There’s something magical about lasagna, isn’t there? Layers upon layers of cheesy goodness, savory vegetables, and a rich, flavorful sauce—what’s not to love? This Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna takes the classic comfort food to new heights with the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the earthiness of spinach, and the perfect blend of cheesy layers. It’s a little twist on the traditional, and trust me, you’re going to fall head over heels for it. Get ready to impress your taste buds and everyone at your dinner table with this irresistible dish!
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Why You’ll Love Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting friends for a cozy get-together, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this lasagna is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish does it all. Plus, it’s perfect for making ahead and storing for later!
Healthy Twist: With roasted butternut squash and spinach, this lasagna gives you all the comfort of the classic version while sneaking in some extra nutrients. It’s a win-win!
Cheesy Goodness: The three-cheese blend creates a rich, creamy filling that melts in your mouth. The cheese is the star here, holding everything together and making every bite heavenly.
Vegetarian: If you’re looking for a meatless meal that’s still hearty and satisfying, this lasagna is a fantastic option. Even the carnivores will be asking for seconds!
Crowd-Pleasing: There’s a reason lasagna is a family favorite. This one is guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults. Its delicious layers of flavor make it irresistible.
Ingredients
Here’s the magic of this lasagna—it’s simple, yet packed with flavor. Let’s break it down:
Butternut Squash: Sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty, the roasted butternut squash adds a rich base to the lasagna, bringing a comforting sweetness to the dish.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a dose of healthy greens. It pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the squash and the richness of the cheese.
Lasagna Noodles: The layers of pasta hold all the cheesy, veggie goodness together. Use regular or no-boil noodles, whichever you prefer!
Ricotta Cheese: The creamy, slightly tangy ricotta makes the perfect base for the cheesy filling, giving the lasagna a rich, smooth texture.
Mozzarella Cheese: Melty, gooey mozzarella brings the cheesy, comforting pull we all love in lasagna.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, savory flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweet butternut squash.
Garlic & Onion: The aromatic foundation of the sauce, these two ingredients bring a savory depth that ties everything together.
Tomato Sauce: A simple, flavorful tomato sauce is the perfect backdrop for the other ingredients, balancing out the richness of the cheese and squash.
Herbs & Spices: A mix of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper brings the dish to life, adding warmth and a deliciously fragrant aroma.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Spinach: While the squash is roasting, sauté the spinach in a large pan over medium heat until wilted. This will only take 2-3 minutes. Once done, set aside.
3. Make the Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the Lasagna: In a large baking dish, start with a layer of tomato sauce at the bottom. Follow with a layer of lasagna noodles, then a layer of the ricotta mixture, a layer of roasted butternut squash, a handful of spinach, and another layer of sauce. Repeat this layering process, finishing with a layer of noodles topped with the remaining sauce and mozzarella.
5. Bake the Lasagna: Cover the lasagna with foil and bake in the preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 35 minutes. After 35 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Let It Rest: After baking, let the lasagna sit for 10 minutes before slicing into it. This helps the layers set and makes serving much easier.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve warm with a side salad and some crusty bread for the perfect meal.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
How to Serve Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a light, tangy salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the lasagna.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce and add that perfect crunch.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots complement the flavors of the lasagna and add extra color to the plate.
Wine Pairing: A glass of crisp white wine or a light red wine like Pinot Noir will complement the sweet squash and savory cheese beautifully.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: You can roast the butternut squash and sauté the spinach ahead of time to save yourself some time when assembling the lasagna.
Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce or sprinkle some on top before baking.
Dietary Adjustments: You can use dairy-free cheese to make this dish vegan or swap the ricotta for a plant-based alternative.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its texture.
Double the Batch: This lasagna freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. It’s perfect for meal prepping or saving for a rainy day.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute butternut squash with another vegetable?
A1: Yes! You could use sweet potatoes or pumpkin as a substitute. Both will add a similar sweetness to the dish.
Q2: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna the day before, then cover and refrigerate it. Bake the next day, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for the best results.
Q4: Can I freeze this lasagna?
A4: Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat lasagna?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes until it’s heated through. If reheating in the microwave, cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals.
Q6: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A6: Yes! No-boil noodles will work perfectly in this recipe. Just be sure to add enough sauce to keep them moist while baking.
Q7: Can I add meat to this lasagna?
A7: Absolutely! Ground turkey or sausage would work great if you prefer a meat version. Just cook the meat first and layer it in with the vegetables.
Q8: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A8: Yes, frozen spinach will work well. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the lasagna.
Q9: Can I use other cheeses in this recipe?
A9: Sure! You can use any melty cheese you like, such as provolone or gouda, but ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan give the perfect texture and flavor.
Q10: How many layers should my lasagna have?
A10: Aim for about 3-4 layers of noodles. The more layers, the better, but it will also depend on the size of your baking dish.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna that’s sure to be a hit with everyone at your table! It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with fresh, comforting flavors that you can feel good about. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or saving it for the weekend, it’s the perfect dish to enjoy any time. Get ready to dig in!
Print
Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting, vegetarian lasagna made with creamy butternut squash puree and a delicious spinach, garlic, and ricotta cheese filling, all topped with melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese. A hearty, flavorful dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Butternut Squash Filling:
- 2 cups butternut squash, pureed (about 1 full squash)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Spinach Filling:
- 1/2 cup organic onion, diced
- 3 cloves organic garlic, minced
- 8 oz organic baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup organic ricotta cheese
- 1 cup organic mozzarella cheese, shredded or cut into small cubes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground pepper
Other Ingredients:
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups organic mozzarella cheese, shredded or cubed
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- Olive oil (for roasting and sautéing)
Instructions
- Butternut Squash Filling:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F.
- Peel and cube the butternut squash. Place it on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until fork-tender.
- Puree the roasted squash with ricotta cheese, milk, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon in a food processor until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Spinach Filling:
- Sauté the diced onion in olive oil over low/medium heat for 3 minutes or until softened. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Lasagna Noodles:
- Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions but undercook by 2 minutes. Drain and rinse with cool water.
- Assembling the Lasagna:
- Spray the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Spread a thin layer of butternut squash puree to coat the bottom.
- Layer 3 noodles, spoon over butternut squash puree, followed by the spinach mixture. Repeat the layering three more times, finishing with mozzarella and parmesan cheese on top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and broil for a few minutes to achieve a golden brown top.
Notes
- You can prepare the butternut squash and spinach fillings ahead of time for a quicker assembly process.
- Feel free to add a drizzle of olive oil or extra seasoning between layers if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 16
- Cholesterol: 35mg