On Monday, while perusing my cookbooks hoping to get inspired with dinner ideas, I found a recipe for Pesto Lasagna with Spinach and Mushrooms.
This recipe took me a little more time because I made my own sauce and pesto (most store bought pesto has nuts in it).
I have no recipe for the pesto, I just threw some parsley, basil and parmesan cheese in my food processor. I then streamed in olive oil and lemon juice until it was the right consistence. It tasted great – very fresh and vibrant. So simple, I have no idea why I don’t do this more often…
I used the suggested 2 boxes of frozen spinach and instead of using both mozzarella and provolone cheese, I used just mozzarella (cheaper – no need to buy two kinds of cheeses!).
After 5 hours, this is what the crock pot looked like – it was quite steamy.
I served this up with some roasted asparagus (that looks like something I would get in the cafeteria). Not my finest work.
I liked this dish. Disappointingly, you cannot taste the pesto – in fact I forgot about it until half-way through the meal. The flavor was good – I wish it had more mushrooms and less pasta. The spinach added good flavor and was a great substitute for a few layers of cheese.
Matt did not put this dish in the “I would make again” category. He grew up with a 100% Italian mother who I’m sure makes amazing lasagna (I’ve never had it). He agreed it was decent and edible, just not one of his new faves.
To be honest, I’m not sure why you couldn’t just make it in the oven. Lasagna is one of those dishes that is all prep – it would have made no difference whether this was in the crock pot or oven warming up.
Lots of leftovers for the next few days and then a portion or two for the freezer I hope. I like to start off the new year with ready to go meals.
I think Matt and I are going to watch Up tonight. Have you seen it?
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Good comforting lasagna is hard to make healthy… It’s hard to do it without meat, with veggies, and without gobs of cheese. I got excited when I read the title of your post because I love using my crockpot. Too bad
Even though it sounds like you didn’t like it, it looks delicious Heather! I’ll eat your leftovers
I haven’t seen Up, but keep meaning to put it on my Netflix list. Thanks for the reminder.
I’ve always wanted to try lasagna in a crockpot–looks like yours turned out good! Sounds like a good recipe too, too bad you can’t taste the pesto!
Hi! I came across your blog through Melissa- Crunches for Cupcakes- and I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy reading. Even though the reviews weren’t great I think the lasagna looks great! I definitely want to give it a try!
Jenna
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