Three-Cheese Lasagna with Tomato Basil Sauce
Layered pasta with a balance of three cheeses and a simple tomato sauce, highlighting the harmony of ingredients without claiming superiority. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes pairs lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 8, 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
- 12 sheets lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups tomato basil sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread 1/2 cup tomato basil sauce evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Layer 4 lasagna noodles over sauce, then spread 1/2 cup ricotta cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella over the noodles.
- Step 3: Top with 1/3 cup tomato basil sauce, then repeat layers: 4 noodles, remaining ricotta and mozzarella, and another 1/3 cup sauce.
- Step 4: Cover with foil, bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and sprinkle with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan. Bake 15 minutes more until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Three-Cheese Lasagna with Tomato Basil Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 60 minutes (20 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 Three-Cheese Lasagna with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 Three-Cheese Lasagna with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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 Three-Cheese Lasagna with Tomato Basil Sauce for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). 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 Three-Cheese Lasagna with Tomato Basil Sauce?
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.
