Asparagus Lasagna

Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins Preparation Time: 45 mins Cook Time: 45 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 4 lbs asparagus
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 5 cups milk
• 8 ounces cream cheese
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 15 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Recipe

• 1 bend asparagus spears gently to snap off tough end.
• 2 cut tender parts into 1" pieces.
• 3 wash under cold running water.
• 4 shake off excess water and place in microwaveable container.
• 5 microwave on hi for 3 minutes (alternately, cook in boiling water for 3 minutes).
• 6 drain and rinse under cold water, drain again.
• 7 set aside 1 1/2 cups asparagus tips.
• 8 in saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
• 9 gradually whisk in flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
• 10 whisk in milk and stirring constantly, cook for 10 minutes or until thickened.
• 11 remove from heat.
• 12 stir in cream cheese, lemon rind, lemon juice, salt, pepper and nutmeg until cheese is melted.
• 13 meanwhile, cook noodles in boiling water until tender (about 10 minutes).
• 14 place 3 noodles in a 13x9 baking dish.
• 15 spread with one cup sauce, then 1/4 of the asparagus (not including reserved tips), then 1/4 of the mozzarella.
• 16 repeat layers 3 more times then top with final layer of noodles and sauce.
• 17 sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
• 18 bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 35-40 minutes or until bubbling and golden.
• 19 sprinkle reserved asparagus tips over top.
• 20 bake for an additional 5 minutes.
• 21 let sit for 10 minutes before serving.