Asparagus Lasagna Recipe
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Category: Lunch/Snacks
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Keywords: Cheese, Vegetable, Spring, Brunch, Asparagus, Lasagna, Vegetarian
Servings: 6-8 servings
Calories per Serving: 636 kcal
Description
Looking for a delightful and fresh twist on the classic lasagna? This Asparagus Lasagna from LoveWithRecipes.com brings together tender roasted asparagus, creamy mozzarella, and zesty lemon, layered with silky lasagna noodles and topped with a rich parmesan cream. Perfect for spring brunches or light lunches, this cheesy, vegetable-forward dish is a showstopper for any occasion.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh asparagus (trimmed) | 4 cups |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/4 cup |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken broth (or vegetable) | 1 1/2 cups |
| Mozzarella cheese (shredded) | 2 cups |
| Lemon zest | 1 tsp |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 16 oz (about 2 cups) |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Lasagna noodles | 1 package (12-16 sheets) |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 636 kcal |
| Total Fat | 33.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18.6 g |
| Cholesterol | 96.5 mg |
| Sodium | 704.7 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 57 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g |
| Sugars | 6.5 g |
| Protein | 28.7 g |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Lasagna Noodles:
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This step can be done in advance to save time during assembly.
-
Roast the Asparagus:
- Preheat your oven to 500°F (260°C).
- Trim the asparagus by cutting off about 1 inch from the ends, discarding the tougher parts.
- Toss the asparagus with olive oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 5-10 minutes, until just tender. You want the asparagus to be vibrant and slightly crisp.
- Remove from the oven, sprinkle lightly with salt, and cut the asparagus into bite-size pieces. Set aside and reduce the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).
-
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, whisking constantly to create a roux. Continue stirring for about 2-3 minutes to cook the flour.
- In a separate bowl, mix the water and chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version). Slowly add this mixture to the butter and flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Cook the mixture for about 5 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and lemon zest, continuing to mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
-
Assemble the Lasagna:
- Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Begin layering the lasagna: place a layer of lasagna noodles on the bottom of the dish. Spread half of the cheese sauce over the noodles. Top with half of the roasted asparagus pieces, then sprinkle with 1/2 cup of grated parmesan.
- Repeat the layers, starting with noodles, sauce, asparagus, and parmesan. Finish with a final layer of noodles on top.
-
Whip the Cream Topping:
- In a small mixing bowl, whip the heavy cream with a pinch of salt until soft peaks form.
- Spoon the whipped cream over the top layer of lasagna noodles, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 2/3 cup of grated parmesan cheese over the whipped cream topping.
-
Bake the Lasagna:
- Place the lasagna in the oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. You can place the lasagna under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes to achieve a crisp, browned finish on the cheese.
-
Serve:
- Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the layers to set and makes it easier to cut into servings.
- Serve warm, garnished with a sprinkle of extra parmesan if desired.
Pro Tips:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare this lasagna in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the bake time to account for the chill.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make this dish completely vegetarian.
- Customization: Feel free to add other spring vegetables such as spinach or peas to this lasagna for more color and texture.
Pairing Suggestions:
- A fresh side salad with a light lemon vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the lasagna.
- Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the creamy sauce.
Asparagus Lasagna is the perfect dish for welcoming the spring season into your kitchen. Its light and zesty flavors, combined with a rich, cheesy base, make it a versatile dish that is sure to impress at brunches, lunches, or even casual dinners.
