Pesto Spinach Skillet Lasagna Recipe

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This delicious pesto spinach skillet lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, featuring fresh baby spinach, creamy ricotta, and a flavorful pesto sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be prepared in one skillet, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 package (8 ounces) of fresh baby spinach
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups warm whole milk
  • 1/2 cup pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 10 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch sections
  • 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil leaves for topping
  • 2 teaspoons lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Spinach: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  2. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and bubbly.
  3. Add the Milk: Gradually pour in the warm whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Keep cooking and whisking for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce thickens.
  4. Stir in Pesto: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the pesto and kosher salt until the sauce is well combined.
  5. Assemble the Lasagna: Return the skillet to medium heat. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the sauce, ensuring they are evenly distributed and submerged in the sauce. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Add Ricotta and Spinach: Once the noodles are tender, dollop the ricotta cheese over the lasagna and gently fold in the sautéed spinach.
  7. Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle the grated mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the lasagna. Cover the skillet and cook for an additional 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh basil leaves and lemon zest. Serve hot and enjoy your flavorful pesto spinach skillet lasagna!

Conclusion

This pesto spinach skillet lasagna is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings a fresh and flavorful twist to traditional lasagna. With the convenience of one-skillet preparation and the delicious combination of pesto, spinach, and creamy cheeses, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy!