Zesty Turkey Lasagna with Pesto Cream Sauce
Indulge in the rich flavors of our Zesty Turkey Lasagna with Pesto Cream Sauce, a delightful concoction created by my twin sister and me, inspired by our family friend from Bologna. This elegant and vibrant pasta dish embraces the classic essence of traditional lasagna while introducing a fresh twist that elevates it to new heights. The turkey Bolognese adds a heartwarming depth, perfectly complemented by the creamy pesto béchamel that dances on your palate. While the preparation requires a bit of love and attention, the final dish promises to impress at any gathering. Plus, enjoy the luxury of leftovers, as this lasagna freezes beautifully for those cozy nights. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this dish will surely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground turkey
1 lb (raw)
celery
1 stalk (finely chopped)
carrot
1 stalk (finely chopped)
onion
1 large (finely chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
olive oil
as needed (for sautéing)
white wine
1/2 cup (dry)
tomato paste
1 can (standard)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
fresh parsley
1/3 cup (chopped)
water
4 cans (about 4 cups)
basil
1 bunch (fresh, leaves only)
garlic (for pesto)
3 cloves (minced)
fresh parsley (for pesto)
1/3 cup (chopped)
olive oil (for pesto)
1 cup (extra virgin)
butter
3/8 cup (unsalted)
flour
1/3 cup (all-purpose)
skim milk
3 cups
Barilla lasagna noodles
1 package (no-boil preferred)
parmesan cheese
to taste (grated for topping)
Instructions
1
Prepare the Bolognese Sauce: Using a food processor or blender, puree the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until finely chopped.
2
In a heavy saucepan, cover the bottom with olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté until softened, about 15 minutes.
3
Add the ground turkey to the pan and cook until browned, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Pour in the white wine, stirring to deglaze the pan and allow it to evaporate completely.
5
Mix in the tomato paste and add 4 cans of water, stirring well to combine. Add the fresh parsley, cover partially, and let the sauce simmer on low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally until it thickens.
6
Prepare the Pesto: In a clean food processor, combine basil, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. Set aside.
7
Make the Bechamel Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring continuously for 5 minutes until just starting to color.
8
Gradually pour in the skim milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Continue to stir over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9
Stir 1 cup of the pesto sauce into the béchamel sauce, mixing well until incorporated.
10
Assemble the Lasagna: In a baking dish (11 x 13 inches), start with a thin layer of Bolognese sauce. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of the pesto béchamel. Add another layer of Bolognese sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Repeat the layering process (noodles, pesto béchamel, Bolognese sauce, parmesan) until the dish is filled, finishing with a layer of béchamel and topped with grated parmesan.
11
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 50 to 60 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to lightly brown the top.
12
Let the lasagna rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Turkey Lasagna with Pesto Cream Sauce?
It is an elegant pasta dish featuring turkey Bolognese and a creamy pesto béchamel sauce, inspired by a traditional family recipe from Bologna.
Who created this lasagna recipe?
The recipe was created by the author and their twin sister, inspired by a family friend from Bologna, Italy.
Is this lasagna suitable for freezing?
Yes, this dish freezes beautifully, making it ideal for preparing ahead of time or saving leftovers for future meals.
What meat is used in the Bolognese sauce?
The recipe uses one pound of raw ground turkey to create a heartwarming and flavorful Bolognese sauce.
How should I prepare the vegetables for the sauce?
You should use a food processor or blender to puree the onion, celery, carrot, and garlic until they are finely chopped.
What type of wine is recommended for deglazing?
The recipe calls for half a cup of dry white wine to deglaze the pan after browning the turkey.
How long does the turkey Bolognese need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer on low heat for approximately 1 hour until it has thickened appropriately.
What ingredients are in the homemade pesto?
The pesto is made from a bunch of fresh basil, three cloves of minced garlic, one-third cup of chopped parsley, and one cup of extra virgin olive oil.
How is the pesto cream sauce created?
The pesto cream sauce is made by stirring one cup of the prepared pesto directly into the finished béchamel sauce.
What are the ingredients for the béchamel sauce?
The béchamel consists of unsalted butter, all-purpose flour, and skim milk, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How long does it take to thicken the béchamel?
After adding the milk, the mixture should be stirred over medium heat for about 10 minutes until it reaches a thick consistency.
What size baking dish should be used?
An 11 x 13 inch baking dish is required for assembling and baking the lasagna.
What is the very first layer in the baking dish?
Assembly begins with a thin layer of the prepared turkey Bolognese sauce at the bottom of the dish.
What is the specific order of the layers?
The layering process follows this order: lasagna noodles, pesto béchamel, Bolognese sauce, and then a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
What serves as the final topping on the lasagna?
The dish is finished with a final layer of béchamel sauce topped with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
What is the total baking time for this recipe?
The lasagna needs to bake for a total of 50 to 60 minutes.
Should the lasagna be covered while baking?
Yes, the dish should be covered with aluminum foil for the majority of the baking time to retain moisture.
When should I remove the aluminum foil?
The foil should be removed during the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the top to lightly brown.
How long should the lasagna rest after leaving the oven?
It is recommended to let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
What type of lasagna noodles are best for this recipe?
The recipe suggests one package of Barilla lasagna noodles, with no-boil noodles being the preferred choice.
Is this a healthier alternative to traditional lasagna?
Yes, by utilizing ground turkey and skim milk, it provides a lighter profile while maintaining rich flavors.
Can I use fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe specifically calls for fresh chopped parsley in both the Bolognese and the pesto for optimal flavor.
How many total garlic cloves are used in this dish?
The recipe uses a total of five garlic cloves: two for the Bolognese and three for the pesto.
What role does the tomato paste play in the Bolognese?
One standard can of tomato paste is mixed with water to provide the concentrated tomato base for the meat sauce.
How much milk is needed for the pesto cream sauce base?
Three cups of skim milk are used to prepare the béchamel portion of the sauce.
What kind of olive oil is best for the pesto?
Extra virgin olive oil is recommended to achieve the best flavor and consistency in the pesto.
Is this recipe good for special occasions?
Yes, its elegant presentation and complex flavor profile make it perfect for family gatherings or special celebrations.
What kind of butter should I use for the béchamel?
The recipe calls for 3/8 cup of unsalted butter to create the roux for the béchamel sauce.
Can I use pre-grated parmesan cheese?
The recipe suggests using grated parmesan cheese to taste for both the internal layers and the top crust.