The Best Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe for Fall Comfort

Layers of creamy butternut squash spinach lasagna promise a comforting embrace for hungry souls.

Seasonal ingredients dance together in this delightful Italian-inspired creation.

Warm autumn colors peek through tender pasta sheets, inviting you to savor each delectable bite.

Nutty squash blends seamlessly with vibrant green spinach, creating a harmonious melody of flavors.

Rustic and elegant, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a memorable meal.

Cheese melts into golden rivers, promising pure culinary bliss.

Layered Sides For Squash Lasagna

• Pair Perfectly with Bold Red Wine: Select a robust Sangiovese or Chianti Classico that complements the rich, creamy butternut squash lasagna. Its medium tannins and acidic profile will cut through the lasagna's richness while enhancing the earthy spinach flavors.
• Serve with Crisp Autumn Salad: Create a light mixed green salad featuring roasted pears, toasted walnuts, and a tangy apple cider vinaigrette. The fresh, crunchy elements will balance the lasagna's dense, creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Match with Herbal Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped sage or thyme over the lasagna before serving. These aromatic herbs naturally complement butternut squash and elevate the dish's seasonal warmth, adding depth and complexity to each bite.
• Complement with Rustic Bread: Offer a crusty sourdough or whole grain bread on the side. Its hearty texture and slightly tangy flavor will help soak up the lasagna's delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural counterpoint.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Twists

• Vegan Comfort Lasagna: Replace ricotta and mozzarella with cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Use tofu instead of cheese for protein-rich layers. Select plant-based lasagna noodles for complete dairy-free experience.
• Gluten-Free Garden Version: Substitute traditional lasagna noodles with zucchini slices or gluten-free pasta sheets. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to maintain recipe integrity.
• Low-Carb Keto Alternative: Swap lasagna noodles with thinly sliced eggplant or cauliflower sheets. Increase cheese and add more butter for higher fat content. Reduce butternut squash quantity to minimize carbohydrates.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add fresh basil, oregano, and thyme to enhance flavor profile. Include crumbled feta cheese between layers. Sprinkle pine nuts on top for extra texture and nutty taste.

FAQs

• Is butternut squash healthy?

Butternut squash is packed with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. It supports immune health, promotes good vision, and helps maintain healthy skin and bones.

• Can I substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before mixing with ricotta cheese. Make sure to drain it completely to prevent watery filling.

• How do I know if the butternut squash is roasted properly?

The squash is ready when it’s fork-tender and golden brown around the edges. When you can easily pierce it with a fork without resistance, it’s perfectly roasted and ready to be pureed.

• What type of cheese works best for this lasagna?

Ricotta and mozzarella are ideal for this recipe. They provide creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the butternut squash and spinach. Parmesan adds a nice salty, sharp finish to the dish.

Butternut Squash Lasagna With Spinach That Layers Fall Flavor

• Explore Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a delightful butternut squash spinach lasagna that transforms ordinary ingredients into a cozy, gourmet meal.
• Effortless Veggie Magic: Create a nutritious, vibrant dish that sneaks colorful vegetables into every delectable layer without complicated cooking techniques.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Craft a versatile lasagna that satisfies both vegetable lovers and picky eaters, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Make-Ahead Meal Miracle: Prepare this lasagna in advance, store in the refrigerator, and easily reheat for a convenient weeknight dinner or impressive weekend gathering.

Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Base

• Butternut Squash: Sweet autumn vegetable with creamy texture, perfect for creating rich and smooth filling.
• Spinach: Fresh leafy green that adds nutrients and earthy flavor to the lasagna.
• Lasagna Noodles: Classic pasta for layering, provides structural foundation for the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy dairy ingredients that create rich, melty layers and enhance overall flavor.
• Milk: Helps to thin and smooth out squash puree, adds richness to the filling.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that provide depth and complexity to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance and balance overall taste.
• Nutmeg, Cinnamon: Warm spices that complement the butternut squash's natural sweetness.

• Olive Oil: Used for roasting squash and sautéing vegetables, adds subtle flavor and prevents sticking.

Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Preparation

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Squash

Warm the oven to 375°F.

Carefully peel the butternut squash and slice into small, even cubes.

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Roast for 25-30 minutes until the cubes become tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Create Smooth Squash Puree

Transfer roasted squash to a food processor.

• Ricotta cheese
• Milk
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon

Pulse until the mixture becomes silky and uniform.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

Step 3: Sauté Spinach Base

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add diced onions and cook until translucent.

Introduce minced garlic and sauté for another minute.

Add chopped spinach and cook until completely wilted.

Step 4: Develop Spinach Mixture

Remove spinach mixture from heat.

• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir until ingredients are well combined.

Step 5: Prepare Lasagna Noodles

Cook lasagna noodles, reducing cooking time by 2 minutes.

Drain and rinse with cool water to stop cooking process.

Step 6: Layer Lasagna Masterpiece

Grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.

Spread a thin layer of butternut squash puree on the bottom.

• Lasagna noodles
• Butternut squash puree
• Spinach mixture

Repeat layering three times.

Top with mozzarella and parmesan cheese.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Cover dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Remove foil and broil briefly to create a golden, crispy top.

Lasagna Layering Tips With Butternut Spinach

• Ensure even cooking by cutting butternut squash into uniform cubes and spreading them out on the baking sheet without overcrowding.
• Drain excess moisture from spinach by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel before mixing with cheese to maintain a firm, creamy texture.
• Pull lasagna noodles out 2 minutes early during boiling, as they'll continue cooking in the oven and absorb moisture from the fillings.
• Create clean, even layers by using a spatula to spread purees and fillings carefully, ensuring each bite has a balanced mix of flavors.
• Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and make slicing easier, preventing a runny presentation.

Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna That Stores and Warms Beautifully

• Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 5-10 minutes to restore crispness.
• Cut individual portions and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even warming. Add a splash of water to prevent dryness.

Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy butternut squash spinach lasagna brings Italian comfort to your dinner table with layers of rich seasonal flavors. Hearty vegetarian pasta promises warmth and satisfaction for family meals, inviting you to savor each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 lasagna noodles
• 2 cups butternut squash, pureed
• 8 ounces (226 grams) organic baby spinach, chopped
• 2 cups organic mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
• 1 cup organic ricotta cheese
• 1 cup ricotta cheese

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup organic mozzarella cheese, shredded or cut into small cubes

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup organic onion, diced
• 3 cloves organic garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Olive oil (for roasting and sauteing)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the butternut squash by carefully removing the skin and cutting it into uniform cubes. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet, drizzling with olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Roast in a preheated 375°F oven until the squash becomes tender and easily pierced with a fork, approximately 25-30 minutes.
2. Transform the roasted squash into a silky puree by combining it with ricotta cheese, milk, and a delicate blend of nutmeg and cinnamon in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth, tasting and adjusting the seasoning to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
3. In a skillet, gently sauté diced onions in olive oil until they become translucent and soft. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic essence.
4. Add chopped spinach to the onion mixture, allowing it to wilt and release its moisture. Transfer the aromatic blend to a mixing bowl and incorporate ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Partially cook the lasagna noodles, removing them from the boiling water two minutes before the recommended cooking time. Carefully drain and rinse with cool water to halt the cooking process.
6. Prepare the baking dish by lightly coating the bottom with cooking spray or olive oil. Spread a thin, even layer of butternut squash puree to create a flavorful base.
7. Begin layering the lasagna by arranging noodles in a single layer. Generously spread butternut squash puree, followed by the spinach and cheese mixture. Repeat this layering process three more times, ensuring each layer is evenly distributed.
8. Complete the lasagna by topping with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Remove the foil during the final minutes of cooking and activate the broiler to create a golden, crispy cheese topping. Watch carefully to prevent burning and achieve the perfect caramelized finish.

Notes

• Roast squash thoroughly to enhance natural sweetness and caramelize edges, creating deeper flavor profiles.
• Undercook noodles slightly to prevent mushiness during final baking, ensuring perfect al dente texture.
• Make dairy-free by substituting ricotta with cashew cream and using plant-based mozzarella for a vegan-friendly version.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to streamline assembly and reduce overall cooking stress, making this complex dish more manageable.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 399
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 511 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 56 mg