A Taste of Italy: Celebrate Italian Heritage Month With 4 Regional Lasagna Recipes

In honour of Italian Heritage Month, Barilla Canada is serving up a delicious passport to Italy—one layered lasagna at a time. This mouthwatering celebration features four regional recipes, each inspired by the distinct culinary traditions of a different part of the country. From the sun-drenched island of Sicily to the truffle-rich hills of Piedmont, these dishes showcase the rich diversity of Italian cuisine.

At the heart of each recipe? Barilla’s latest innovation: Oven-Ready Lasagne—no boiling required, just layer and bake. Ready to take your taste buds on tour? Buon appetito!

1. Lasagna Ricotta e Melanzane (Sicily)

Ingredients:

• 1 box Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagne
• 2 medium eggplants, sliced into ¼-inch rounds
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brush eggplant slices with olive oil, season, and roast until tender (about 20 minutes).
3. In a baking dish, spread a layer of tomato sauce, then layer lasagne sheets, roasted eggplant, ricotta, and mozzarella. Repeat layers.
4. Finish with sauce, mozzarella, and Parmigiano-Reggiano on top.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.

2. Meat Lovers Lasagna alla Napoletana (Campania)

Ingredients:

• 1 box Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagne
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• ½ lb ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups tomato passata
• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• Olive oil, salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. In a skillet, sauté onion in olive oil. Add sausage and beef; cook until browned.
2. Stir in tomato passata, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. In a baking dish, layer sauce, lasagne sheets, ricotta, mozzarella, and meat mixture. Repeat layers.
4. Top with sauce and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
5. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 15 more minutes.

3. Truffle Bechamel Lasagna al Tartufo (Piedmont)

Ingredients:

• 1 box Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagne
• 4 tbsp butter
• 4 tbsp flour
• 3 cups milk
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
• 1 tbsp truffle oil or truffle paste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Salt, white pepper

Instructions:

1. Make béchamel: In a saucepan, melt butter, whisk in flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking until smooth and thick. Season with salt, pepper, and stir in truffle oil and Parmigiano.
2. In a baking dish, alternate layers of béchamel, lasagne sheets, and mozzarella.
3. Finish with a generous layer of béchamel and Parmigiano on top.
4. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Uncover and bake 10–15 minutes until lightly golden.

4. Seafood Lasagna alla Veneziana (Veneto)

Ingredients:

• 1 box Barilla Oven-Ready Lasagne
• ½ lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ lb scallops or white fish
• 1 shallot, minced
• 3 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 2½ cups milk
• ½ cup dry white wine
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• Salt, pepper

Instructions:

1. Sauté shallot in butter, add seafood, cook until just opaque. Set aside.
2. In the same pan, add flour, then gradually whisk in milk and wine to make a creamy béchamel. Add lemon zest, salt, pepper, and parsley.
3. In a baking dish, layer béchamel, seafood, mozzarella, and lasagne sheets. Repeat.
4. Top with béchamel and a sprinkle of cheese.
5. Cover and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes.

These regional creations are more than just meals—they’re a culinary journey. Whether you’re craving the smoky depth of roasted eggplant, the richness of truffle, the heartiness of southern meat sauces, or the brightness of coastal seafood, there’s a lasagna for every palate this month.

For even more Italian inspiration and a chance to win a trip for two to Italy, visit Barilla Canada’s Pastaport contest page before July 31. One lucky winner will enjoy a VIP cooking experience at Academia Barilla in Parma—the ultimate destination for pasta lovers.

Ciao for now—and buon appetito!