White Pesto Spinach Lasagna
Lasagna is one of those dishes that feels like pure comfort layered in a baking dish. While traditional red-sauce lasagna is beloved, there’s something incredibly luxurious about a creamy white lasagna filled with herbs, cheese, and tender greens. White Pesto Spinach Lasagna takes that comforting classic and transforms it into a rich, elegant meal bursting with fresh flavor.
This version layers tender lasagna noodles with creamy béchamel sauce, vibrant basil pesto, sautéed spinach, and a generous mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. The result is a velvety, cheesy pasta bake that feels indulgent yet balanced thanks to the brightness of herbs and greens.
Every bite delivers soft pasta, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and fragrant basil pesto. It’s comforting enough for family dinner yet special enough to serve when friends gather around the table.
And although it looks impressive, this lasagna is surprisingly simple to make. With a few easy steps and fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas and brings everyone back for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna
Creamy and Comforting
The white béchamel sauce creates a smooth, rich base that makes the lasagna incredibly satisfying.
Bright Pesto Flavor
Basil pesto adds fresh herb flavor that balances the creamy cheese and sauce.
Packed with Spinach
Spinach adds color, nutrition, and a gentle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Perfect for Vegetarian Dinners
This hearty lasagna is filling and flavorful without needing meat.
Great for Entertaining
It can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed, making it perfect for gatherings.
Ingredients
For the White Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
For the Filling
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ⅓ cup basil pesto
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the lasagna noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the white sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. - Add milk and garlic
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Cook for a few minutes until smooth and creamy. - Cook the spinach
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the chopped spinach for about 2–3 minutes until wilted. - Mix the cheese filling
In a bowl, combine ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, half of the Parmesan, and the cooked spinach. Stir well. - Start layering
Spread a thin layer of white sauce on the bottom of the baking dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce. - Add filling and pesto
Spread part of the ricotta-spinach mixture over the noodles, drizzle with pesto, and spoon over some white sauce. - Repeat layers
Continue layering noodles, cheese mixture, pesto, and sauce until all ingredients are used. - Top with cheese
Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. - Bake
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. - Rest before serving
Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set properly.
White Pesto Spinach Lasagna
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish.
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions.
- Make white sauce by melting butter, whisking flour, and adding milk until thick.
- Stir garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg into the sauce.
- Sauté spinach in olive oil until wilted.
- Mix ricotta, half the mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach.
- Layer noodles, white sauce, ricotta mixture, and pesto.
- Repeat layers and finish with mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake covered for 25 minutes then uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Let rest 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Tips for Perfect Lasagna
Don’t Skip the Resting Time
Allowing the lasagna to sit for a few minutes after baking helps the layers hold together.
Use Quality Pesto
Fresh or homemade pesto adds the best flavor.
Cook the Sauce Slowly
Whisking constantly prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.
Drain Spinach Well
If the spinach releases extra moisture, gently squeeze it out before adding it to the filling.
Flavor Variations
This lasagna is incredibly flexible and can easily be customized.
Mushroom Spinach Lasagna
Add sautéed mushrooms between the layers for deeper flavor.
Chicken Pesto Lasagna
Include shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal.
Three-Cheese Version
Add provolone or fontina for extra richness.
Zucchini Lasagna
Swap some noodles for thin zucchini slices to make a lighter version.
Serving Suggestions
White pesto spinach lasagna pairs beautifully with simple sides that balance its richness.
Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up extra creamy sauce.
Fresh Green Salad
A crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness.
Roasted Vegetables
Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts complement the creamy pasta.
Sparkling Water with Lemon
A refreshing drink that keeps the meal light.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Lasagna freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly before freezing.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual portions.
A Creamy Twist on a Classic Comfort Food
There’s something magical about a bubbling dish of lasagna fresh from the oven. White Pesto Spinach Lasagna takes everything people love about the classic dish — rich layers, melted cheese, and comforting pasta — and adds a fresh, herb-filled twist.
The creamy white sauce makes every bite velvety and satisfying, while the pesto adds brightness and depth. Spinach brings balance and color, making the dish feel hearty but not overly heavy.
Whether served for a cozy family dinner, a weekend gathering, or a comforting meal on a chilly evening, this lasagna is guaranteed to bring smiles to the table.
