Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt
Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt is a fun and charming twist on classic lasagna that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to show a little extra love through food. Imagine…
Tip: save now, cook later.Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt is a fun and charming twist on classic lasagna that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want to show a little extra love through food. Imagine all the layers of rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, gooey melted cheese, and tender pasta coming together in a cute heart shape that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
I love making this because it’s a great conversation starter and adds a playful touch to the dinner table. Plus, it’s much easier to serve than a traditional lasagna since you just slice it like a cake. I always find that everyone appreciates how the familiar flavors get a fresh presentation. My tip? Let it cool just a bit before slicing so each piece holds its shape beautifully.
Whether it’s a date night, family dinner, or a holiday gathering, this Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt feels cozy and welcoming. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together around the table and fills the kitchen with wonderful smells that make you smile. I’ve made it several times, and it never fails to make me feel a little extra happy to be sharing dinner with the people I care about.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: Cook these just until al dente so they’re soft but still hold up when rolled. If you’re short on time, no-boil noodles work too, but make sure to soak them in hot water first.
Ricotta cheese: This adds creaminess and mild flavor. For a lighter option, try part-skim ricotta or substitute with cottage cheese blended smooth.
Mozzarella cheese: Use shredded low-moisture mozzarella for the best melting and gooey texture. If you can’t find mozzarella, provolone or Monterey Jack work well.
Marinara or meat sauce: Choose your favorite jarred or homemade sauce. For a vegetarian version, stick with marinara or a vegetable-packed sauce. I like adding Italian seasoning to boost flavor.
How Do You Roll and Arrange Noodles for the Bundt Pan?
Rolling and standing the noodles upright is key to achieving the heart shape and layers inside. Here’s how:
- Lay your cooked noodle flat on a cutting board.
- Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture evenly over the noodle. Add a little sauce if you like, but don’t overload or it will get messy.
- Start rolling the noodle tightly from one edge to the other to form a neat cylinder.
- Stand the rolled noodle upright in the bundt pan, close together but not squished.
- Repeat until the entire bundt pan is filled in a circle, forming the heart shape.
My tip: Arrange the rolls snugly so they hold each other in place, but avoid pressing too hard to keep them tender after baking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Heart-shaped bundt pan – essential for shaping your lasagna into a fun heart form.
- Large pot – to boil lasagna noodles evenly without sticking.
- Mixing bowl – for blending ricotta, egg, and cheese smoothly.
- Spatula or spoon – handy for spreading cheese mixture on noodles.
- Aluminum foil – helps keep lasagna moist during baking.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef for a lighter or more flavorful meat sauce.
- Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms inside the rolls to boost veggies and add texture.
- Try swapping mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a richer cheese flavor.
- Season the ricotta with fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fresher taste.
How to Make Heart-Shaped Lasagna Bundt?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Lasagna Bundt:
- 9-12 cooked lasagna noodles (depending on size of bundt pan)
- 2 cups marinara or meat sauce (your choice)
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil or non-stick spray (for bundt pan)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25 minutes of preparation, including boiling noodles and mixing the cheese filling. Baking takes around 40-45 minutes, plus 10-15 minutes of cooling time before serving. Overall, plan for about 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Pan and Cheese Mixture:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a heart-shaped bundt pan with olive oil or non-stick spray to help with easy removal later. In a medium bowl, stir together ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, egg, dried Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
2. Roll the Noodles:
Lay one cooked lasagna noodle flat on a clean surface. Spread a thin, even layer of the cheese mixture onto the noodle. If you like, drizzle a little marinara sauce on top for extra flavor before rolling it up tightly from one end to the other. Stand each rolled noodle upright inside the bundt pan, arranging them snugly to form a circle and create the heart shape.
3. Bake and Serve:
Once the bundt pan is filled with all your rolled noodles, spoon the remaining marinara or meat sauce over the top to cover evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cup of mozzarella cheese over everything. Cover the pan loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let the lasagna bundt cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil, slice, and serve warm.
Can I Use No-Boil Lasagna Noodles Instead of Regular?
Yes! If you use no-boil noodles, soak them in hot water until pliable before rolling. This helps them soften enough to roll without cracking and ensures they cook fully in the bundt.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover lasagna bundt in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the lasagna bundt a few hours before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to bake, then follow the baking times as usual.
What If I Don’t Have a Heart-Shaped Bundt Pan?
Any bundt pan or tube pan will work fine. Just keep in mind you won’t get the heart shape, but the rolled lasagna will still be delicious and easy to serve!