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Homemade Spinach Pesto Lasagna Recipe (Keto Friendly) photo

Spinach Pesto Lasagna Recipe (Keto Friendly)

A bright spinach-basil pesto lasagna layered with ricotta and mozzarella for a low-carb, flavorful dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup walnuts toasted
  • 1 cup fresh basil
  • 4 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • lemon zest and juice from 1 lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp garlic minced
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 cup water for thinning pesto
  • 9 oz lasagna noodles gluten-free almond flour pasta or regular noodles; prepare according to package directions
  • 15 oz ricotta low-fat or regular, divided
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese divided
  • 6 cherry tomatoes halved

Equipment

  • 8x11 (or similar) oven-safe casserole dish
  • Skillet
  • Food processor or blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Aluminum Foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×11-inch oven-safe casserole dish and set aside.
  2. Prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions: either use as-is if they are no-boil sheets or boil until al dente if required; drain and set aside.
  3. Make the spinach-basil pesto: toast the walnuts in a small skillet over medium-low heat 3–5 minutes until lightly browned and fragrant. Transfer to a food processor.
  4. Add basil, spinach, olive oil, lemon zest and juice, salt, pepper, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and water to the food processor with the toasted walnuts; puree until smooth, adding more water a tablespoon at a time if needed to reach a spreadable consistency.
  5. Assemble the first layer: spread 1/2 cup of the pesto over the bottom of the prepared dish. Add a single flat layer of lasagna noodles (cut to fit if necessary). Spread half of the ricotta over the noodles, dollop with 1/4 cup pesto, and sprinkle with 1/4 cup of the mozzarella.
  6. Assemble the second layer: add another flat layer of noodles, spread the remaining ricotta over them, top with half of the remaining pesto, and sprinkle with half of the remaining mozzarella.
  7. Top layer: add the final layer of noodles, spread the remaining pesto over the noodles, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and arrange the halved cherry tomatoes cut-side down across the top.
  8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  9. Let the lasagna rest 5 minutes, run a spatula around the edges to loosen, then cut into portions and serve.

Notes

  • Some lasagna sheets are no-boil; follow the package instructions.
  • Cappello’s lasagna sheets (9 oz) made three layers in an 8×11 dish for this recipe.
  • You can use low-fat or regular ricotta according to preference.
  • Toast walnuts lightly to boost flavor before blending.