Pesto Lasagna

 

The bright flavor of basil takes center stage in this pesto lasagna.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups 2% milk
• 4 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 carton (15 ounces) ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup minced fresh parsley
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• 1/2 cup prepared pesto
• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°. In a large saucepan melt butter over medium heat; add onion. Cook and stir until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in flour and salt until blended. Gradually whisk in milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 1 minute. Stir in 2 cups mozzarella cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, basil, oregano and pepper; set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, parsley and remaining 2 cups mozzarella; set aside. Spread about 1-1/2 cup cheese sauce into a greased 13x9-in. baking dish; top with 3 noodles and half of each of the following: ricotta mixture, pesto and spinach. Repeat layers. Top with remaining noodles and cheese sauce. Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan.
3. Bake, uncovered, until heated through and cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly, 35-40 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving.