Lasagna is a classic Italian dish that typically involves layering noodles, cheese, and sauce to create a delicious baked pasta. While traditional lasagna recipes call for boiling the noodles before assembly, some modern recipes use no boil noodles that can be assembled right out of the box. So who makes no boil lasagna and why has this method become popular?
What are no boil lasagna noodles?
No boil lasagna noodles, sometimes called oven ready lasagna noodles, are a type of pasta specially formulated to be assembled into lasagna without pre-boiling. These noodles have added moisture and are created with a ripple edge design that allows the noodles to cling together and incorporate liquids during baking. This eliminates the need to parboil the noodles on the stovetop first.
Benefits of using no boil noodles
There are several advantages to using no boil lasagna noodles:
- Saves time – Preparing a lasagna with traditional noodles requires boiling a large pot of water and cooking each batch of noodles before assembling. No boil noodles skip this step.
- Easier assembly – Wet boiled noodles can be slippery and difficult to handle when layering lasagna. The no boil noodles hold their shape nicely.
- No drainage necessary – Boiled noodles need to be drained and rinsed before assembling, while no boil noodles can go straight into the pan.
- More nutrients retained – Boiling causes some nutrients to leach out of traditional pasta. No boil noodles retain more nutrients.
- Consistent baking – Without the step of pre-boiling, the noodles bake more evenly throughout the lasagna.
Who makes no boil lasagna noodles?
Several major pasta brands now offer no boil lasagna noodle options, including:
- Barilla
- Ronzoni
- Creamette
- DeLallo
- Oven Ready
- Lasagne Lust
Additionally, many grocery store generic brands offer less expensive no boil lasagna noodles. No boil lasagna noodles can commonly be found in the pasta aisle at most major supermarkets.
No Boil Lasagna Noodle Brand Comparison
While there are many brands of no boil lasagna noodles on the market, some key differences exist between the various options. Here is an overview comparing some major brands:
| Brand | Shape | Size | Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barilla Oven Ready Lasagne | Rippled edge | 9 x 4 inches | Semolina flour, eggs | 45-50 minutes |
| Ronzoni No Boil Lasagne | Rippled edge | 9 x 4 inches | Semolina flour, eggs, salt | 50-55 minutes |
| Creamette No Boil Lasagna | Rippled edge | 9 x 4 inches | Durum wheat flour, eggs, salt | 50 minutes |
| DeLallo Oven Ready Lasagne | Rippled edge | 9 x 4 inches | Semolina flour, eggs, salt | 45 minutes |
| Oven Ready Brand | Rippled edge | 9 x 4 inches | Semolina flour, eggs | 45-50 minutes |
As shown, most major brands offer a very similar no boil lasagna noodle product made from a blend of semolina flour and eggs. The main differences come down to slight variations in size, ingredients, and required baking time.
No Boil vs Traditional Lasagna Noodles
While no boil lasagna noodles offer some clear convenience factors, there are some trade-offs compared to using traditional noodles that require boiling:
Benefits of traditional boiled noodles
- More texture – Boiling helps gelatinize pasta for a toothsome, al dente texture.
- Better adherence – Some find boiled noodles layer and seal together better.
- Thinner noodles – Many traditional noodles are thinner than no boil.
- What you’re used to – Boiled noodles deliver familiar taste and texture.
Downsides of traditional boiled noodles
- Time consuming – Requires boiling large pot of water.
- Risk of overcooking – Easy to accidentally overcook the pasta.
- Tricks assembly – Wet noodles can be difficult to layer smoothly.
- Nutrient loss – Boiling causes some leaching of nutrients.
For many home cooks, the time and effort saved by using no boil lasagna noodles outweighs the minor differences in texture and performance compared to boiling. However, traditionalists may still prefer boiled noodles for their al dente bite. It comes down to personal preference and convenience needs.
Tips for Making No Boil Lasagna
While no boil lasagna noodles make assembly easier, there are some tips to ensure your lasagna turns out perfectly cooked with these oven ready noodles:
- Use a baking dish size that fits the noodles. Too small and they won’t lay flat. Too big and they can dry out.
- Layer ingredients smoothly. Cheese, sauce and fillings should distribute evenly between each sheet of noodles.
- Prevent boiling over. Use a foil tent or baking dish with higher sides to prevent overflow.
- Ensure even baking. Rotate the pan midway through for uniform cooking.
- Adjust bake times. The noodle packaging is a guide, but oven temperatures vary. Check often.
- Cover with foil. Covering halfway through retains moisture and prevents noodles drying out.
- Rest before serving. Let the lasagna rest 15 minutes before cutting for clean slices.
With a few simple tricks, no boil lasagna noodles can deliver a perfect lasagna with half the effort of traditional noodles.
No Boil Lasagna Recipes
No boil lasagna noodles open up all sorts of easy recipe ideas. Here are just a few delicious no boil lasagna options:
Vegetable Lasagna
This veggie lasagna is packed with roasted vegetables in a creamy ricotta filling:
- Roasted red peppers, zucchini and eggplant
- Spinach and artichoke hearts
- Garlic, basil and ricotta filling
- Mozzarella and parmesan cheese
- Chunky marinara sauce
The vegetables roast while the lasagna bakes for tons of flavor without extra work.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna
Creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce gives this chicken lasagna a tasty twist:
- Shredded roasted chicken
- Garlic Alfredo sauce
- Ricotta and Parmesan
- Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes
- Mozzarella cheese
It comes together quickly but feels luxuriously decadent.
Lasagna Soup
All the flavors of lasagna baked into an easy, hearty soup:
- Ground beef and Italian sausage
- Onion, carrots and garlic
- Crushed tomatoes
- Sliced no boil noodles
- Fresh basil and parsley
Simply simmer the soup until the noodles are tender. Top with shredded mozzarella.
No Boil Lasagna Noodles Open Up Possibilities
From Italian classics to creative twists, no boil lasagna noodles make tackling this baked pasta dish much less intimidating on a busy weeknight. Just layer up your favorite sauce, cheeses and fillings and let the oven do the work. Skip the tedious boiling step and enjoy lasagna anytime with oven ready noodles.