Creamy Goat Cheese & Basil Lasagna
Discover a delightful twist on traditional Italian lasagna with my Creamy Goat Cheese & Basil Lasagna. When I found myself without ricotta one day, I turned to soft goat cheese and was amazed by the creamy texture and tangy flavor it brought to this beloved dish. With layers of velvety goat cheese, fresh basil, and an abundance of marinara sauce, this lasagna not only satisfies the palate but also fills the home with tantalizing aromas. Whether it's a family dinner or a cozy gathering with friends, this dish becomes a memorable centerpiece that everyone will adore. Top it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for an extra flavor boost. Don't forget to pair it with a crisp salad and a glass of red wine!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Marinara Sauce
3 cups (Prepared)
Lasagna Noodles
8 (No pre-cooking type, layered directly into the dish)
Soft Goat Cheese
3 (125 g) containers (Drained and blended in the mixture)
Eggs
2 (Beaten)
Fresh Basil Leaves
1/2 cup (Chopped)
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
150 g (Brick-packaged, mixed into the goat cheese filling)
Salt
1 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Fresh Mozzarella Cheese
3 (125 g) packages (Thinly sliced)
Freshly Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese
1/4 cup (For topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Add the drained soft goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper. Mix until creamy and thoroughly blended.
3
Coat the bottom of a 13x9x2 inch baking dish with a thin layer of marinara sauce.
4
Arrange half of the lasagna noodles horizontally over the sauce, overlapping them slightly.
5
Spread half of the goat cheese mixture evenly over the noodles.
6
Layer half of the thinly sliced fresh mozzarella over the goat cheese mixture.
7
Pour half of the remaining marinara sauce over the mozzarella layer, spreading it to cover.
8
Repeat the layering process with the remaining noodles, goat cheese mixture, mozzarella slices, and marinara sauce.
9
Finish by sprinkling the top with freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes for a beautifully golden top.
12
Allow the lasagna to stand for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This will help the layers set.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Goat Cheese & Basil Lasagna?
It is a modern twist on traditional Italian lasagna that uses soft goat cheese instead of ricotta for a tangier, creamier flavor.
Can I use goat cheese instead of ricotta in lasagna?
Yes, soft goat cheese is an excellent substitute that provides a velvety texture and a unique tangy flavor profile.
How do I prepare the goat cheese filling?
Beat two eggs until smooth, then mix in drained soft goat cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, salt, and pepper until creamy.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles first?
No, this recipe uses no-pre-cooking type lasagna noodles which are layered directly into the baking dish.
What is the recommended oven temperature for this lasagna?
The oven should be preheated to 375°F (190°C).
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes covered with foil, then an additional 5 to 10 minutes uncovered to brown the top.
Why should I cover the lasagna with aluminum foil?
Covering the dish prevents the cheese from over-browning or burning while the noodles cook through.
How much marinara sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of prepared marinara sauce.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
Fresh basil is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried basil if fresh is unavailable, though the taste will be less vibrant.
What size baking dish should I use?
A 13x9x2 inch baking dish is the standard size for this recipe.
What kind of mozzarella is used in the layers?
This recipe uses both shredded mozzarella in the goat cheese mixture and thinly sliced fresh mozzarella for the layers.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as long as the marinara sauce and cheeses used do not contain animal-derived rennet, this is a vegetarian dish.
Why must the lasagna stand for 10 minutes after baking?
Letting the dish rest allows the layers to set, making it much easier to slice and serve without it falling apart.
What can I serve with goat cheese lasagna?
It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad and a glass of your favorite red wine.
How many eggs are needed for the filling?
You will need 2 beaten eggs to bind the cheese mixture.
What type of goat cheese works best?
Soft goat cheese, also known as chevre, is best for creating the creamy filling.
What is the final topping for the lasagna?
The top is finished with 1/4 cup of freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese.
How do I layer the ingredients?
Layer sauce, then noodles, goat cheese mixture, mozzarella slices, and more sauce; then repeat the process once more.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, you can easily add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage to the marinara sauce if you prefer a meat-based lasagna.
How much fresh basil should I use?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil leaves.
How much goat cheese is in this recipe?
The recipe uses three 125g containers of soft goat cheese.
What does the goat cheese add to the flavor?
It adds a distinct tanginess and a richer, creamier mouthfeel compared to traditional ricotta cheese.
Can I use romano cheese instead of parmesan?
Yes, both freshly grated parmesan or romano cheese work well for the top layer.
How many noodles are used?
The recipe specifies using 8 no-pre-cooking lasagna noodles.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
How much shredded mozzarella is mixed into the cheese?
You should mix 150g of shredded mozzarella into the goat cheese filling.
How many packages of fresh mozzarella do I need?
You will need three 125g packages of fresh mozzarella to be thinly sliced for layering.
Does the goat cheese need to be drained?
Yes, the instructions specify that the soft goat cheese should be drained before mixing.
Is this a good dish for guests?
Yes, its unique flavor and beautiful presentation make it a memorable centerpiece for family dinners or gatherings.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged as lasagna, goat cheese, one dish meal, Italian, vegetarian, comfort food, baked dish, and pasta.