Creamy and Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach

Pasta nights are a highlight for my family, and they always look forward to what I’ll prepare since I like to switch it up each time. This lasagna recipe is one of my favorites, and it’s a hit with my kids as well. I’m glad they enjoy it so much, especially since they don’t even realize they’re eating vegetables!

This lasagna is incredibly cheesy and filling. If you enjoy a creamy spinach bite, you'll instantly love this recipe. The roasted butternut squash purée is naturally sweet and smooth, and when combined with ricotta cheese and garlic, each bite becomes hearty and flavorful.

The spinach filling adds a fresh, earthy note that perfectly complements the sweetness of the squash. The mozzarella contributes that gooey, melty quality that everyone loves in a lasagna. Overall, it’s a satisfying meatless, cheesy lasagna that’s packed with nutrients.

In under an hour, you can have an easy and delicious dinner ready to serve. The best part is that 45 minutes of the cooking time is spent in the oven, so you really don’t have to do much.

I’ll never forget the first time I served this on one of our pasta nights—I couldn’t stop smiling as I watched the kids enjoy it. They were thrilled with how cheesy it was and ended up eating more than I expected. Plus, I was able to sneak in some vegetables, which felt like a win for me too!

If you're looking for a comforting meal that the whole family would enjoy, this is a great recipe for you. This might even be the start of you pasta night tradition.

• Butternut squash purée: Provides a creamy base with a natural sweetness that enhances the filling.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps blend the flavors together.
• Ricotta cheese: Contributes a creamy texture and mild flavor to the filling.
• Minced garlic: Infuses a robust garlic flavor into the dish.
• Nutmeg: Introduces a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the squash.
• Italian seasoning: Adds a blend of herbs that enhance the overall taste.
• Fresh baby spinach: Provides a nutritious element and a slight earthiness.
• Mozzarella cheese: Adds creaminess and a gooey texture when melted.
• Parmesan cheese: Contributes a sharp, nutty flavor and richness to the filling.
• Lasagna sheets: I use regular lasagna but you can use no-boil lasagna noodles.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and enhances presentation.

See the recipe card for exact quantities.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This vegetarian lasagna recipe combines layers of creamy butternut squash filling with fresh spinach and rich cheeses, resulting in a hearty vegetarian dish. The straightforward process allows you to create a comforting meal perfect for gatherings or family dinners. Follow these step-by-step instructions to prepare the fillings, assemble the lasagna, and bake it to perfection, guiding you through each stage to create a flavorful butternut squash and spinach lasagna with minimal effort.

Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (180°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish to prevent your lasagna from sticking.

Prepare the Butternut Squash Filling

In a medium bowl, combine the butternut squash purée, milk, ricotta cheese, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set this filling aside.

Prepare the Spinach Filling

In another bowl, combine fresh baby spinach, minced garlic, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese. Stir until the spinach mixture is well combined and set aside.

Assemble the Lasagna

To assemble, start by spreading one-third of the butternut squash filling evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Lay three lasagna noodle sheets on top of the filling. Next, spread half of the spinach and ricotta mixture over the lasagna noodle sheets. Repeat this layering process one more time, adding another three lasagna sheets followed by the remaining butternut squash filling. Finally, top the lasagna with the grated mozzarella cheese.

Bake the Lasagna

Cover the baking dish with foil and place it in the middle of the preheated oven. Bake for 35 minutes. After this time, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese crust is nicely golden and bubbly.

Let It Rest and Cut

Once the lasagna is done baking, remove from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut. After resting, sprinkle parsley on top of the lasagna for an added touch of freshness and color.

Storage

To store, let the lasagna rest and cool to room temperature before placing it in an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month; if freezing, ensure it's tightly wrapped to prevent freezer burn. When ready to reheat, use the microwave until warmed through, or preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the dish with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes until heated thoroughly. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the layers to set. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach

Like your typical lasagna, this is best enjoyed with a side of garlic bread, and sourdough bread is an excellent choice for this pairing. The crusty exterior and soft interior of sourdough absorb the rich flavors of the lasagna while providing a satisfying texture contrast. The garlic butter spread adds an aromatic touch that enhances the overall dining experience.

In addition to garlic bread, you can complement your lasagna with vegetable dishes like carrot tzimmes, which features sweet, slow-cooked carrots and dried fruits for a deliciously sweet and savory combination. Another great option is air fryer asparagus, offering a light and crisp texture that balances the heartiness of the lasagna. For a protein component, consider serving air fryer turkey tenders or air fryer turkey thighs, both of which are really easy to prepare.