Radiant Tomato and Basil Lasagna
A vibrant, sunlit lasagna layered with fresh tomatoes, basil, and creamy ricotta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 85 minutes pairs lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, ricotta cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 tomato sauce
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh basil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil 9 oz lasagna noodles in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Sauté 3 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 2 cups tomato sauce, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Step 3: Layer 1/3 cooked noodles in a baking dish, then spread 1/3 tomato sauce, 1/3 ricotta, 1/3 mozzarella, and 1/3 basil. Repeat layers twice. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, and mozzarella. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Radiant Tomato and Basil Lasagna take to make?
Total time is about 85 minutes (40 min prep + 45 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 Radiant Tomato and Basil 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 Radiant Tomato and Basil 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 Radiant Tomato and Basil 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 Radiant Tomato and Basil 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
- ★★★★★
The step-by-step instructions were super clear. Turned out perfect on my first try.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
