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Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 24 reviews

This Savory Vegetarian Lasagna features fresh lasagna sheets layered with a rich, deep-flavored roasted tomato sauce, a medley of leafy greens like spinach and kale, and creamy ricotta cheese, all topped with Parmesan for a deliciously hearty and wholesome meal. It’s perfect for vegetarians craving a comforting Italian classic with a fresh twist.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Lasagna

  • 9 sheets Fresh Lasagna Sheets (boiled, dry noodles can be used if fresh unavailable)
  • 4 cups Tomatoes (halved for roasting)
  • 2 cups Mixed Vegetables (spinach, kale, peas or any preferred combination)
  • 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (reduce to 1¾ cups if watery and mix with ¼ cup mascarpone)
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (for topping, Pecorino Romano can be used as substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for roasting tomatoes and sautéing vegetables)

For Serving

  • 1 cup Fresh Basil (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 loaf Garlic Bread (perfect for scooping up leftover sauce)
  • 4 cups Mixed Green Salad (suggested with light vinaigrette)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) so that it reaches the perfect temperature for roasting tomatoes and baking the lasagna.
  2. Prepare and Roast Tomatoes: Slice the tomatoes in half, place them cut side up on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 1 hour until deeply caramelized and flavorful.
  3. Prepare the Vegetables: While the tomatoes are roasting, wash and chop the spinach, kale, peas, or your chosen vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and lightly sauté them with a little olive oil if desired to soften.
  4. Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish, create layers starting with a spoonful of the roasted tomato sauce, then add fresh lasagna sheets, followed by a layer of ricotta cheese, sautéed vegetables, and sprinkle some Parmesan cheese. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, topping off with Parmesan.
  5. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish with parchment paper or foil and bake in the oven for approximately 1 hour, until the lasagna is golden brown and bubbling around the edges.
  6. Rest Before Serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to allow it to set, which helps maintain its shape when slicing.
  7. Serve and Garnish: Serve with fresh basil leaves, garlic bread, and a mixed green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Using fresh lasagna sheets will reduce cooking time and create a tender texture, but boiled dry noodles are a good alternative.
  • If ricotta cheese is watery, reduce the quantity slightly and blend with mascarpone for creaminess.
  • Roasting tomatoes intensifies their flavor, making the sauce rich without additional seasonings.
  • Covering the lasagna during baking prevents the top from drying out while ensuring even cooking.
  • Allowing the lasagna to rest before slicing ensures cleaner slices and better presentation.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegetarian lasagna, roasted tomato sauce, Italian vegetarian recipe, baked pasta, ricotta lasagna, healthy vegetarian dinner