Name: Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash puree (about half of a squash); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/2 cup milk (or more, if needed); 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus 1/8 teaspoon more); 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg; 8 oz spinach (1 cup cooked spinach); 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1/4 teaspoon salt; Pepper, to taste; 10 oz lasagna noodles, cooked (for gluten free, use Tinkyada brown rice lasagna noodles); 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (or more), divided; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping); 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon basil; Olive oil spray (for greasing baking dish)

Ingredients

2 cups butternut squash puree (about half of a squash)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1/2 cup milk (or more if needed)

1/4 teaspoon salt (plus 1/8 teaspoon more)

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

8 oz spinach (1 cup cooked spinach)

1 cup ricotta cheese

1 cup mozzarella cheese

2 garlic cloves (minced)

1/4 teaspoon salt

Pepper (to taste)

10 oz lasagna noodles (cooked; for gluten free, use Tinkyada brown rice noodles)

1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese (or more)

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (for topping)

1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon basil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Prepare the butternut squash filling by combining 2 cups of butternut squash puree with 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until creamy. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt as needed.

Step 3: Prepare the spinach filling by mixing cooked spinach with 1 cup ricotta cheese, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and pepper to taste. Blend well and season to preference.

Step 4: Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of boiling water. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Trim noodles if needed to fit your baking dish.

Step 5: Lightly grease an 11 x 8.5 x 3-inch casserole dish with olive oil spray. Spread one-third of the butternut squash filling evenly on the bottom of the dish. Sprinkle lightly with mozzarella cheese.

Step 6: Layer cooked noodles over the squash filling without overlapping (about 3 noodles). Spread half of the spinach filling on top, then sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Add another layer of noodles.

Step 7: Spread another one-third of the butternut squash mixture over the noodles and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Add another noodle layer.

Step 8: Spread the remaining half of the spinach filling over the noodles, sprinkle with mozzarella, then top with the last layer of noodles.

Step 9: Spread the remaining one-third of butternut squash filling over the final noodle layer. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, remaining mozzarella (about 1/2 cup), and season generously with Italian seasoning, paprika, and basil.

Step 10: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Let rest a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the spinach filling—this pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the butternut squash.

Use gluten-free noodles if needed, adjusting cooking times as per package instructions.

If you prefer a nuttier taste, swap mozzarella with fontina or provolone cheese.

Roast the butternut squash yourself for a more intense flavor before pureeing.

Storage

Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For longer storage, freeze before baking and bake from frozen, increasing baking time accordingly.

FAQs

Can I prepare the fillings ahead of time?

Yes, both the butternut squash and spinach fillings can be made a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.

Do I need to cook the noodles before assembling?

Yes, boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. If using no-boil noodles, adjust the recipe accordingly and ensure there is enough moisture in the fillings.