The main ingredient in the Italian dish lasagna is pasta, specifically lasagna noodles. These flat sheets of pasta are layered with various fillings, including meat, cheese, and tomato sauce, creating the distinctive structure of lasagna. Traditional recipes typically feature ricotta cheese, mozzarella, ground meat (like beef or sausage), and marinara sauce. The entire dish is baked in the oven, allowing the flavors to meld and the cheese to become bubbly and golden. Lasagna is beloved for its heartiness and versatility, easily adapted to suit vegetarian or dietary preferences, making it a popular choice in Italian cuisine and beyond.