If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and vibrant, this Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s packed with creamy butternut squash, tender spinach, and melty cheeses all layered between perfectly cooked noodles for a vegetarian twist on a classic comfort meal. Every bite bursts with warm spices and fresh ingredients, making it an irresistible dish perfect for family dinners or impressing guests with something a little different but undeniably delicious.

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a rich and satisfying lasagna. Each item is essential to build the perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, along with texture and color that will make your dish as beautiful as it is tasty.

Butternut squash puree: About 2 cups, this puree adds natural sweetness and smooth creaminess, forming the star of the sauce.
Ricotta cheese: Used twice—1 cup for the squash mixture and 1 cup for the spinach mix—adds creaminess and binds the layers beautifully.
Milk: 1/2 cup to loosen the squash mixture to a creamy, spreadable consistency.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon in both mixtures to enhance all the flavors.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch to warm up the butternut squash flavor with a subtle depth.
Spinach: 8 ounces cooked; this leafy green balances the sweetness with a fresh vegetal note.
Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup mixed into the spinach layer plus 1 1/2 cups for the topping for that perfect stretchy gooeyness.
Garlic cloves: 2 minced to infuse the spinach layer with savory aroma and flavor.
Black pepper: To taste, rounding out all the seasonings with a bit of heat.
Lasagna noodles: 10 ounces cooked (either regular or gluten-free for those who need it).
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup grated, sprinkled on top for a nutty, slightly sharp finish.
Italian seasoning: 1/4 teaspoon to add classic herbaceous notes.
Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon for a subtle smoky color boost.
Basil: 1/4 teaspoon for freshness and that true Italian vibe.

How to Make Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready and waiting to bake your lasagna to perfection while you prep the layers.

Step 2: Prepare Butternut Squash Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the butternut squash puree with 1 cup of ricotta cheese, milk, salt, and nutmeg. Stir everything until smooth and creamy. Adjust the milk to get a spreadable texture that will coat the noodles and layers nicely.

Step 3: Prepare Spinach Mixture

Sauté the minced garlic until it releases its warm fragrance, then mix in the cooked spinach. Let it cool slightly before stirring in the remaining ricotta, mozzarella, salt, and pepper. This mixture is luscious and packed with garlicky, cheesy goodness that complements the sweet squash beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Lasagna Noodles

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until they are al dente—tender but still firm to hold up against the layers without getting mushy. Drain them well and set aside.

Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna

Start by spreading a thin layer of the butternut squash mixture on the bottom of your baking dish. Layer cooked noodles on top, then spread the spinach mixture evenly. Add another noodle layer, followed by more butternut squash mixture. Repeat these layers until you use up all your mixtures, finishing with a noodle layer on top.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Seasoning

Sprinkle the top layer generously with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then dust with Italian seasoning, paprika, and basil. These finishing touches will create a golden, flavorful crust.

Step 7: Bake

Cover your dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes to let all those marvelous flavors meld. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the cheese until it’s bubbly and beautifully golden.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the lasagna rest for about 10 minutes once out of the oven. This allows the layers to set, making it easier to cut and serving. Trust me, the wait is worth every second!

How to Serve Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Garnishes

Finish your lasagna with a fresh sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also add a subtle richness that elevates every bite.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheese. Roasted garlic bread or crusty artisan bread makes a perfect side to soak up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, consider making individual portions in mini baking dishes or oven-safe ramekins—it’s a charming presentation that feels special. You can also layer the lasagna in colorful ceramic dishes to brighten up your table setting and add some rustic charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna tightly with foil or place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, allowing the flavors to deepen even more.

Freezing

If you want to save time on future dinners, this lasagna freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil or freeze individual portions. It will stay delicious for up to 3 months.

Reheating

To reheat, bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 to 30 minutes when frozen, or 15 minutes if refrigerated. Alternatively, microwave individual slices on medium power for a few minutes until hot.

FAQs

Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of puree?

Absolutely! Roast or steam the butternut squash until soft, then mash or blend it to create a smooth puree. This will give you the freshest flavor and ensure the creamy texture needed for the recipe.

Is this lasagna gluten-free?

You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles, such as those made from brown rice. Just be sure to follow the package cooking instructions to maintain the perfect noodle texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the lasagna?

Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted bell peppers can add extra layers of flavor and nutrition. Just make sure they are cooked and drained to avoid excess moisture in the lasagna.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To veganize the Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe, substitute the dairy cheeses with plant-based alternatives and use a vegan milk option. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor punch.

What wine pairs well with this lasagna?

A light to medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the cheeses and the sweetness of the squash without overpowering the delicate flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about this Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal veggies in a comforting classic, and it’s so simple to make. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it over and over again!