This Artichoke and Pancetta Lasagna recipe is a flavorful twist on the classic Italian dish. Layers of tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta cheese, artichoke hearts, and crispy pancetta are baked to perfection in a rich marinara sauce. The combination of savory pancetta and the unique taste of artichokes adds a delicious depth of flavor to this comforting dish. It is sure to be a hit at your next family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 4 cups marinara sauce
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces pancetta, diced
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced pancetta and cook until crispy. Remove the pancetta from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Add the chopped artichoke hearts to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped basil, and chopped parsley.
- Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a baking dish.
- Place a layer of cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce, slightly overlapping each other.
- Spread half of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the artichoke mixture and half of the crispy pancetta. Sprinkle with a third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat the layers, starting with the marinara sauce and ending with the mozzarella cheese.
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Interesting Facts
Lasagna is a traditional Italian dish that originated in Naples.
The word 'lasagna' refers to both the dish itself and the pasta sheets used in the recipe.
Artichokes are low in calories and high in fiber, making them a nutritious addition to this lasagna recipe.
Pancetta is an Italian bacon made from pork belly that is salt-cured and spiced with black pepper, nutmeg, and other herbs.
The combination of artichoke and pancetta adds a unique and delicious flavor profile to this lasagna dish.