Name: Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna: Why You Need To Try This Cozy Dish
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: PT-491937H13M10S
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 9 lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil); 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained); 1 (15 oz) container ricotta cheese; 1 large egg; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp nutmeg; 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 cups béchamel or Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade); Fresh sage or basil, for garnish

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Tired of the same old pasta dishes that leave you feeling unsatisfied and uninspired? When cold weather hits, there’s nothing quite like a bubbling, golden-topped butternut squash and spinach lasagna to warm both your kitchen and your soul.

This hearty vegetarian butternut squash and spinach lasagna delivers layers of creamy, savory comfort with every bite.

The natural sweetness of butternut squash perfectly balances the earthy spinach, creating a dish that even dedicated meat-eaters will crave.

At Cooks Foody, Elizabeth has been perfecting this recipe through countless fall and winter seasons. What began as a simple experiment to use up farmers’ market butternut squash has evolved into one of our most requested comfort food recipes.

After testing multiple versions with our Austin and Portland recipe teams, we’ve created the ultimate butternut squash and spinach lasagna that strikes the perfect balance between impressive and approachable.

In this guide, you’ll discover why this dish has become a seasonal favorite, how to select the perfect squash, prep shortcuts that save time, and step-by-step instructions for lasagna success. Plus, we’ll share serving suggestions and variations to make this butternut squash and spinach lasagna your own signature dish.

Why This Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna Recipe Works

Uses seasonal, budget-friendly ingredients that are readily available in fall and winter
Can be prepped ahead and baked when needed for stress-free entertaining
Provides a complete meal with vegetables, protein and carbs all in one dish
Creates a show-stopping presentation with minimal active cooking time
Freezes beautifully for meal prep and future comfort food cravings

Choosing The Right Ingredients For Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna

Best Butternut Squash Selection

When shopping for butternut squash, look for specimens with a matte finish (not glossy) and uniform beige color. The squash should feel heavy for its size, indicating moisture content and freshness. A longer neck means more flesh and fewer seeds, making prep easier and yield greater.

Spinach Options For Lasagna

Fresh spinach will provide the brightest flavor, but requires pre-cooking to remove excess moisture. For a quicker alternative, thawed frozen spinach works wonderfully—just be sure to squeeze it thoroughly. Baby spinach offers tender texture and milder flavor, while mature spinach delivers more robust earthiness.

Pasta Selection

Traditional lasagna noodles work beautifully, but no-boil varieties can save significant prep time. For a lighter version, try using thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant in place of some pasta layers. Whole wheat lasagna noodles add nutty flavor and extra nutrition that pairs well with the squash.

Ingredients & Prep For Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna

Vegetable Preparation Essentials

Butternut squash can be intimidating to prep, but don’t worry! Simply peel with a sharp vegetable peeler, cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, and dice into 1-inch cubes. For spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly washed and dried if using fresh. If using frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture through a clean kitchen towel.

Sauce Components

Cubed butternut squash (4-5 cups)
Fresh or frozen spinach (16 oz)
Ricotta cheese (16 oz)
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (2 cups)
Parmesan cheese, grated (1 cup)
Garlic cloves (4-6, minced)
Fresh sage leaves (10-12, chopped)
Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
Milk or cream (1 cup)
Olive oil (3 tablespoons)

Aromatics And Seasonings

The magic of this dish lies in its balance of flavors. Nutmeg enhances the natural sweetness of butternut squash, while fresh sage adds earthy depth. Don’t skip the garlic—it bridges the flavor profiles of the squash and spinach. Salt and black pepper are crucial; be sure to season each component as you build the lasagna.

Step-By-Step Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep For Butternut Squash Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
While squash roasts, sauté spinach with garlic until wilted (if using fresh) or heat through (if using thawed frozen).
In a food processor, blend 3/4 of the roasted squash with milk/cream, nutmeg, and half the sage to create a smooth sauce. Leave remaining squash cubes intact for texture.

Lasagna Assembly Method

Spread a thin layer of butternut squash sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 baking dish.
Place a single layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread a layer of ricotta cheese over the noodles.
Add a layer of the spinach mixture.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan.
Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with cheese on top.
Reserve some whole sage leaves for garnish.

Baking Temperature Check

Cover the lasagna with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling. The internal temperature should reach 165°F for food safety.

Resting Your Butternut Squash Lasagna

Allow the lasagna to rest for 15-20 minutes before cutting. This crucial step lets the layers set and flavors meld, ensuring perfect slices instead of a collapsed mess. Use this time to prepare a simple side salad to accompany your meal.

Pro Tips For Perfect Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna

Avoiding Soggy Lasagna Layers

The enemy of good lasagna is excess moisture. Make sure to thoroughly squeeze water from your spinach. For the butternut sauce, avoid making it too thin—it should be the consistency of thick cream. If your sauce looks watery, simmer it briefly to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Tool Recommendations

A good sharp chef’s knife makes butternut squash prep much easier and safer. A deep 9×13 ceramic baking dish conducts heat evenly and looks beautiful for serving. A food processor creates the silkiest squash sauce, but an immersion blender works well too.

Storage & Reheating

Butternut squash and spinach lasagna actually improves after a day in the refrigerator as flavors meld. Store leftovers covered for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in a microwave for 2-3 minutes or in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 15-20 minutes for larger portions).

Looking for more creative ways with winter vegetables? Check out our Roasted Sweet Potato Rounds for another seasonal favorite!

Flavor Variations For Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna

Creamy Goat Cheese Version

Replace half the ricotta with tangy goat cheese for a more sophisticated flavor profile that beautifully complements the sweetness of butternut squash. Add a tablespoon of lemon zest to brighten the entire dish.

Gluten-Free Option

Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives, or create a lower-carb version using thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant in place of pasta. The vegetable layers add moisture, so you may want to reduce the amount of sauce slightly.

Mediterranean Twist

Incorporate Mediterranean flavors with kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and feta cheese. Replace sage with fresh oregano and thyme, and add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat that elevates the dish.

Variation	Key Ingredients	Prep Time	Cooking Time	Best For
Classic	Butternut squash, spinach, ricotta	45 mins	50 mins	Traditional comfort food
Mediterranean	+ Olives, feta, artichokes	55 mins	50 mins	Summer-to-fall transition
Vegan	Plant-based cheeses, nutritional yeast	45 mins	50 mins	Plant-based diets
Protein-Packed	+ White beans or lentils	60 mins	55 mins	Higher protein needs

Serving Suggestions For Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna

This robust lasagna pairs beautifully with lighter sides that complement without competing. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli with garlic provide contrasting texture and additional nutritional value.

For a complete autumn feast, serve with our Spinach Garlic Meatballs as an appetizer (just remove the meat for a vegetarian version), and finish with Candy Cane Brownie Bombs for a sweet treat.

The earthiness of this dish makes it perfect for entertaining, as it can be prepared in advance and baked just before guests arrive, filling your home with irresistible aromas.

FAQs About Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna

Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and add 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time.

How do I fix a watery lasagna?

If your lasagna seems watery after baking, let it rest longer before serving (30 minutes instead of 15). For future batches, make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach and cook the butternut squash sauce until it’s thick and reduced.

Can I freeze butternut squash and spinach lasagna?

Yes! This lasagna freezes beautifully. For best results, bake it completely, cool to room temperature, then freeze. Alternatively, freeze unbaked lasagna and add 20-25 minutes to the baking time (no need to thaw first).

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

This butternut squash and spinach lasagna is completely vegetarian. To make it vegan, substitute plant-based alternatives for the dairy ingredients and check that your lasagna noodles are egg-free.

Conclusion

Butternut squash and spinach lasagna represents comfort food at its finest nutritious, satisfying, and impressive enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight cooking. The sweet earthiness of butternut squash paired with savory spinach creates layers of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this versatile dish delivers on all fronts. The best part? It’s even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

Join thousands of home cooks who’ve made this butternut squash and spinach lasagna their signature fall dish! We’d love to see your creations share them with us on social media or leave a comment below with your own variations.

Find more cooking inspiration and seasonal favorites on our Pinterest page where we regularly share beautiful food photography and creative recipe ideas to inspire your next kitchen adventure!

Butternut Squash And Spinach Lasagna: Why You Need To Try This Cozy Dish