This Creamy White Pesto Lasagna Recipe is the ultimate comfort food with a gourmet twist. Layers of tender no-boil lasagna noodles are combined with a rich homemade white cheese sauce, basil pesto, spinach, provolone, and Parmesan for a creamy, cheesy lasagna that’s packed with flavor.
Perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or meal prepping, this vegetarian lasagna is hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table.
Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time
Servings: 8–10
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Pesto Lasagna Recipe
- Rich and creamy homemade white sauce
- Packed with cheesy goodness
- Easy no-boil lasagna noodles
- Perfect make-ahead dinner
- Great vegetarian comfort food
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep
Ingredients for Creamy White Pesto Lasagna
The Lasagna Layers
1 box no-boil lasagna noodles
2 (10-ounce) packages frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
1½ cups basil pesto
These simple layers create the perfect combination of creamy, herby, and cheesy flavors in every bite.
The White Cheese Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons salted butter
1 shallot, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
2 cups vegetable broth
The homemade white sauce is rich, velvety, and serves as the perfect base for this flavorful lasagna.
The Cheese
2 cups shredded provolone cheese
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Provolone melts beautifully into the sauce while Parmesan adds a rich, nutty finish.
The Herbs & Seasonings
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Classic herbs enhance the basil pesto and give the lasagna incredible depth of flavor.
Equipment We Love for This Recipe
- 9 x 13-inch baking dish
- Large saucepan – the best! Use code MCKMICHCOLLECTIVE for 10% off
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
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Creamy White Pesto Lasagna Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 shallot finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 cups shredded provolone cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese divided
- 1½ cups basil pesto
- 2 10-ounce packages frozen spinach, thawed and well drained
- 1 box no-boil lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the olive oil and butter together.
- Add the chopped shallot, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the provolone cheese and ½ cup of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
- Spread about one-quarter of the sauce in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Top with 3 to 4 lasagna noodles. Spread half of the basil pesto over the noodles, then add half of the spinach.
- Repeat the layers with sauce, noodles, remaining pesto, remaining spinach, and more sauce.
- Add one final layer of noodles and spread the remaining sauce over the top.
- Sprinkle with the remaining ½ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
How to Make Creamy White Pesto Lasagna
Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
In a medium saucepan, melt the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped shallot, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper, then cook until the shallot is tender and fragrant.
Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute before gradually adding the milk and vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the provolone cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
Spread a layer of the white sauce into the baking dish, followed by the lasagna noodles, basil pesto, and spinach. Continue layering until all of the ingredients have been used, finishing with noodles, the remaining white sauce, and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Allow the lasagna to rest before slicing for clean, beautiful servings.
What to Serve with Creamy White Pesto Lasagna
This creamy lasagna pairs beautifully with:
It’s also delicious served alongside:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted asparagus
- Garlic green beans
- Grilled zucchini
Finish your meal with Easy Berry Tiramisu Recipe for dessert.
Storage & Reheating
Storage
Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze the baked or unbaked lasagna tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking or reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole, covered with foil, in a 350°F oven until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes! Sauté about 10 ounces of fresh spinach until wilted, then drain off any excess moisture before layering it into the lasagna.
Can I substitute another cheese?
Absolutely. Mozzarella, fontina, or Monterey Jack all work well alongside or in place of the provolone.
Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
Can I add chicken?
Definitely. Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken makes a delicious addition if you’d like a heartier meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Pesto Lasagna Recipe is a fresh take on classic lasagna, combining a velvety homemade white sauce, fragrant basil pesto, tender spinach, and plenty of melted cheese. It’s elegant enough for entertaining yet simple enough for a cozy family dinner, making it a recipe you’ll reach for again and again.
If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.
Enjoy!
McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective
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