Creamy Swiss Chard and Italian Sausage Lasagna
This Creamy Swiss Chard and Italian Sausage Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic lasagna, providing a rich and savory alternative to traditional red sauce recipes. Inspired by a beloved Martha Stewart recipe with some personal modifications, this dish features layers of tender pasta, hearty Italian sausage, and nutritious Swiss chard all enveloped in a luscious béchamel sauce. The addition of fontina and parmesan cheese gives it an irresistibly creamy texture, making it a comforting dish perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. Baking it in a single 9x13 pan not only simplifies the preparation but also invites everyone to dig in for seconds. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this gourmet comfort food that’s sure to impress!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (measured)
sweet Italian sausage
1 1/4 lbs (removed from casings)
shallots
3 whole (peeled and sliced)
Swiss chard
3 lbs (washed and chopped)
garlic cloves
3 large (minced)
lemon zest
1 tablespoon (zested)
coarse salt
1 tablespoon (adjust to taste)
fresh ground pepper
to taste (adjust to taste)
lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
unsalted butter
6 tablespoons (for béchamel sauce)
onion
1/2 (diced)
coarse salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (for béchamel sauce)
red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for béchamel sauce)
flour
1/2 cup (for béchamel sauce)
milk
4 1/2 cups (I used nonfat)
fontina cheese
12 ounces (shredded)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated for topping)
lasagna noodles
9 sheets (cooked regular or no-boil)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Swiss Chard and Italian Sausage Lasagna?
It is a rich and savory alternative to traditional red sauce lasagna, featuring layers of tender pasta, Italian sausage, and Swiss chard in a luscious béchamel sauce.
How much Swiss chard is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of Swiss chard, which should be washed and chopped.
What kind of sausage is used in this lasagna?
The recipe uses 1 1/4 lbs of sweet Italian sausage with the casings removed.
What type of cheese provides the creamy texture?
12 ounces of shredded fontina cheese is used to give the lasagna its irresistibly creamy texture.
Is there a specific cheese used for the topping?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese for the topping.
What kind of sauce is used instead of red sauce?
This lasagna features a luscious béchamel sauce made with butter, flour, and milk.
Can I use nonfat milk for the béchamel sauce?
Yes, the recipe notes that nonfat milk can be used to make the sauce.
How many shallots are needed?
The recipe requires 3 whole shallots, peeled and sliced.
What size baking pan is recommended?
A single 9x13 pan is used to bake this lasagna.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe includes 3 large minced garlic cloves.
Does this recipe use lemon ingredients?
Yes, it uses 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What type of lasagna noodles can I use?
You can use 9 sheets of either cooked regular lasagna noodles or no-boil noodles.
Is there any heat or spice in the sauce?
The béchamel sauce includes 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a bit of flavor.
Who inspired this specific lasagna recipe?
This dish is inspired by a beloved Martha Stewart recipe with some personal modifications.
What type of oil is used for the ingredients?
2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil are used in the preparation.
Is this lasagna considered a comfort food?
Yes, it is described as gourmet comfort food that is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners.
How much flour is used for the béchamel?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of flour to thicken the béchamel sauce.
What is the total amount of milk needed?
You will need 4 1/2 cups of milk for this recipe.
Is regular onion used in addition to shallots?
Yes, 1/2 of a diced onion is used specifically for the béchamel sauce.
How much butter is required for the sauce?
6 tablespoons of unsalted butter are used for the béchamel sauce.
Can I adjust the salt level in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the salt should be adjusted to taste.
What is the preparation for the Swiss chard?
The Swiss chard should be thoroughly washed and then chopped before cooking.
Is this dish categorized as a vegetable lasagna?
Yes, 'vegetable lasagna' is one of the tags, though it also contains Italian sausage.
How many sheets of pasta are needed?
The recipe uses 9 sheets of lasagna noodles.
Is the sausage used with its casing?
No, the 1 1/4 lbs of sweet Italian sausage should be removed from the casings.
What flavor profile does the lemon provide?
The lemon zest and juice add a bright, fresh note to the savory sausage and chard.
Can I use coarse salt for the sauce?
Yes, the recipe recommends 1 1/2 teaspoons of coarse salt for the béchamel sauce.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 'one dish meal' because it is all baked together in a single pan.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 18 ingredients listed for this lasagna.
Is this recipe suitable for guests?
Yes, it is described as a gourmet dish that is sure to impress and invites everyone to dig in for seconds.