There are certain dishes that just spark joy, especially when they bring a little unexpected magic to the table. For years, St. Patrick’s Day in my house meant green food coloring in everything from scrambled eggs to mashed potatoes.
Fun, yes, but not always the most gourmet experience! I wanted something truly special, something that felt festive and hearty without being just another dyed dish. That’s when the idea for a vibrant, layered Shamrock Lasagna first popped into my head.
I envisioned layers of vibrant green, rich creamy sauces, and savory fillings, all baked together in a comforting masterpiece. It had to be easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet impressive enough for a holiday gathering. After a few delicious experiments, I finally perfected my signature Shamrock Lasagna – a dish that brings smiles, warmth, and a delightful touch of emerald to any meal. This isn’t just green food; it’s a truly delicious, wholesome, and surprisingly simple way to celebrate!
### Why You’ll Love This Shamrock Lasagna Recipe
This Shamrock Lasagna isn’t just visually stunning; it’s a culinary hug in a dish! First, its vibrant green layers instantly brighten any table, making it perfect for St. Patrick’s Day or any occasion needing a splash of color.
Moreover, the flavors are absolutely incredible. You get the classic comfort of a rich lasagna elevated by fresh spinach, aromatic pesto, and a blend of creamy cheeses. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in extra greens, satisfying even the pickiest eaters.
This emerald lasagna truly works for busy lifestyles. You can easily prepare components ahead of time, then simply assemble and bake when you’re ready. Finally, it feeds a crowd effortlessly, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping.
You’ll definitely add this green lasagna to your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Crafting this delicious Shamrock Lasagna requires fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a precise list to guide your shopping:
* For the Meat Sauce:
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound lean ground chicken (or beef)
* 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
* 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
* 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
* 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* For the Green Ricotta Filling:
* 2 cups fresh spinach, packed (about 5 ounces)
* 15 ounces whole milk ricotta cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 large egg
* 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 2 tablespoons store-bought or homemade pesto (basil or spinach)
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
* For Assembly:
* 12 no-boil lasagna noodles (or regular, cooked al dente)
* 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (about 16 ounces)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
* Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Substitutions & Variations
This Shamrock Lasagna offers fantastic flexibility for customization!
* Protein Alternatives: Instead of ground chicken, use ground turkey, lean beef, or even ground lamb for a richer flavor. For a vegetarian green pasta bake, omit the meat sauce entirely and double the amount of spinach in the ricotta filling, adding sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the tomato sauce for extra texture and flavor.
* Cheese Options: Feel free to experiment with your cheese blend.
Provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a smoked Gouda can add different dimensions of flavor. For a tangier ricotta, incorporate a dollop of goat cheese or crème fraîche into the green filling.
* Greens Power-Up: Boost the green factor even more!
Add finely chopped kale or Swiss chard to the ricotta mixture alongside the spinach. You could also blanch and chop broccoli rabe or even peas, blending them into the ricotta for a more intense green hue and added nutrients.
* Pesto Preferences: While basil pesto is classic, try spinach pesto or even kale pesto for an even greener and slightly different flavor profile in your Shamrock Lasagna.
Nut-free pesto is also readily available if you have allergies.
* Noodle Choices: Gluten-free lasagna noodles work wonderfully if you need to accommodate dietary restrictions. If you prefer, you can use fresh pasta sheets, which bake up beautifully.
* Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, increase the red pepper flakes in the meat sauce. A pinch of cayenne pepper in the ricotta filling also adds a subtle warmth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Creating your delicious Shamrock Lasagna is a rewarding process. Follow these steps for perfect results:
1. Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, chopped fresh basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it gently simmer for at least 30 minutes, or up to an hour, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Make the Green Ricotta Filling: While the sauce simmers, prepare the green ricotta. If using fresh spinach, quickly blanch it in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately plunge it into ice water to stop cooking.
Squeeze out as much water as possible. Finely chop the spinach. In a large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, chopped fresh basil, chopped fresh parsley, pesto, and nutmeg.
Stir in the finely chopped spinach. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is a vibrant green. Season generously with salt and black pepper.
3. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
4. Assemble the Shamrock Lasagna:
* Spread a thin layer of meat sauce (about 1 cup) on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
* Arrange 3-4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
If using no-boil noodles, ensure they overlap slightly. If using cooked noodles, they should fit snugly.
* Evenly spread half of the green ricotta filling over the noodles.
* Sprinkle about 1.5 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese over the ricotta.
* Add another layer of meat sauce (about 1.5 cups) over the mozzarella.
* Repeat the noodle, green ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce layers once more.
* Place the final layer of noodles on top.
* Cover the top noodles with the remaining meat sauce.
* Generously sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
5. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. If you desire extra browning, you can place it under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
6. Rest and Serve: Let the Shamrock Lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting time allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut neat portions. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your delicious Shamrock Lasagna stays fresh and tasty.
* Refrigerator: Once completely cooled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or transfer individual slices to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* Freezer: Lasagna freezes beautifully!
You can freeze it whole or in individual portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, or place in freezer-safe containers. It will last for up to 3 months.
For best results, consider freezing it unbaked. Assemble the entire Shamrock Lasagna as directed, but stop before baking. Cover tightly and freeze.
When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as usual (you might need an extra 10-15 minutes).
* Reheating:
* Oven: For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out.
If reheating a whole lasagna, it might take 45-60 minutes.
* Microwave: Individual slices can be reheated in the microwave, usually taking 2-4 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power. Be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out the edges.
### What to Serve With This Recipe
This delightful Shamrock Lasagna is a hearty and satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a few simple sides can elevate the entire dining experience. A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette perfectly balances the richness of the lasagna. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Garlic bread or a crusty artisan loaf makes an excellent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or broccoli offer another healthy and flavorful side that complements the green theme beautifully. For a truly festive touch, a simple fruit salad adds a refreshing contrast. Keep it light and fresh to let the vibrant flavors of your Shamrock Lasagna truly shine!
FAQs
Can I make this Shamrock Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! This green lasagna recipe is perfect for making ahead.
You can assemble the entire dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking directly from the fridge.
What makes this lasagna “Shamrock”?
The “Shamrock” in this Shamrock Lasagna comes primarily from the vibrant green ricotta cheese filling, infused with fresh spinach, basil, and pesto. This gives the layers a beautiful, festive emerald hue that’s both visually appealing and delicious.
Can I use different types of greens in the filling?
Yes, feel free to get creative! While spinach provides a lovely mild flavor and bright color, you can also use finely chopped kale, Swiss chard, or even blanched broccoli florets. Just ensure you thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture from any greens before mixing them into the ricotta filling for this festive green cheese lasagna.
Is this Shamrock Lasagna freezer-friendly?
Indeed! This amazing Shamrock Lasagna freezes wonderfully, both baked and unbaked.
Follow the storage instructions above for best results. Freezing portions makes for quick and easy meals on busy days.
How can I ensure my lasagna isn’t watery?
The key to a non-watery lasagna lies in two main things: ensuring your meat sauce is not too thin (let it simmer to reduce slightly) and, crucially, squeezing all excess moisture from the blanched spinach for your green ricotta filling. This step is vital for preventing a soggy Shamrock Lasagna.
Print
Shamrock Lasagna
- Total Time: 80 mins
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Shamrock Lasagna is a vibrant, layered pasta dish featuring fresh spinach, aromatic pesto, and a blend of creamy cheeses, bringing a festive touch to your meal.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 medium Yellow Onion, finely chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 pound Lean Ground Chicken (or Beef)
1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce
1/2 cup Chicken or Vegetable Broth
2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, chopped
1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
Salt and freshly Ground Black Pepper to taste
2 cups Fresh Spinach, packed
15 ounces Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 large Egg
2 tablespoons Fresh Basil, chopped
2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons Pesto
1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
12 No-boil Lasagna Noodles (or regular, cooked al dente)
4 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (for topping)
Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the ground chicken, cook until browned, and then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for at least 30 minutes. Season with salt and pepper
- Make the Green Ricotta Filling: Blanch spinach and squeeze out excess water. In a bowl, mix ricotta, Parmesan, egg, basil, parsley, pesto, nutmeg, finely chopped spinach, and season with salt and pepper
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
- Assemble the lasagna by layering meat sauce, lasagna noodles, green ricotta filling, mozzarella, and repeat until all ingredients are used, finishing with noodles on top covered with meat sauce and cheese
- Bake covered with foil for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golde
- Let the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving
Notes
You can freeze the lasagna before baking for future meals.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 60 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
This Shamrock Lasagna isn’t just visually stunning; it’s a culinary hug in a dish! To enhance your dining experience, check out our tips on preparing dishes early to ease your cooking load by clicking Meal Prep Tips.
Shamrock Lasagna is a delightful dish that brings the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day to your dining table with its colorful layers and rich flavors. It exemplifies the creativity often found in modern culinary traditions, where classic recipes are infused with new life to celebrate various occasions; explore more about this culinary fusion at Culinary Fusion.