Savory Vegetarian Lasagna with Easy Roasted Tomato Sauce Recipe
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.
- Author: Hannah
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/6 of recipe)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
Keywords: vegetarian lasagna, roasted tomato sauce, Italian vegetarian recipe, baked pasta, ricotta lasagna, healthy vegetarian dinner