Pesto Ricotta Lasagna Recipe (Easy Family Dinner)

Layers of sauce, cheese, and noodles baked together into something comforting and familiar, this Pesto Ricotta Christmas Lasagna version leans into everything I love about classic lasagna while adding a fresh twist with basil pesto, one of my all-time favorite flavors. The pesto weaves through the creamy ricotta, creating a lasagna that’s cozy and hearty but also bright, herby, and just a little unexpected.

Lasagna is one of those meals that always seems to find its way back into the rotation. It’s dependable, comforting, and the kind of dinner you know everyone will eat without complaints. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight, a Sunday supper, or a cozy gathering, lasagna has a way of showing up when you want something familiar but satisfying. And since basil pesto is one of my favorite things in the world, I couldn’t help but add a little twist. Swirling pesto into the layers brings a fresh, herby brightness that transforms classic lasagna into something just a little more special, still comforting, still hearty, but with a flavor that feels new and worth repeating.

This Pesto Ricotta Christmas Lasagna is the kind of recipe I reach for when I want something that feels special but still fits into real life. It works for a slow Sunday dinner, but it’s just as practical to prep ahead and bake on a busy evening. It reheats well, and tastes just as good the next day which makes this a wonderful week night recipe to make and aim for everyone to have leftovers for lunch the next day.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Ricotta Lasagna

• It’s a comforting twist on classic lasagna with bold, fresh flavor
• Uses simple ingredients you can find year-round
• Easy to prep ahead for busy nights or the holiday season
• Freezer-friendly and reheats beautifully

Pesto Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

Ingredients:

Meat Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 jar (24 oz) marinara sauce or tomato sauce
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• Optional: ¼ cup red wine or white wine

For the Ricotta Layer

• 15 oz whole-milk ricotta cheese, room temperature
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup basil pesto
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

• 9–12 lasagna noodles (or oven-ready lasagne sheets)
• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions

1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay flat so they don’t stick.

Skip this step if using oven-ready noodles.

2. Make the Meat Sauce

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or large pan over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.

Add onion and garlic and cook for a couple of minutes until softened. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Deglaze with wine if using, then add marinara sauce, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf.

Reduce to low heat and simmer while you prepare the ricotta layer.

3. Make the Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine ricotta cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, basil pesto and black pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.

4. Assemble the Lasagna

Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish, I usually use a 9×13-inch baking dish so the layers stay balanced and cook evenly, but an 8×8-inch dish works- just expect thicker layers and a few extra minutes in the oven.

Spread a thin layer of meat sauce on the bottom of the dish. Add a layer of noodles, followed by a layer of the pesto ricotta mixture. Spoon on more meat sauce.

Repeat layers until ingredients are used, finishing with noodles, sauce, and finish with mozzarella on top.

5. Bake

Cover tightly with foil (or plastic wrap removed before baking if prepping ahead). Bake lasagna covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake another 15 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.

Let rest 10 minutes before slicing so the layers hold together.

Side Dishes to Serve with Pesto Ricotta Lasagna:

Fresh & Light (to balance the richness)

• Classic Caesar salad
• Simple mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, and black pepper
• Arugula salad with shaved parmesan and balsamic glaze
• Cucumber and tomato salad with fresh basil

Bread Options (because lasagna bread)

• Garlic bread or garlic knots
• Warm crusty sourdough or artisan loaf
• Parmesan breadsticks

Roasted or Simple Veggies

• Roasted broccoli or broccolini with olive oil and kosher salt
• Roasted asparagus with lemon zest
• Sheet-pan green beans with garlic
• Sautéed zucchini or summer squash

FAQ’s:

Can I make pesto ricotta lasagna ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed.

Can I freeze this lasagna?

Absolutely. This Pesto Ricotta Christmas Lasagna recipe works great as a freezer meal. Assemble fully, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, or bake from frozen with extra time.

Do I have to use meat?

No. You can skip the meat sauce and use marinara sauce only, or add sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.

What kind of ricotta is best?

Whole-milk ricotta gives the creamiest texture and best flavor. Letting it come to room temperature helps it blend smoothly with the heavy cream.

Can I use oven-ready lasagne sheets?

Yes. Oven-ready noodles work well in this recipe. Make sure the sauce fully covers the noodles so they soften properly while baking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Can I make this without ricotta?

You can substitute cottage cheese or mascarpone for a similar creamy texture, though the flavor will change slightly.

How do I keep lasagna from being watery?

Use thick marinara sauce, don’t overdo the pesto, and let the lasagna rest before cutting. These steps help everything set properly.

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