How to Use No-Boil Lasagna
Pasta Kitchen Tips
If you're wondering how to make lasagna without the hassle of pre-boiling, you're in the right place! This FAQ will guide you through the process of making lasagna using Italian Chef Lorenzo Boni's expert tips. Learn how to layer your lasagna perfectly, whether you're using a creamy bechamel or a rich tomato sauce, as well as how to bake your lasagna to perfection and how to freeze it for later. With these tips, you’ll master how to make a lasagna that’s both easy and delicious with Barilla® Oven Ready No Boil Lasagne Sheets.
Chef Lorenzo Boni's Tips on How to Use No Boil Lasagna Noodles
Each box of Barilla Oven Ready Lasagne comes with at least 15 sheets of lasagne. This is enough to make a 5-layer/3-sheets-per-layer lasagna that will serve about 12 portions.
The ideal size for the baking pan for lasagna is 13x9 inches.
Recommended Minimum Quantity of Sauce (For Proper Hydration) to Cover One 13x9 Lasagna:
Bechamel Based Sauce: | Red Sauce Based: |
---|---|
Milk - 1½ Quart OR 1420 millimeters Flour - 7 Tablespoons OR 80 grams Butter - 8 Tablespoons OR 112 grams | Store Bought Red Sauce (Check out our line of Premium Red Sauce here!) |
How to Assemble Lasagna With No Boil Lasagna Noodles
Need a visual tutorial for how to layer lasagna, check out our guide.
- Step 1: Grease the pan with oil or butter to avoid sticking.
- Step 2: Start building the lasagna by layering the sauce first (the sauce should always be the first layer).
- Step 3: Top the first layer of sauce with 3 sheets of lasagna.
- You may notice that the lasagna sheets won’t cover the entire surface of the pan, leaving a small gap; however, do not worry as the lasagna sheets will spread while baking.
- Step 4: Once the first 3 sheets of lasagna are placed, cover with sauce and other toppings.
- See below for some Pro Tips to keep in mind during this step:
- The sauce should be thick enough so that it can hold on to the pasta. A sauce that is too thin will fall on the sides, and a sauce that is too thick won’t hydrate the lasagna sheets properly.
- The lasagna sheets should be in direct contact with the sauce for proper hydration. Therefore, lasagna sheets should never be overlapped.
- If any cheese, or other ingredients, are used along with the sauce, they should be either stirred in the sauce OR placed on top of the sauce when assembling your lasagna.
- See below for some Pro Tips to keep in mind during this step:
- Step 5: Repeat steps 2-4 until 5 layers of lasagna have been reached.
- Step 6: Top of your lasagna with sauce and/or cheese.
How to Bake a Lasagna With No Boil Noodles?
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Step 2: Place your lasagna in the oven, covered with aluminum foil, and allow it to bake for approximately 30 minutes.
- Pro Tip: To prevent your aluminum foil from sticking to the top of the lasagna, spray or brush it with olive oil!
- Step 3: After 30 minutes, uncover your lasagna and let it bake for 10 more minutes to allow browning.
- Step 4: Once the lasagna is fully cooked, let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This will allow the lasagna to set and maintain its structure for easier cutting.
It’s important to keep in mind that each oven bakes differently, so timing may vary. Bottom line, the lasagna should reach an internal temperature of 160°F at the center, while being properly browned over the top.
How to Prepare Lasagna in Advance?
Lasagna is a great dish to prepare in advance! To learn more about how to prepare lasagna in advance, check out our guide here!
What to Do With Lasagna Leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftover lasagna, don’t worry! You can freeze your leftovers and reheat them later. To learn more about how to freeze and reheat your leftover lasagna, check out our guide here!
Looking for a delicious lasagna recipe to try? View Barilla’s collection of lasagna recipes here!