Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe

I’m so excited to share this Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe with you because it’s truly a fan-freaking-tastic twist on traditional lasagna. Imagine layers of creamy butternut squash puree mingled with fresh spinach and ooey-gooey cheese that’ll have your whole family begging for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a stunning holiday centerpiece, this recipe hits all the right notes.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients work hand-in-hand to create a lasagna that’s rich, creamy, and full of cozy autumn vibes. Plus, many of these are pantry staples or fresh produce you can find any time of year.

• Butternut squash puree: Use fresh roasted squash for the best natural sweetness and smooth texture.
• Ricotta cheese: Provides creamy richness that balances the squash perfectly.
• Milk: Helps thin out the ricotta and squash mixture so it layers nicely.
• Salt and nutmeg: Key seasonings that bring out the flavor of the butternut squash.
• Spinach: I like using fresh, sautéed spinach for vibrant color and healthy greens.
• Mozzarella cheese: Its melting quality gives that irresistible cheesy pull.
• Garlic: Adds a subtle kick to the spinach layer you don’t want to skip.
• Lasagna noodles: Classic or gluten-free (like Tinkyada brown rice noodles) work wonderfully.
• Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a golden, savory crust.
• Italian seasoning, paprika, and basil: These herbs and spices give the layers a gentle depth and warmth.

Variations

I love how flexible this Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe is—you can play around to suit tastes, dietary needs, or the season. Here are a few of my go-tos:

• Make it vegan: Swap ricotta with tofu-based ricotta or cashew cream and use dairy-free cheese; I tried this once for a friend and it turned out surprisingly creamy.
• Add mushrooms: Incorporate sautéed mushrooms with spinach for an earthier depth that my family really appreciated.
• Spicy kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes into the ricotta mixture to add a bit of heat—perfect for when I want something less mellow.
• Gluten-free noodles: Using brown rice or chickpea lasagna noodles keeps it gluten-free without losing texture, something I’ve perfected over time.

How to Make Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Roast and puree the butternut squash

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Cut the butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place face down on a baking sheet. Roast for about 30-40 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Once cooled, scoop out the flesh and puree it until smooth—this is where all that natural sweetness shines! I discovered it’s key to getting a silky layer by making sure there’s no stringy bits left in the puree.

Step 2: Prepare the spinach mixture

Sauté minced garlic in a skillet with a splash of olive oil, then toss in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Drain well so your lasagna doesn’t get watery. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You’ll find that properly cooked spinach makes a huge difference in flavor and texture.

Step 3: Mix the creamy ricotta butternut layer

In a bowl, combine the butternut squash puree, ricotta cheese, milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and nutmeg. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add a little more milk if you want a looser consistency. This mixture is the heart of your lasagna, and I love that it’s comforting but also a bit unique.

Step 4: Cook the lasagna noodles and layer

Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain and lay them flat so they don’t stick together. Now, start layering in your baking dish: spread a bit of the butternut mixture, then noodles, the spinach layer with mozzarella, noodles again, and repeat. Finish with a generous sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. I like to add in Italian seasoning, paprika, and basil between the layers for extra flavor harmonies.

Step 5: Bake until bubbly and golden

Cover the dish with foil (to avoid burning the cheese) and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese gets that perfect golden crust. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing—this helps the layers set so your lasagna holds together beautifully.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a light sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness—it makes the dish look as lovely as it tastes. A little cracked black pepper on top never hurts, either.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances out the creamy richness of the lasagna perfectly. For something heartier, roasted root vegetables or steamed green beans with lemon zest add great texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners, I like assembling individual lasagna portions in small ramekins. It looks elegant and means no awkward slicing at the table—plus, everyone gets their own perfect piece. You can also layer it in a glass dish to show off those beautiful layers when serving buffet-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It tastes just as good reheated and often the flavors deepen overnight. If you’re like me and love planning meals, this makes fantastic lunch the next day!

Freezing

This Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe freezes wonderfully. I freeze portions wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake covered until warmed through.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers covered in a moderate oven (around 350°F) to keep the lasagna moist. Microwave works in a pinch, but the oven gets the cheese melty again without drying out the edges.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna Recipe is one of those heartwarming dishes I love having in my meal rotation. It brings together the cozy flavors of fall veggies with the creamy texture that makes lasagna a beloved comfort food. If you’re looking to mix up your lasagna game while sneaking in some veggies, this recipe is a winner you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be telling your friends about this gem just like I am now!

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