A Delicious Homemade Fresh Pasta Lasagna Recipe for Your Next Dinner Party

Introduction

Creating a homemade fresh pasta lasagna is a delightful way to impress your guests at a dinner party. The combination of fresh pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory meat, and indulgent cheese makes this classic Italian dish a crowd-pleaser. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions for making your own fresh pasta for the lasagna sheets, elevating the dish to a whole new level of flavor and texture.

Ingredients

For the Fresh Pasta:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Pinch of salt

For the Lasagna Filling:

• 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 24 oz canned crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 16 oz ricotta cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 1 pound mozzarella cheese, shredded

For the Béchamel Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg

Directions

Step 1: Make the Fresh Pasta

1. On a clean work surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
2. Crack the eggs into the well and add a pinch of salt.
3. Using a fork, gently beat the eggs and gradually incorporate the flour from the inner rim of the well.
4. Once the dough comes together, knead it for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes.
6. After resting, roll out the pasta dough and cut it into lasagna sheets.
7. Cook the sheets in boiling salted water for 1-2 minutes, then transfer to a bowl of cold water. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Lasagna Filling

1. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, and oregano.
4. Simmer the sauce for 20-30 minutes, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, and beaten egg until well combined.

Step 3: Make the Béchamel Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for a few minutes to make a roux.
3. Gradually add the milk, whisking continuously until smooth and thickened.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Lasagna

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spread a thin layer of the meat sauce in the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Arrange a single layer of fresh pasta sheets on top of the meat sauce.
4. Spread a layer of the ricotta mixture, followed by a layer of the béchamel sauce and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.
5. Repeat the layers until all ingredients are used, ending with a layer of mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 25 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.

FAQ

Can I prepare the lasagna in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This is a great time-saving tip for entertaining.

Can I use store-bought pasta instead of making fresh pasta?

Absolutely! While fresh pasta enhances the lasagna, you can still achieve great results using store-bought lasagna sheets.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Leftover lasagna can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Simply thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Creating a homemade fresh pasta lasagna is a labor of love that pays off with every delicious bite. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a comforting family meal, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire.