Cozy Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna Recipe for Fall Comfort

Crafting a cozy butternut squash & spinach lasagna delivers pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Layers of vibrant vegetables and creamy cheese promise a delightful culinary experience.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this hearty dish.

Rich, warming flavors will instantly make you feel embraced by kitchen magic.

Soft roasted squash melts against tender pasta sheets, creating unexpected depth.

Fragrant herbs dance through each carefully constructed layer.

We promise this recipe will become your new favorite autumn meal.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this incredible creation.

Tips for Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

• Roast butternut squash with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to enhance its natural sweetness and caramelize edges for deeper flavor.
• Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or zucchini slices for a low-carb version that keeps the dish's creamy, comforting texture.
• Squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach using a clean kitchen towel to ensure your lasagna stays firm and doesn't become soggy.
• Assemble the lasagna ahead of time, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months for an easy make-ahead meal.
• Mix in a touch of goat cheese with ricotta for a tangy flavor that cuts through the rich butternut squash sauce.

Storing and Reheating Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover the lasagna tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F (175C). Cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Uncover for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until completely warm. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.

Pairing Suggestions for Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

• Pair Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, creamy butternut squash sauce and cuts through the cheese's heaviness.
• Serve Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's richness, adding a crisp, tangy contrast that refreshes the palate.
• Match Crusty Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, toasted sourdough bread rubbed with garlic and olive oil to soak up the extra butternut squash sauce and provide a crunchy texture alongside the soft lasagna.
• Complement Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a simple roasted vegetable medley with zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to enhance the vegetable notes in the lasagna and add nutritional variety to the meal.

Variations on Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna sheets or use thinly sliced zucchini as noodle alternatives for a low-carb option.
• Vegan Version: Swap dairy cheeses with cashew ricotta, nutritional yeast, and plant-based mozzarella. Use vegetable broth instead of milk and skip the egg in the cheese mixture.
• Protein-Packed Boost: Add cooked ground turkey or shredded chicken between layers for extra protein. Incorporate white beans or lentils for a vegetarian protein alternative.
• Herb Garden Remix: Enhance the flavor profile by mixing fresh herbs like sage, thyme, and rosemary into the butternut squash sauce or cheese mixture for a more aromatic experience.

FAQs

• Is butternut squash sauce difficult to make?

Not at all! Simply steam or roast the squash until tender, then blend with broth, milk, garlic, and seasonings until smooth. It’s an easy process that creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.

• Can I use fresh or frozen spinach?

Both work great! Fresh spinach gives a vibrant green color and crisp texture, while frozen spinach is convenient and equally nutritious. Just make sure to drain excess moisture if using frozen spinach.

• What cheese combination works best for this lasagna?

The recipe uses a classic trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. This blend provides creamy texture, melty goodness, and rich flavor. The Italian seasoning adds an extra depth to the cheese mixture.

• Is this lasagna vegetarian-friendly?

Yes, absolutely! This lasagna is completely vegetarian, packed with nutritious butternut squash and spinach. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that even meat-lovers will enjoy.

Cozy Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna Guide

• Transform classic lasagna into a cozy, nutrient-packed meal that warms the soul with vibrant butternut squash and fresh spinach.
• Easily customize this recipe by swapping ingredients or preparing components ahead of time for stress-free cooking.
• Pack a delicious punch with nutrient-rich spinach and butternut squash, offering a wholesome alternative to traditional lasagna that doesn't compromise on flavor.
• Create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime enjoyable and nutritious for everyone around the table.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and creamy vegetable that serves as the base for the rich sauce in this lasagna.
• Spinach: A tender leafy green that adds nutrition and earthy flavor to the lasagna layers.
• Lasagna Noodles: The classic pasta sheets that create the structural layers of the dish.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that provide creamy texture and deep savory flavor to the lasagna.
• Egg: A binding agent that helps hold the cheese mixture together.
• Milk: Adds smoothness and helps create a silky butternut squash sauce.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Nutmeg, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning: Aromatic ingredients that boost the overall taste profile of the lasagna.
• Vegetable Broth: Adds depth and liquid to the butternut squash sauce.

Preparation Steps for Cozy Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna

Step 1: Roast Butternut Squash

Preheat the oven to 400F.

Cut butternut squash in half, remove seeds, and place cut-side down on a baking sheet.

Roast until fork-tender and slightly caramelized, about 40-45 minutes.

Step 2: Blend Velvety Squash Sauce

Scoop roasted squash flesh into a blender.

• Vegetable broth
• Milk
• Minced garlic
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until silky smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add fresh spinach and cook until completely wilted and moisture evaporates.

Set aside.

Step 4: Create Cheese Blend

• Ricotta cheese
• Shredded mozzarella
• Grated Parmesan
• Beaten egg
• Italian herb seasoning

Mix until well incorporated.

Step 5: Layer Lasagna Magic

Grease a baking dish.

Create layers starting with squash sauce, then lasagna noodles, cheese mixture, and wilted spinach.

Repeat layers, finishing with sauce and extra cheese on top.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Cover with aluminum foil and bake at 375F for 25 minutes.

Remove foil and continue baking for 15 more minutes until top turns golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Let lasagna rest for 10 minutes to set.

Slice and serve this warm, comforting dish that celebrates autumn’s beautiful flavors.

Cozy Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna Recipe

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

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this butternut squash & spinach lasagna, where layers of creamy ricotta, roasted squash, and tender spinach create a symphony of seasonal flavors. Hearty and nutritious, this Italian-inspired dish promises to warm souls and delight taste buds with its rich, satisfying embrace.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 12 lasagna noodles (cooked al dente or no-boil)

Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups ricotta cheese
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Extra mozzarella and Parmesan for topping

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for sauteing
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Transform butternut squash into a velvety sauce by steaming or roasting until tender, then puree with vegetable broth, milk, minced garlic, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until silky smooth.
2. Quickly sauté fresh spinach in olive oil over medium heat until just wilted and vibrant green, then remove from pan and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Create a rich cheese blend by combining creamy ricotta, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, beaten egg, and aromatic Italian seasoning in a mixing bowl.
4. Grease a large baking dish and begin layering: spread a thin base of butternut squash sauce, arrange lasagna noodles to cover completely, dollop cheese mixture evenly, and scatter wilted spinach across the layer.
5. Repeat layering process, ensuring each component is distributed uniformly throughout the lasagna, finishing with a final layer of squash sauce and a generous sprinkle of additional cheese on top.
6. Cover the assembled lasagna with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes to allow flavors to meld and noodles to soften.
7. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface turns golden and slightly crispy around the edges.
8. Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes after removing from oven, which helps set the layers and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Roast butternut squash instead of steaming for deeper, caramelized flavor that adds rich sweetness to the sauce.
• Use fresh spinach leaves for better texture and more vibrant green color compared to frozen spinach.
• Experiment with alternative cheeses like goat cheese or vegan ricotta to accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Allow lasagna to rest longer than 10 minutes to help layers set and make slicing cleaner and more precise.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg