Baked Italian Meals - With a Twist

Classic baked Italian meals are reimagined or completely (and deliciously) revolutionized.

BY VICKI MARTINEZ

When the cold comes along and the coats and hats and gloves are at the ready, there's no better time to bring out the casserole dishes.

We all have our standbys, our go-to meals, for good reason—they’re family favs, they’re quick and easy, or the necessary ingredients are ever-present pantry staples. Yet, in the same way our winter wardrobe needs the occasional update, it's never a bad idea to add some new eats to our winter recipe repertoire.

lasagna

Baked Lasagne

With a hearty baked and bubbly goodness, lasagne is delectable no matter what you add between the layers.

Lasagne with Vegetables, Béchamel & Pesto
In marinara we trust, but this recipe proves that marinara is not synonymous with lasagne. Replacing traditional marinara with another classic Italian sauce—pesto—this lasagne features a second sauce (of French descent, no less). Crisp asparagus and sautéed eggplant add to a rich combination of flavors.
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Lasagne with Leeks, Corn & Gruyere
The creamy texture of sautéed leeks melds perfectly with the nutty tones of Gruyère cheese. Adding corn gives this dish both a pop of color and sweetness.
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Chicken en Salsa Verde Lasagne
The use of Manchego cheese (also a sheep's milk derivative like Pecorino Romano), with its mild sour cream-like aroma, rounds out the stacks of spicy flavors in this south-of-the-border-inspired layered lasagne.
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lasagna

Baked Lasagne

With a hearty baked and bubbly goodness, lasagne is delectable no matter what you add between the layers.

Lasagne with Vegetables, Béchamel & Pesto
In marinara we trust, but this recipe proves that marina is not synonymous with lasagne. Replacing traditional marinara with another classic Italian sauce—pesto—this lasagne features a second sauce (of French descent, no less). Crisp asparagus and sautéed eggplant add to a rich combination of flavors.

GET THE RECIPE >

Bonus Baked Pasta Dishes

Although a definitive staple, lasagne isn't the only dinner worthy of the occasional makeover. Here are a few twists on traditional Italian bakes.

Harvest Chicken Parmesan Spaghetti Bake
If you thought there's only one way to prepare chicken parmesan, think again. This baked dish turns a classic on its head. Twice. First, the delicious flavors of chicken parmesan are wrapped into a traditional spaghetti bake. Then, flavors, heartiness and healthfulness are enhanced with the addition of sweet, nutty butternut squash and kale.
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Baked Ziti with Turkey Mushroom Marsala
If you've ever ordered chicken marsala from your favorite Italian restaurant, you will absolutely fall in love with this version. Meaty mushrooms and baked ziti soak up the sweet and earthy marsala flavors. This will definitely become a new go-to.
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Buffalo Chicken & Blue Cheese Pasta Bake with Campanelle
Move over chicken wings, there's a new football fare on the menu. An alfredo sauce base combines the tang of buffalo sauce and the bite of blue cheese into a creamy tailgate-worthy delight.
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Bonus Bakes

Although a definitive staple, lasagne isn't the only dinner worthy of the occasional makeover. Here are a few twists on traditional Italian bakes.