We absolutely love how the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe brings classic Italian comfort to your table without the hassle of boiling noodles. It’s a smart twist on tradition that saves time and delivers layers of cheesy goodness perfect for family dinners.
Originating from the innovative world of pasta brands like Creamette this dish lets us skip extra steps while packing in rich flavors. Whether you’re a busy parent or a home cook seeking simplicity our version promises a mouthwatering result that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
In our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe, we gather high-quality ingredients that simplify preparation while delivering authentic Italian flavors. Below, we list them in the order they’re used, with prep specifics for accuracy and ease.
- No-boil lasagna noodles: 12 sheets (from the Creamette brand), used as the base layer – no pre-boiling required for this time-saving twist.
- Ground Italian sausage: 1 pound, browned and drained to remove excess fat, adding savory depth as the first filling.
- Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped and sautéed until translucent, for building a flavorful foundation.
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced and added after the onion, to enhance aroma without overpowering.
- Crushed tomatoes: 2 cans (28 ounces each), combined for the sauce base – opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake.
- Tomato paste: 6 ounces, stirred in to thicken the sauce and intensify tomato flavor.
- Dried oregano and basil: 1 tablespoon each, crumbled to release oils, seasoning the sauce for that classic herbal note.
- Ricotta cheese: 2 cups, at room temperature and lightly whipped for smooth spreading in the cheese layers.
- Fresh mozzarella cheese: 2 cups, shredded and divided for melting over layers and the top.
- Parmesan cheese: 1 cup, freshly grated for sprinkling, providing a nutty finish.
- Fresh spinach: 2 cups, washed and roughly chopped, incorporated for added nutrition and texture in the middle layers.
- Egg: 1 large, beaten and mixed into the ricotta for binding the cheese mixture.
This selection ensures our recipe remains straightforward yet packed with rich, cheesy goodness, perfect for busy home cooks.
Equipment Needed
To assemble our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe efficiently, we rely on a few essential kitchen tools that streamline the process and ensure perfect results every time. These items help us layer flavors without the hassle of boiling noodles, saving time for busy home cooks.
We recommend the following equipment, organized by how we’ll use them in the recipe:
- 9×13 inch baking dish: This is our go-to for evenly baking the lasagna layers, allowing the no-boil noodles to absorb moisture and achieve that ideal tender texture.
- Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining cheeses like ricotta and Parmesan with spinach and egg, creating a creamy filling that binds the dish together.
- Skillet: We use this to quickly brown the ground Italian sausage, onion, and garlic, infusing the sauce with rich, authentic Italian flavors.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accuracy is key for our recipe, so these ensure precise measurements of ingredients like crushed tomatoes and dried herbs.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Essential for spreading sauce and cheese mixtures evenly across layers, helping us build a flawlessly structured lasagna.
- Cutting board and knife: These allow us to prep fresh ingredients such as onion and garlic with ease, minimizing mess and maximizing efficiency.
- Oven: A standard kitchen staple, preheated to 375°F, that transforms our assembled lasagna into a bubbling, golden masterpiece ready in about 45-50 minutes.
By having these tools ready, we make the preparation of our no-boil lasagna seamless and enjoyable, letting the focus stay on the delicious, cheesy layers that define this comforting dish.
Instructions
We make preparing our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe straightforward and efficient, guiding you through each step to create layers of rich, cheesy goodness without boiling noodles. Let’s ensure every ingredient from our list comes together seamlessly for a flavorful, family-favorite dish.
Prep the Ingredients
First, we gather and prepare the key components to build our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe. Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and adding 1 pound of ground Italian sausage, cooking it for 5-7 minutes until browned and crumbly for that authentic, savory base.
Next, chop 1 medium onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic, then add them to the skillet with the sausage and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened, releasing their aromatic essence that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors.
In a large mixing bowl, combine 15 ounces of ricotta cheese, 1 beaten egg, 1 cup of fresh spinach (roughly chopped), and 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil, stirring until smooth and creamy—this mixture will form the heart of our lasagna’s gooey, herbaceous layers.
Finally, grate 1 cup of Parmesan cheese and slice 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella, setting everything aside for easy assembly and ensuring the cheeses melt into a bubbly, golden delight.
Assemble the Lasagna
We layer our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe in a 9×13 inch baking dish for even cooking and picture-perfect results. Begin by spreading 1 cup of crushed tomatoes evenly across the bottom to create a flavorful foundation that locks in moisture.
Add a layer of no-boil lasagna noodles (about 4-5 sheets) over the sauce, ensuring they fit snugly without overlapping, then spoon half of the ricotta mixture on top and spread it smoothly for a creamy contrast.
Sprinkle half of the browned sausage mixture over the ricotta, followed by a handful of sliced mozzarella and grated Parmesan, building layers that promise a melty, irresistible texture with every bite.
Repeat the process with another layer of noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, sausage, and cheeses, finishing with a final layer of noodles topped with the rest of the crushed tomatoes and a generous cheese blanket—envision the savory aromas and cheesy pull as it bakes to perfection.
Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F, as we outlined in our equipment section, to achieve that ideal golden bake for our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe. Place the assembled dish in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until the top is bubbly and lightly browned, filling your kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of homemade Italian fare.
| Oven Type | Baking Time (minutes) | Key Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Conventional Oven | 45-50 | Bubbly top |
| Convection Oven | 40-45 | Even browning |
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the best features of our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules—we can prepare it ahead of time to save even more effort on weeknights. This method allows flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a richer, more aromatic dish straight from the oven. Below, we outline the steps to make, store, and bake your lasagna for optimal results.
Preparing the Lasagna in Advance
To get started, follow these steps after assembling the layers as described in the previous section:
- Assemble the dish completely: Layer the crushed tomatoes, no-boil lasagna noodles, ricotta mixture, sausage, and cheeses in your 9×13 inch baking dish as per the recipe. Do not bake it yet—this keeps the noodles perfectly tender when you’re ready to cook.
- Cover and refrigerate: Once assembled, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This step lets the no-boil noodles absorb moisture from the sauce, enhancing their texture and making the lasagna even more flavorful.
- Freezing for longer storage: If you want to prepare it further in advance, wrap the assembled lasagna twice in aluminum foil after the initial cover. Label it with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing helps preserve the fresh spinach and cheeses, maintaining that melty, bubbly goodness we love in a classic Italian dish.
Storage and Thawing Tips
Proper storage ensures safety and quality. Here’s a quick guide:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth; this maintains the savory sausage flavors and creamy ricotta filling. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Use freezer-safe dishes to avoid cracking; thawing slowly in the fridge preserves the dish’s moist, layered texture. |
When thawing, transfer the frozen lasagna from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours before baking. Avoid thawing at room temperature to keep the ingredients fresh and reduce the risk of uneven cooking.
Baking After Make-Ahead Preparation
Baking times may vary slightly depending on your method:
- From the refrigerator: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Remove the covering and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. The extended time compared to fresh baking allows the center to heat through evenly, releasing irresistible aromas of oregano, basil, and melted cheeses.
- From frozen: Add an extra 20-30 minutes to the baking time, so plan for 70-80 minutes total at 375°F. Cover with foil for the first 45 minutes to prevent the Parmesan from browning too quickly, then uncover for a perfectly crisp top.
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we ensure our Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe stays convenient, delivering that comforting, hearty meal whenever we need it.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe brings effortless Italian flavors to your table. It’s a game-changer for us busy folks, turning simple ingredients into a hearty meal that impresses every time.
As we wrap up, remember this recipe’s all about making weeknights easier without sacrificing taste. Give it a go and you’ll see why it’s become a staple in our kitchens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe?
The Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe is a convenient twist on classic Italian lasagna that skips boiling the noodles for easier prep. It uses no-boil lasagna sheets layered with sausage, cheeses, and veggies for rich, cheesy flavors. Ideal for busy home cooks, it saves time while delivering authentic taste in about 45-50 minutes of baking.
What ingredients are needed for the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe?
Key ingredients include no-boil lasagna noodles, ground Italian sausage, onion, garlic, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, basil, ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, and a beaten egg. This simple list ensures flavorful, cheesy layers without extra hassle, making it perfect for quick meals.
How do I prepare the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe?
Start by browning sausage, onion, and garlic in a skillet. Mix ricotta with spinach and herbs for the filling. Layer in a 9×13 baking dish: sauce, noodles, ricotta mixture, sausage, and cheeses. Bake at 375°F for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden. It’s straightforward and minimizes prep time.
Can I make the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the lasagna and refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months. For refrigerated, bake as directed. For frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake, adding extra time if needed. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights, enhancing flavors over time.
What equipment is required for the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe?
You’ll need a 9×13 baking dish for even cooking, a large mixing bowl for the cheese filling, a skillet for browning sausage, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a spatula for layering. Preheat your oven to 375°F to get that perfect golden top in under an hour.
How long does it take to bake the Creamette Lasagna No Boil Recipe?
It bakes for 45-50 minutes in a conventional oven at 375°F, or slightly less in a convection oven. Check for a bubbly, golden top to know it’s done. This time-saving recipe lets you enjoy a hearty meal with minimal effort, perfect for family dinners.