Five-Layer Lasagna
A classic lasagna with five layers of pasta, ricotta, and marinara for a rich, comforting meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 70 minutes pairs lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, marinara sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 9 oz lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 1 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil 9 oz lasagna noodles in a pot of salted water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated parmesan, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Step 3: In a large oven-safe dish, layer 1/2 cup marinara sauce, a single layer of lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1/2 cup marinara sauce, another layer of noodles, 1/3 of the ricotta mixture, 1 cup marinara sauce, and repeat for two more layers, ending with a top layer of marinara sauce.
- Step 4: Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Five-Layer Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (30 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Five-Layer Lasagna?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lasagna noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Five-Layer Lasagna?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Five-Layer Lasagna for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Five-Layer Lasagna?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Brought this to a potluck and it was the first dish to disappear.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
