Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Name: Butternut Squash Lasagna
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk); 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded); 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated); 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 9 no-boil lasagna noodles; 2 tbsp olive oil; 0.25 tsp nutmeg; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Lily Hartwell

Posted:

August 8, 2025

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Butternut squash lasagna is like a warm hug on a chilly evening, with its layers of creamy goodness that dance on your taste buds. Imagine rich, velvety cheese mingling with sweet roasted squash and fragrant herbs—it’s an orchestra of flavors that seduces your senses and fills your kitchen with warmth.

I fondly remember the first time I tried making this dish; my friends gathered around the table with eyes wide in anticipation. The aroma wafted through the air like a siren’s call. This is the kind of meal that brings people together—perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at a dinner party.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This delightful butternut squash lasagna is effortless to prepare while delivering an explosion of flavors in every bite.
Its golden layers make it visually stunning on any dining table.
Rich in nutrients, it’s not only delicious but also a healthy choice for any occasion.
Versatile enough to satisfy even the pickiest eaters while being comforting enough for those cold nights in.

One unforgettable night during my culinary journey involved my family and this dish. As we dug into our servings, laughter erupted, and the compliments flowed like wine at a wedding—who knew veggies could steal the show?

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Butternut Squash: Choose a firm and heavy squash for the best results; it’s the star of this lasagna.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy ricotta adds richness; I prefer using whole milk ricotta for extra creaminess.
Mozzarella Cheese: A must-have for that gooey top layer; opt for fresh mozzarella if possible.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated parmesan brings depth; freshly grated works wonders over pre-packaged ones.
Spinach: Fresh or frozen spinach adds nutrients; just be sure to drain frozen thoroughly before using.
Garlic: Use fresh cloves for maximum flavor; they lend aromatic sweetness to the dish.
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles save time and effort; just layer them directly into your dish.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil enhances flavor; use it sparingly to sauté garlic and season veggies.
Nutmeg: A pinch of nutmeg elevates flavors in creamy dishes wonderfully; don’t skip it!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; seasoning layers well creates depth of flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will help prevent sticking later when you serve up those glorious layers.

Sauté the Aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant—about one minute—before adding chopped spinach until wilted.

Create the Butternut Squash Mixture: Peel and cube your butternut squash into small pieces. Roast at 400°F (200°C) until fork-tender—this takes about 20 minutes—and then mash lightly in a bowl.

Mix the Cheeses: Stir together ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg in another bowl until well combined.

Layer It Up: Start layering by spreading some butternut squash mixture at the bottom of your baking dish. Add noodles followed by half of the cheese mixture and wilted spinach mix—repeat layers until all ingredients are used.

Bake It Off: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil during the last 15 minutes so that beautiful golden cheese can form on top.

Your kitchen will smell heavenly as this masterpiece bakes! Let it cool slightly before slicing into squares—the anticipation will have everyone gathering around!

Serve warm alongside crusty bread or a fresh salad for balance—a true celebration of flavors that will have taste buds cheering!

You Must Know

Use fresh butternut squash for a sweeter flavor and creamier texture in your lasagna.
Chop the squash into even pieces to ensure even cooking—nobody wants crunchy chunks in their lasagna.
Layer your ingredients thoughtfully, alternating sauce, noodles, and cheese to maximize flavor and prevent dryness.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, roast your butternut squash until tender, then blend it with ricotta for a creamy filling. While that’s happening, prepare your tomato sauce and cook your noodles al dente. This sequence ensures everything melds perfectly together.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ricotta for cottage cheese or add spinach for extra nutrition. You can also sprinkle some nutmeg on the squash mixture for an unexpected warmth that will have everyone guessing your secret ingredient!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover butternut squash lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes until heated through.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Always use fresh herbs like basil or thyme for vibrant flavors.
When boiling noodles, add salt to enhance their taste.
A drizzle of olive oil keeps layers from sticking together beautifully.

I remember making this dish for a potluck once; everyone was clamoring for the recipe! It felt great seeing friends gather around my creation, laughing and enjoying every bite.

FAQ

What can I substitute if I don’t have butternut squash?

You can use pumpkin or sweet potatoes as excellent alternatives in lasagna.

Can I make butternut squash lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare it a day before and refrigerate; just bake before serving.

Is this recipe suitable for freezing?

Yes! Freeze individual portions tightly wrapped; just thaw before reheating for best results.

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