Description
Rainbow Lasagna is a vibrant, veggie-packed twist on the classic comfort food. Layers of colorful vegetables, creamy ricotta, rich marinara, and melted mozzarella create a hearty and nutritious meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or entertaining.
Ingredients
Lasagna and Cheese
- 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Vegetables
- 3 cups marinara sauce
- 1 zucchini, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow squash, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup broccoli florets, finely chopped
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna.
- Sauté the vegetables: In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add zucchini, yellow squash, red bell pepper, chopped broccoli, shredded carrots, spinach, and minced garlic. Sauté until vegetables are slightly tender but still vibrant, about 5-7 minutes.
- Prepare the ricotta mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well incorporated.
- Layer the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce at the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles over the sauce. Evenly spread part of the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Add a layer of the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle a layer of shredded mozzarella cheese, then spoon marinara sauce over. Repeat these layers until all ingredients are used, finishing with a topping of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
- Bake covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to melt thoroughly.
- Bake uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest before serving: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Add mushrooms or eggplant for extra flavor and variety.
- Assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake for convenience.
- This lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months, making it great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
