resting time allows the layers to set and makes it easier to slice the lasagna without it falling apart. The lasagna should be baked uncovered for about 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. The rich cheese sauce and pesto will create a beautiful golden crust on top, while the interior remains creamy and flavorful.

Once baked, allow the lasagna to rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This ensures that the flavors meld together and that the lasagna holds its shape when sliced. Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal. A glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea would also pair beautifully with this flavorful dish.

Conclusion

White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is a show-stopping dish that combines the comforting layers of a traditional lasagna with the fresh flavors of pesto, caramelized mushrooms, and creamy cheese sauce. The combination of these ingredients creates a dish that is both indulgent and balanced, with rich, savory flavors and a creamy texture that will delight any palate. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a holiday meal, or a special occasion, White Pesto Spinach Lasagna is sure to impress your guests with its depth of flavor and stunning presentation.

The ease of preparation, especially with the ability to assemble the lasagna ahead of time, makes it a perfect choice for busy hosts who still want to serve a delicious, memorable meal. With its layers of creamy cheese sauce, vibrant pesto, and caramelized mushrooms, this lasagna is a unique twist on a classic that will become a favorite in your recipe collection.