Lasagna with fresh pasta is more than a recipe to me—it’s a love letter to both tradition and personal creativity. I’ve always admired the authenticity of classic Italian lasagna, from its delicate layers to the balance of bold flavors, but I’ve also found joy in making it my own. While staying true to the essence of this timeless dish, I’ve infused it with a little piece of my culinary heritage.

For me, the magic begins with the fresh pasta. Rolling out the dough by hand, layer after layer, connects me to the craft of cooking in a way that store-bought pasta never could. Then there’s the creamy Parmesan béchamel, a rich and velvety binder that complements the heart of this lasagna: my Dalmatian-style meat ragu. This slow-cooked sauce, with its Mediterranean roots, brings a touch of Croatia to a recipe inspired by Italy.

This dish is a reflection of how I’ve grown as a cook, blending respect for tradition with a desire to create something uniquely mine. Whether it’s the perfect way to bring family together for a cozy dinner or a dish I save for special occasions, lasagna with fresh pasta is always a celebration of flavor, texture, and the joy of cooking.

Key Ingredients for Lasagna with Fresh Pasta

Dalmatian-Style Meat Ragu: The Heart of the Dish

The foundation of this lasagna with fresh pasta is the rich meat ragu, slow-cooked for depth and flavor. My Dalmatian-style meat ragu combines pork and beef, aromatic vegetables, passata, and red wine, all simmered to perfection. For the lasagna, I enhance it with freshly chopped basil, which brightens the sauce and adds a Mediterranean twist.

Fresh Pasta: Elevating the Classic Lasagna

Homemade fresh pasta transforms this dish, giving it tender, delicate layers that perfectly absorb the sauce. Unlike store-bought sheets, fresh pasta brings a unique flavor and texture to the recipe.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles:

• Flour: Provides the structure for a pliable dough.
• Eggs: Add richness and elasticity, creating a smooth texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of the pasta and balances the other ingredients.

How to Make Fresh Pasta:

1. Start by making a mound of flour on a clean surface.
2. Crack the eggs into a well in the center, sprinkle with salt, and gently whisk them with a fork while gradually incorporating the flour.
3. Knead the dough for 8–10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
4. Roll the dough thin using a pasta machine or rolling pin, then cut it into sheets sized to fit your baking dish.

Parmesan-Enriched Béchamel Sauce

The béchamel ties the layers of this lasagna with fresh pasta together, adding a creamy, velvety texture that balances the rich meat ragu. I also add a pinch of nutmeg to the béchamel, a small touch that enhances the sauce’s depth and adds warmth to the dish.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles:

• Butter and Flour: Form the roux that thickens the sauce.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and ensures a smooth consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides a nutty, savory flavor that complements the ragu.
• Egg Yolk: Makes the sauce richer and silkier.
• Nutmeg: A subtle addition that brings out the warmth and complexity of the béchamel.

How to Make It:

1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in the flour to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Gradually add warm milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook until thickened, about 5–7 minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese. Whisk in the egg yolk and a pinch of nutmeg, ensuring the sauce is smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

This enriched béchamel, with its hint of nutmeg, complements the fresh pasta and ragu beautifully, tying the dish together with a balance of creaminess and subtle spice.

Step-by-Step Guide to Assembling and Baking Lasagna with Fresh Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Ingredients

Before assembling the dish, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Layer the Lasagna for Perfect Balance

1. Spread a thin layer of meat ragu on the bottom of your baking dish.
2. Place a layer of fresh pasta sheets over the ragu, slightly overlapping the edges.
3. Add a layer of ragu, followed by a generous spoonful of béchamel, and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
4. Continue layering pasta, ragu, béchamel, and Parmesan until all the components are used.
5. Finish with a final layer of béchamel on top, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and Italian herb mix.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, ensuring it doesn’t touch the cheese. This prevents sticking and protects the herbs from burning.
2. Bake the lasagna for 30 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.

Step 4: Rest and Slice the Lasagna

Once the lasagna is baked, let it rest for 10–15 minutes. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.

Perfect Pairings for Lasagna with Fresh Pasta

Pair this indulgent lasagna with sides and drinks that enhance its flavors and richness:

• A Crisp Salad: Arugula tossed with a lemon vinaigrette offers a light, tangy contrast to the creamy béchamel and meat ragu.
• A Bold Red Wine: Opt for a widely available wine like Chianti Classico, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Malbec. Their balanced acidity and full-bodied profiles perfectly complement the hearty layers of the lasagna.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with garlic bread or focaccia to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce.

These pairings create a well-rounded meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

Storing, Reheating, and Freezing Lasagna with Fresh Pasta

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Slice into individual portions, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. For individual portions, microwaving is a quicker option.

Why I Love Making Lasagna with Fresh Pasta

Creating lasagna with fresh pasta is a deeply satisfying process. From rolling out the pasta sheets to layering the dish with care, every step reflects my passion for homemade cooking. The flavors are bolder, the textures are more delicate, and the final result is always worth the time and effort.

Share Your Homemade Lasagna with Fresh Pasta!

Have you tried making lasagna with fresh pasta? I’d love to hear about your twists on this classic dish. Share your ideas in the comments or tag me on Instagram using #FoodieRoam—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!