Carnival Cruise Vegetarian Lasagna Recipe Made Easy

When you’re cruising with Carnival and craving a comforting, hearty meal, their vegetarian lasagna is a delightful option that captures the essence of Italian flavors without any meat. This dish layers tender pasta sheets with a rich blend of cheeses, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful tomato sauce, making it a perfect choice for vegetarians and anyone looking for a satisfying, wholesome meal.

Whether you’re on the ship or recreating the experience at home, this recipe brings the warmth and joy of a Carnival Cruise dining room right to your kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with a vegetarian twist that everyone will love.

The best part? This lasagna is easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and customizable to suit your taste buds.

From the creamy ricotta to the vibrant vegetables, every bite is a celebration of flavors and textures. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into this delicious Carnival Cruise Vegetarian Lasagna recipe that will surely become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Carnival Cruise Vegetarian Lasagna combines the best of both worlds: comfort food and healthy ingredients. The layers of gooey cheese, sautéed vegetables, and classic marinara sauce meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s both hearty and nourishing.

This recipe is:

• Vegetarian-friendly: Perfect for those avoiding meat but still craving a rich, flavorful meal.
• Full of fresh vegetables: Loaded with spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers for added nutrition.
• Customizable: Easily adjust the veggies or cheeses according to your preferences.
• Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead and reheat for an easy dinner anytime.

Plus, it’s an excellent way to impress friends and family with a dish that looks and tastes like it came from an upscale cruise ship kitchen!

Ingredients

• 12 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 cups marinara sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Equipment

• Large pot for boiling noodles
• Large skillet or frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Aluminum foil
• Cheese grater (if using block cheese)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease your 9×13 inch baking dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray.
2. Cook the lasagna noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside on a lightly oiled surface to prevent sticking.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add mushrooms, zucchini, and bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until tender, about 5-6 minutes. Add spinach last, stirring until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Prepare the cheese mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese with half the Parmesan cheese. Stir well and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
6. Assemble the lasagna: Spread about 1 cup of marinara sauce evenly on the bottom of the baking dish. Place 3 cooked lasagna noodles on top of the sauce.
7. Layer the cheese and vegetables: Spread one-third of the ricotta mixture over the noodles, then add one-third of the sautéed vegetables. Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese, and spoon about 1 cup of marinara sauce over the top.
8. Repeat the layering two more times: noodles, ricotta mixture, vegetables, mozzarella, and marinara sauce, until you have three layers.
9. Top it off: Place the final 3 noodles on top, spread the remaining marinara sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top layer.
10. Cover the dish with aluminum foil: To prevent sticking, tent the foil so it doesn’t touch the cheese.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
12. Let the lasagna rest: Remove from oven and allow it to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the layers set and makes serving easier.
13. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, then serve and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Tip: If you want to save time, opt for no-boil lasagna noodles, which can be layered directly into the dish without pre-cooking.

Variation: For a vegan version, substitute ricotta with tofu ricotta or cashew cheese, and use vegan mozzarella alternatives.

Pro Tip: Add roasted eggplant or butternut squash for an extra depth of flavor and texture.

Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the marinara sauce or sprinkle on top before baking for a subtle heat.

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like fontina or provolone to enhance the creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian lasagna pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or warm focaccia to soak up all the delicious sauce.

For a refreshing contrast, try a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water infused with lemon and mint. If you’re interested in other delightful recipes to complement your meal, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or for an appetizer, explore Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.

Conclusion

Recreating the Carnival Cruise vegetarian lasagna at home is a rewarding culinary adventure that brings the flavors of the high seas right into your kitchen. This dish strikes the perfect balance between hearty comfort food and wholesome vegetables, making it a favorite for vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a recipe you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy night in, this lasagna promises satisfaction with every cheesy, savory bite.

Don’t forget to explore more recipes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe for meat lovers or the zesty Lemon Straws Recipe to finish off your meal with a sweet note. Happy cooking and bon appétit!

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