Ina Garten’s Garden-Fresh Vegetable Lasagna Recipe Magic

Layered with vibrant vegetables and rich, creamy cheese, this Ina Garten vegetable lasagna recipe bursts with Mediterranean flavors that dance on your palate.

Fresh seasonal produce becomes the star of this comforting dish.

Hearty eggplant, zucchini, and tomatoes create a symphony of textures and colors.

Each bite promises a delightful combination of soft pasta sheets and robust vegetable medley.

The recipe balances rustic simplicity with gourmet elegance, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings.

Aromatic herbs and carefully selected cheeses elevate this classic Italian-inspired creation.

You’ll fall in love with every forkful of this mouthwatering vegetable masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients Used in Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna

• Eggplant: Select firm, glossy purple beauties without blemishes for robust flavor and perfect texture.
• Zucchini: Choose bright green, medium-sized squash with smooth skin for delicate sweetness.
• Garlic: Pick plump, firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin to enhance vegetable depth.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin oil ensures perfect vegetable caramelization and rich taste.
• Oregano: Fresh or dried herbs add Mediterranean warmth and aromatic complexity.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy base that provides luxurious texture and subtle milky undertones.
• Goat Cheese: Tangy ingredient that brings sophisticated, sharp flavor profile.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese contributing nutty, salty dimensions to the lasagna.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers classic, stretchy melting quality for ultimate comfort.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create smooth, cohesive cheese mixture.
• Basil: Fresh herb adding bright, peppery notes and classic Italian essence.

• Lasagna Noodles: Soft, delicate pasta sheets forming the structural backbone of dish.
• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato base bringing classic Italian garden freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings balancing and elevating overall flavor complexity.

Tools Needed for Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna

• Large sheet pans: Perfect for roasting vegetables evenly.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Large mixing bowl: For combining ricotta cheese mixture.
• Pastry brush: Helps evenly coat vegetables with olive oil.
• Sharp knife: Needed for slicing vegetables.
• Baking dish (9×13 inch): For assembling and baking the lasagna.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures precise ingredient amounts.
• Colander: Used for draining pasta noodles.

Cooking Instructions for Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna

• Vegetable Preparation

Slice eggplant and zucchini into thin, elegant strips that will create beautiful layers in the lasagna. Select fresh, vibrant vegetables from the market for the most robust flavor profile.

• Roasting Magic

Spread the vegetable slices on baking sheets, creating a single layer. Drizzle with a generous stream of olive oil and sprinkle with aromatic herbs that will enhance the natural vegetable sweetness.

• Cheese Blend

Create a luxurious cheese mixture by combining creamy ricotta, tangy goat cheese, and freshly chopped basil. This blend will add rich, complex flavors to the lasagna’s texture.

• Noodle Softening

Gently immerse lasagna noodles in warm water, allowing them to become pliable and ready for layering. Drain carefully to maintain their delicate structure.

• Layering Technique

Begin assembling the lasagna by alternating marinara sauce, roasted vegetables, tender noodles, and the decadent cheese mixture. Repeat the layers to build depth and complexity of flavors.

• Baking Perfection

Place the assembled lasagna in a preheated oven, allowing the ingredients to meld together and create a bubbling, golden masterpiece. Let the dish rest briefly after baking to set the layers and intensify the flavors.

Flavor Boosts for Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna

• Slice eggplant and zucchini evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent soggy layers in your lasagna.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or pecorino to customize the flavor profile and create a unique taste experience.
• Prepare the lasagna up to two days in advance and store covered in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime stress-free.
• Incorporate seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to add extra nutrition and color to the classic vegetable lasagna.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano leaves between layers or as a garnish to elevate the aromatic quality and bring brightness to the dish.

Serving Ideas for Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the rich lasagna with a crisp, light green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy, hearty layers.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, artisan baguette or rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious marinara and cheese sauce from the lasagna.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to enhance the robust vegetable and cheese flavors of this classic dish.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish to the lasagna.

Storage Advice for Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover lasagna in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, storing in the freezer for 2-3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Portion and Pack: Cut lasagna into individual servings before storing, making it easier to grab a quick lunch or dinner throughout the week without defrosting the entire dish.

Ultimate Ina Garten Vegetable Lasagna Recipe

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4.7 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s vegetable lasagna brings layers of Mediterranean-inspired comfort to classic Italian cuisine. Garden-fresh ingredients and creamy ricotta create a satisfying meatless meal perfect for sharing with friends.

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Ingredients

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• 2 extra-large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (3 cloves)
• ½ cup (20 grams) chopped fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
• ⅔ cup (160 milliliters / 5.4 fl oz) good olive oil
• 4 ½ cups (1.1 liters / 37 fl oz) bottled marinara sauce, such as Rao’s
• 10 oz (283 grams) lasagna noodles, such as De Cecco
• 1 ½ lb (680 grams) eggplant, unpeeled, sliced lengthwise ¼-inch thick
• ¾ lb (340 grams) zucchini, unpeeled, sliced lengthwise ¼-inch thick
• 16 oz (454 grams) fresh whole-milk ricotta
• 8 oz (227 grams) creamy garlic-and-herb goat cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb (454 grams) lightly salted fresh mozzarella, very thinly sliced
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Vegetable Preparation: Slice eggplant and zucchini into uniform thin pieces. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
2. Roasting Process: Spread vegetables on parchment-lined baking sheets. Roast at 375°F for 25 minutes until softened, adding minced garlic during the final 5 minutes to intensify flavors.
3. Noodle Preparation: Soak lasagna noodles in hot water for 15 minutes, then drain carefully.
4. Cheese Mixture Creation: Blend ricotta, goat cheese, eggs, fresh basil, Parmesan, salt, and pepper into a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Lasagna Assembly: Lower oven temperature to 350°F. Begin layering with a thin marinara sauce base, then strategically alternate roasted vegetables, softened noodles, mozzarella, and cheese mixture. Repeat layering twice to ensure balanced flavor distribution.
6. Final Touches: Top the final layer with remaining marinara sauce and a generous Parmesan cheese sprinkle.
7. Baking and Resting: Bake for 60-70 minutes until the surface turns golden and bubbly. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow proper setting and easier portioning.

Notes

• Slice Evenly: Cut vegetables uniformly to guarantee consistent cooking and ideal texture throughout the lasagna.
• Season Generously: Coat vegetables with olive oil and herbs to maximize caramelization and develop deep, rich flavors.
• Layer Strategically: Create balanced layers by distributing ingredients evenly to ensure each bite contains a perfect blend of vegetables, cheese, and sauce.
• Rest Patiently: Let lasagna sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow ingredients to set, making cutting and serving cleaner and more manageable.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg