Description
Classic lasagna from Italy combines layers of rich ricotta, hearty meat sauce, and melted mozzarella for a comforting meal. Cheese lovers savor each bite of this traditional family-style dish that brings warmth to dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne, spaghetti, or your choice)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Cream Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
Seasoning and Herbs:
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water at high heat until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Keep 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
- Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature, creating a golden base.
- Introduce minced garlic into the butter, allowing aromatic flavors to bloom and release delicate fragrance.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing mixture to gently simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes while stirring intermittently.
- Integrate mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses gradually, whisking continuously until smooth and velvety texture develops.
- Transfer drained pasta directly into cheese sauce, folding carefully to ensure complete coating and even distribution.
- Adjust sauce consistency by incorporating reserved pasta water as needed, creating silky, luxurious texture.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and modifying seasoning to personal preference.
- Sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley across the top for vibrant color and herbaceous finish.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring optimal flavor and creamy consistency.
Notes
- Ensure pasta reaches al dente texture by tasting during cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect pasta bite.
- Reserve pasta water strategically as a secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency and help cheese melt smoothly without separating.
- Grate cheese freshly for maximum flavor and smoother melting compared to pre-packaged shredded cheese.
- Lower heat when adding cheese to prevent burning and create silky, creamy sauce texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 762 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 47 g
- Saturated Fat: 28 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 57 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg