Mixed-up Lasagna 🍝🌿

This creative twist on traditional lasagna combines unexpected flavors and ingredients for a fun and satisfying dish. It's a layered wonder of textures and tastes that appeals to both classic lasagna lovers and adventurous eaters alike. Serve it with a side salad and some garlic bread for a wholesome meal! 🍞🧄

Ingredients

For the layers

• 9 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 cup roasted red peppers, diced
• 1/2 cup black olives, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the "mixed-up" twist

• 1 cup cooked quinoa (for added protein)
• 1/2 cup pesto (for a flavor kick)
• 1 cup diced cooked chicken or mushrooms (optional for protein)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

🥄 Make sure to drizzle a little olive oil over the noodles to prevent them from sticking together while you prepare the rest of the ingredients!

• In a bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

• In a separate bowl, toss together the spinach, zucchini, roasted red peppers, black olives, and cooked quinoa. This mixture will add a wholesome touch to your lasagna layers!

• Spread 1/2 cup of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.

• Layer three lasagna noodles on top of the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the veggie-quinoa blend.

• Add a layer of diced chicken or mushrooms if you're using them, and drizzle 1/4 cup of pesto over the top.

• Repeat the layering process: add another three lasagna noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, and the remaining veggie-quinoa blend. Top with a final layer of lasagna noodles.

• Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle the rest of the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the sauce.

• Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

🧀 If you want a crispier top, you can broil the lasagna for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end—just keep a close eye on it!

• Once the lasagna is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with extra mushrooms or any favorite roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian dish! 🌱
• Spicy: Add sliced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce for a spicy kick!
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles. You can also try zucchini slices as a noodle alternative for a low-carb version! 🥒
• Cheesy Delight: For extra cheesiness, feel free to layer in additional cheese between the layers or top with burrata for a creamy finish!

Enjoy your marvelous Mixed-up Lasagna experience—it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser! 🎉🍽️