Creamy Courgette Lasagne Recipe

Introduction

This creamy courgette lasagne is a delicious vegetarian twist on a classic favorite. Filled with tender courgettes, ricotta, and cheddar cheese, it’s a comforting dish perfect for any night of the week. Simple to prepare and baked to golden perfection, it’s sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The dish has at least three layers visible: the top layer is golden-brown with melted crumbly white cheese and browned bits scattered on the surface; the middle layer appears green and creamy, likely made with vegetables and cheese; the bottom layer is pale yellow and creamy. A silver spoon rests inside the dish with some food scooped out, revealing the textures and colors of the layers. The dish sits on a soft blue and white striped cloth over a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 9 dried lasagne sheets
  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 700g courgettes (about 6), coarsely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 250g tub ricotta
  • 50g cheddar
  • 350g jar tomato sauce for pasta

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat the oven to 220°C (fan 200°C/gas mark 7). Bring a pan of water to a boil and cook the lasagne sheets for about 5 minutes until softened but not fully cooked. Rinse them in cold water and drizzle with a little oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, heat the sunflower oil in a large frying pan and fry the chopped onion for 3 minutes. Add the grated courgettes and crushed garlic, and continue to cook until the courgettes have softened and turned bright green.
  3. Step 3: Stir in two-thirds of the ricotta and cheddar cheese, then season the mixture to taste.
  4. Step 4: Heat the tomato sauce in the microwave on High for 2 minutes until hot.
  5. Step 5: In a large baking dish, start layering the lasagne by spreading half the courgette mixture evenly, then a layer of pasta sheets, followed by a layer of tomato sauce. Repeat the layers once more.
  6. Step 6: Top the lasagne with spoonfuls of the remaining ricotta and scatter over the rest of the cheddar cheese.
  7. Step 7: Bake on the top shelf of the oven for about 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese is golden and bubbling.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano or fresh basil to the courgette mixture.
  • Feel free to substitute ricotta with cottage cheese or a soft mozzarella for a different texture.
  • If you prefer a meatier lasagne, add cooked minced beef or turkey between the layers.
  • Use gluten-free lasagne sheets to make this recipe suitable for gluten-intolerant diets.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the lasagne in an airtight container for up to 1 month; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish filled with a layered baked lasagna. The top layer has a golden brown baked cheese with white crumbles scattered across it, some browned bits of sauce, and a slightly crispy texture. A large spoon rests in the dish, revealing the inside layers: a bottom layer of creamy, pale yellow sauce, a green spinach and cheese middle layer with visible leafy texture, and a top layer covered by pasta sheets coated with sauce and toppings. The dish sits on a folded blue and white striped cloth over a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh lasagne sheets instead of dried?

Yes, fresh lasagne sheets can be used and usually don’t require pre-cooking. Adjust the layering accordingly and reduce baking time slightly to prevent overcooking.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Replace ricotta and cheddar with plant-based cheese alternatives, and use a tomato sauce free from animal products. You can also add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost.

Print
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Creamy Courgette Lasagne Recipe


  • Author: Ben
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 46 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This creamy courgette lasagne is a delicious vegetarian twist on the classic Italian dish, featuring layers of tender lasagne sheets, sautéed courgettes and onions, ricotta, cheddar cheese, and rich tomato sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting family meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Lasagne Sheets

  • 9 dried lasagne sheets

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 tbsp sunflower oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 700g courgettes (about 6), coarsely grated
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed

Dairy

  • 250g tub ricotta
  • 50g cheddar cheese

Sauces

  • 350g jar tomato sauce for pasta

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta sheets: Heat your oven to 220°C (fan 200°C, gas mark 7). Bring a pan of water to a boil and cook the dried lasagne sheets for approximately 5 minutes until just softened but not fully cooked through. Drain and rinse them in cold water to stop cooking, then lightly drizzle with sunflower oil to prevent sticking.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat sunflower oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and fry for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the coarsely grated courgettes and crushed garlic, continuing to cook until the courgette softens and turns a vibrant green color.
  3. Mix the cheese: Stir two-thirds of the ricotta and cheddar cheese into the cooked vegetable mixture. Season to your liking with salt and pepper.
  4. Warm the tomato sauce: Heat the jar of tomato sauce in the microwave on High for 2 minutes until hot and ready to be layered.
  5. Assemble the lasagne: In a large baking dish, start with spreading half of the courgette mixture evenly. Layer over part of the lasagne sheets, followed by half of the warmed tomato sauce. Repeat the layering with the remaining courgette mixture, pasta sheets, and tomato sauce.
  6. Top and bake: Add dollops of the remaining ricotta cheese over the final layer, then scatter the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Place the baking dish on the top shelf of the oven and bake for about 10 minutes until the pasta is tender and the cheese on top is melted and golden.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook the lasagne sheets in boiling water; they should be softened but still firm to finish cooking in the oven.
  • You can substitute cheddar with mozzarella if you prefer a milder cheese flavor.
  • For a richer flavor, consider sprinkling some freshly grated Parmesan on top before baking.
  • Leftover lasagne can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: courgette lasagne, vegetarian lasagne, creamy lasagne, Italian recipe, pasta dish, ricotta cheese, cheddar cheese, easy dinner

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