Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that is loved by many for its layers of noodles, cheese, and rich meat sauce. While the taste is undeniably delicious, sometimes the noodles and layers can come out a bit too thin and slippery for some preferences. If you love lasagna but wish you could sink your teeth into thicker, more substantial layers, there are several tricks you can use to get the texture you crave.
Use Lasagna Noodles Designed to Be Extra Thick
One of the easiest ways to create a thicker lasagna is to simply use a type of noodle that is intended to be extra wide and thick. Lasagna noodles come in different widths and styles, but a good rule of thumb is to look for lasagna noodles that are about 3 inches wide and between 0.05-0.07 inches thick. Some brands that offer an extra wide or thick lasagna noodle option include Barilla, Ronzoni, and DeCecco. These wider noodles will automatically give you thicker lasagna layers that have more bite to them with each forkful.
If you can’t find a brand of lasagna noodle that is specifically labeled as “thick,” you can also look for noodles labeled as “oven ready.” Oven-ready lasagna noodles are designed not to be boiled first, so they tend to be a bit thicker and more durable than average noodles. They hold up well when baked between layers of sauce and cheese and will contribute to a thicker lasagna.
How to Work with Thicker Lasagna Noodles
When working with thicker lasagna noodles, there are some special preparation steps to keep in mind:
- You may not need to boil the noodles first, especially if using oven-ready noodles. Check the package instructions.
- Thicker noodles may require a longer baking time in the oven. Extend the baking time by 5-10 minutes to ensure the center is cooked through.
- Add extra sauce and cheese to adequately cover the wider noodles as you layer the lasagna.
- Use a spatula to press down on the layers as you build the lasagna to compact them together.
- Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes once baked before serving so the noodles can set up.
Double Up on the Noodles
If you can’t find extra thick lasagna noodles, you can also double up on your noodles to create thicker layers. Simply use two lasagna noodles layered directly on top of each other in each layer instead of just one. This will immediately double the thickness and give you a more substantial bite.
When doubling up on noodles, be sure to compensate by using extra sauce and an extra sprinkle of cheese between each layer. You’ll need the extra sauce and cheese to adequately cover the two noodles. Also, monitor the baking time and check for doneness, as the additional noodles may require longer baking.
Choose a Short, Thick Noodle Type
If you want an ultra thick lasagna, you can forego traditional lasagna noodles entirely and use an alternate short, tubular pasta shape. Some good options include:
- Penne – The quintessential tubular pasta shape, penne noodles will provide thick, dense layers.
- Rigatoni – Slightly larger than penne with ridged edges, rigatoni is a great pick for extra hearty lasagna.
- Ziti – Long tubular noodles that will stand up especially well between lasagna layers.
- Mostaccioli – Short, wide tubed noodles that will create a thick, casserole-like lasagna.
The preparation method when using a short pasta shape is slightly different than traditional lasagna. You boil the pasta until al dente first before assembling the lasagna. Then layer the drained pasta between sauce, cheese, and other fillings of your choice just as you would lasagna noodles.
Tips for Using Short Pasta Shapes
Here are some tips to ensure success when using alternate short pasta shapes for lasagna:
- Boil the pasta just until it is pliable enough to bend but still has a slight firm bite (al dente). It will finish cooking fully in the oven.
- Rinse the cooked pasta in cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking together.
- Use a bit more sauce than usual to adequately coat the short pasta shapes as you layer.
- You may need to bake the lasagna a bit longer to get the center hot and the pasta layers softened.
- Let the lasagna rest before serving so the sharp edges of the pasta can soften.
Add Extra Fillings
One easy way to bulk up the layers of your lasagna is to add extra tasty fillings. In addition to the standard cheese filling, consider mixing in any of these ingredients between noodles:
- Cooked spinach
- Sliced mushrooms
- Crumbled Italian sausage
- Diced ham
- Chopped broccoli
- Sautéed zucchini or eggplant
- Caramelized onions or roasted red peppers
- Chopped artichoke hearts
- Chopped black or green olives
The extra fillings will add more volume and thickness to each layer. Just be sure to drain any extra liquid from the fillings first so it doesn’t make your lasagna watery.
Make a Hearty Meat Sauce
An easy way to infuse more thickness and richness into your lasagna layers is to start with a hearty, thick meat sauce. Use a recipe that includes meatloaf mix or sausage along with plenty of tomatoes and red wine. You can also thicken your sauce more by:
- Simmering it uncovered for 30-40 minutes to reduce excess liquid
- Sprinkling in a bit of flour as it simmers and letting it cook into the sauce
- Adding a splash of cream or milk
- Mashing a few spoonfuls of the cooked sauce and stirring it back in
- Adding a small amount of tomato paste
A thicker, more substantial meat sauce will coat the noodles better and lead to a thicker lasagna overall.
Use a Double Layer of Cheese
Cheese is often what makes lasagna so rich and irresistible. For thicker layers, use an extra generous amount of shredded mozzarella, provolone, Parmesan, ricotta, or other favorite cheese choices. Cover the entire surface of each noodle layer from edge to edge.
For even more thickness, consider using two complete layers of cheese per layer of noodles. Spread a first layer of ricotta or cottage cheese, then follow it with a second layer of shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Parmesan. The double dose of cheesy goodness adds delicious bulk.
Press Down on the Lasagna
After assembling all the ingredient layers, you can compact the lasagna to make it even thicker. Place a sheet of parchment paper or aluminum foil over the top layer of the lasagna. Then gently press down on the lasagna by placing another baking pan on top.
Let the lasagna rest like this for 5-10 minutes before baking. This will flatten and condense the layers so they are packed tightly together, helping the lasagna hold its shape and thickness as it bakes up.
Let the Lasagna Rest Before Cutting
After baking your extra thick lasagna, resist the urge to cut into it right away. Let it rest at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes first. This allows the melted cheese layers to set up and thicken while the noodles continue absorbing excess moisture.
Once cooled slightly, the lasagna will cut into nice even squares with thick layers that hold their shape on the plate or fork.
Conclusion
With a few simple tricks like choosing thicker noodles, doubling up layers, and letting the lasagna rest, you can easily achieve a thicker, more substantial lasagna for heartier servings. Don’t be afraid to stack on extra cheese or other favorite fillings too. The result is a lasagna that stands up tall with thick, indulgent layers perfect for getting that ultimate cheesy fix.