Name: Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 30 oz whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 Tbsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 Tbsp minced fresh basil; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Pinch ground nutmeg (optional but recommended); 1 large egg, lightly beaten; 1/2 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 16 oz shredded whole milk Mozzarella cheese (part skim will work as well); 1 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 12 oz box dried oven-ready wavy lasagna noodles; 5-6 cups bolognese sauce (homemade or store-bought); Additional minced fresh basil; Minced fresh parsley; 1 Tbsp olive oil; 1 lb lean ground beef; 1/2 lb Italian sausage (hot or mild); 1 medium yellow onion, minced; 7 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry red wine (or substitute beef broth); 28 oz can crushed tomatoes; 1/4 cup tomato paste; 2/3 cup beef broth (reduced sodium preferred); 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar; 1 Tbsp dried parsley (optional); 1 tsp kosher salt; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp granulated sugar; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 38 reviews

If you’re craving a lasagna that’s ridiculously creamy, bursting with fresh herbs, and loaded with lush ricotta cheese, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to make when I want that perfect family comfort food that feels fancy but is totally doable any night of the week. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your new go-to for cozy dinners and weekend gatherings alike.

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Why This Recipe Works

Rich, Creamy Ricotta Blend: Mixing fresh and dried herbs into whole milk ricotta creates a luxuriously smooth and flavorful filling.
No-Boil Lasagna Noodles: Using oven-ready noodles means less prep work and perfectly tender layers every time.
Balanced, Homemade Meat Sauce: The hearty bolognese sauce adds depth with just the right amount of seasoning and a touch of cream for richness.
Simple Assembly & Baking: Layered thoughtfully and baked under foil for a melty, bubbly finish that has everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna, herb ricotta lasagna, cheesy herb lasagna, homemade lasagna, easy Italian lasagna - A white rectangular dish filled with lasagna is shown, with one large piece taken out. The lasagna has several visible layers including a rich, dark red meat sauce, pale yellow pasta sheets with ruffled edges, and melted white cheese with a slightly browned top. The meat sauce layer appears thick and textured, while the cheese is spread unevenly and speckled with small green herb bits. A white plate on the side holds a small piece of lasagna, resting on a green leaf, with a silver fork nearby. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth partially visible next to it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe lies in the harmony of fresh, quality ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component has its place, whether it’s building flavor, adding creaminess, or providing that all-important cheesy pull you want in your lasagna.

Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna, herb ricotta lasagna, cheesy herb lasagna, homemade lasagna, easy Italian lasagna - Flat lay of a small bowl of whole milk ricotta cheese mixed with dried Italian seasoning, a few fresh basil leaves minced, one large whole uncracked egg with a clean shell, a small white bowl of grated Parmesan cheese, a simple white plate with wavy oven-ready lasagna noodles stacked neatly, a generous scoop of rich bolognese sauce in a white ceramic bowl showing visible ground beef, tomato chunks, and herbs, a small white bowl filled with shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese, a small white bowl of chopped fresh basil, a small white bowl of minced fresh parsley, all ingredients arranged symmetrically and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Whole Milk Ricotta Cheese: It’s creamier and richer than part-skim, which really elevates the texture of the filling.
Dried Italian Seasoning: A quick way to infuse classic Italian herb flavors throughout the ricotta mixture.
Fresh Basil: Adds brightness and a lovely garden-fresh aroma that pairs incredibly well with the ricotta.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Simple but essential to enhance all the flavors evenly.
Ground Nutmeg: Optional but highly recommended — it adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the cheese mixture beautifully.
Large Egg: Acts as a gentle binder, helping the ricotta layer hold together without drying out.
Whole Milk Mozzarella Cheese: Melts perfectly with a silky stretch that lasagna lovers adore.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings a sharp, nutty complexity and balances the richness.
Oven-Ready Wavy Lasagna Noodles: No boiling needed, cutting down prep time and keeping the layers nice and tender.
Bolognese Sauce: The heart of this lasagna’s flavor — meaty, rich, tomatoey, and creamy all at once.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the best parts about this Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe is how easy it is to customize for whatever you’re craving or have on hand. I’ve tried several variations over the years, and each one brings its own charm! Feel free to adjust—it’s your kitchen.

Meat Variations: I sometimes swap the ground beef and Italian sausage for ground turkey or even mushrooms for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Herb Adjustments: Adding fresh parsley or oregano alongside basil in the ricotta mixture can add beautiful layers of flavor.
Cheese Swaps: If you want a sharper flavor, try mixing in some Pecorino Romano with the Parmesan.
Spice It Up: For a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes either in the sauce or on top before baking.
Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and double-check your sauce for additives, and you’re all set!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Sauce and Oven

Start by making your bolognese sauce, which is the flavorful backbone of this lasagna. I usually make mine from scratch with beef, sausage, tomatoes, and a splash of cream for richness. If time is tight, a high-quality store-bought sauce works great too—just aim for about 5-6 cups of sauce total. Meanwhile, go ahead and preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a deep 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Whip Up the Herbed Ricotta Mixture

In a large bowl, combine the whole milk ricotta with dried Italian seasoning, freshly minced basil, kosher salt, black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg (if using), about half the grated Parmesan, and a lightly beaten egg. This blend is what makes the layers so creamy and flavorful, so don’t skip on the seasoning—it really elevates the cheese filling from ordinary to unforgettable!

Step 3: Build Your Layers

Once your sauce and cheese mixture are ready, you can start layering. Spread about a cup of bolognese on the bottom of your baking dish. Then lay down 4 oven-ready lasagna noodles (if your dish is smaller, 3 noodles will do fine). Spread roughly a third of your ricotta mixture evenly over the noodles, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Add another 1 to 1.5 cups of sauce, then sprinkle with about 1/4 cup Parmesan. Repeat these layers two more times, ending with noodles on top, more sauce, and a hearty finishing layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, a scatter of extra dried herb seasoning on top never hurts.

Step 4: Cover and Bake

Cover your lasagna tightly with foil—spraying the foil with nonstick cooking spray so the cheese doesn’t stick is a tip I learned the hard way—and bake for 25 minutes. Then uncover and bake for a further 25-30 minutes until the cheese on top bubbles and just starts to brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this point? Next level.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Patience here pays off. Let the lasagna rest 10-15 minutes once it’s out of the oven. This makes it easier to cut and ensures every bite holds together perfectly. Before serving, sprinkle some extra minced fresh basil and parsley over the top for that fresh pop of color and flavor.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

Use Whole Milk Cheeses: It may feel indulgent, but whole milk ricotta and mozzarella melt and blend better, giving your lasagna that crave-worthy creaminess.
Spray Foil to Prevent Sticking: Spritz the underside of your foil before covering to stop melted cheese from sticking and ruining the top layer.
Don’t Skip the Rest Time: Letting the lasagna settle after baking results in clean slices that hold their shape—trust me, it’s worth the wait.
Adapt Noodle Quantity as Needed: If your dish can’t fit 4 noodles across, 3 is perfectly okay—just spread the layers carefully for even coverage.

How to Serve Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe

Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna, herb ricotta lasagna, cheesy herb lasagna, homemade lasagna, easy Italian lasagna - A close-up of a fork lifting a piece of lasagna showing three distinct layers: the top layer has melted light yellow cheese with some green herb leaves scattered, below that is a thick rich red tomato meat sauce layer with browned ground meat, and at the bottom is creamy yellow lasagna pasta sheets mixed with bits of white ricotta cheese and small green herbs. The lasagna looks soft and juicy with sauce slightly spreading on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to keep it simple with extra fresh herbs—minced basil and parsley sprinkled on top just before serving, which brightens the rich, cheesy layers beautifully. Sometimes I add a few red pepper flakes for a touch of warmth, especially on cozy nights.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m a sucker for a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted garlic broccoli to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette on the side is always a crowd-pleaser, perfect for mopping up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered this lasagna in smaller individual ramekins, which is a fun way to serve guests and gives everyone their own personalized portion. You can garnish each with a fresh basil leaf and a drizzle of good olive oil to make it feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover lasagna keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. I like to cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container to keep those layers moist and flavorful.

Freezing

This Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe freezes beautifully. After assembling but before baking, I wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks! Just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the lasagna with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible—it can get a bit rubbery and uneven. Reheating slowly keeps that creamy texture intact.

FAQs

Can I make this Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! You can substitute the bolognese meat sauce with a hearty vegetable sauce or a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and spinach in marinara. The creamy ricotta layer adds plenty of richness, so it still feels indulgent and satisfying.
Do I have to use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Not at all. Oven-ready noodles are a time-saver since they don’t require boiling, but if you prefer traditional noodles, just boil them until al dente before layering. Or soak them in hot water for about 20-30 minutes until pliable, then drain before assembling.
What’s the secret to creamy herbed ricotta?

Using whole milk ricotta combined with fresh and dried herbs, seasoning, a pinch of nutmeg, and a beaten egg really enhances the texture and depth of flavor. Don’t skimp on fresh basil if you can—its brightness lifts the whole dish.
Can I prepare this lasagna ahead of time?

Definitely! You can make the bolognese sauce and ricotta mixture a day or two ahead and keep them refrigerated. Even better, assemble the entire lasagna the night before and bake it fresh the next day—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it comes straight from the fridge.
How do I get a golden top without drying out the lasagna?

Start baking covered with foil to keep moisture in, then uncover for the last 25-30 minutes to let the cheese melt and brown beautifully. Spraying the foil with cooking spray helps prevent it from sticking to the cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Herb Ricotta Lasagna Recipe is hands-down one of those feel-good, reliable dishes I turn to when I want to impress my family or just treat us to something special at the end of a busy day. The layers of herbed ricotta and that luscious bolognese sauce come together in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. I can’t wait for you to make it, share it, and hear how much you love it — it’s the kind of recipe that brings people back to the table over and over again.