Author Notes: Consider this recipe a lighter, more casual way to enjoy lasagna, that crowd favorite, for a summery weeknight dinner.
Rather than layering noodles with loads (…more) —Sarah Waldman
Serves 6
- 1pound lasagna noodles
- 15ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
- 2lemons, zested and juiced
- 1tablespoon finely chopped mint
- 3tablespoons minced chives
- 1/4cup plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 1bunch asparagus, ends trimmed and stalks sliced in half lengthwise
- 1cup peas
- 1handful basil leaves, roughly torn
- 1bunch watercress or baby arugula, roughly chopped
- 1/3cup pine nuts, toasted in a dry pan
- First, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the lasagna noodles until al dente, about 9 minutes. Drain and arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet or clean counter so they don’t stick together.
- While the pasta cooks, scoop the ricotta cheese into a large bowl and mix in the zest of 1 lemon, juice of 2 lemons, mint, chives, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 cup olive oil. Set aside.
- Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the asparagus and peas with a pinch of salt until bright green and just tender, about 3 minutes.
- Toss the lasagna noodles with the ricotta cheese mixture. Taste and add salt if needed. Arrange the coated noodles on a large platter or in a serving bowl. Top with asparagus, peas, basil, watercress, and pine nuts. To finish, sprinkle over the remaining lemon zest and serve warm or at room temperature.