08/02/2026
Butternut Squash and Spinach 3-Cheese Lasagna
This comforting lasagna is packed with the creamy sweetness of butternut squash, fresh spinach, and a delightful blend of three cheeses. It's a wonderful vegetarian meal perfect for a cozy dinner. You can also easily use pumpkin purée as a substitute for butternut squash.
Ingredients:
1 (10-12 ounce) package lasagna noodles (oven-ready or regular)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can butternut squash purée (or equivalent homemade from roasted squash or pumpkin purée)
½ cup vegetable broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Layers:
15 ounces ricotta cheese (about 2 cups)
5 ounces fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped and squeezed dry
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Optional: 4 ounces (½ cup) mascarpone cheese for extra creaminess in the sauce
Instructions:
Prepare Lasagna Noodles: If using regular lasagna noodles, cook them according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and lay flat to prevent sticking. If using oven-ready noodles, no pre-cooking is needed.
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Make Butternut Squash Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the butternut squash purée, vegetable broth, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Make Spinach-Ricotta Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, roughly chopped and squeezed dry spinach, and the lightly beaten egg. Stir in ¼ cup of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
Assemble Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the butternut squash sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish.
Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce (trimming to fit if necessary).
Spread half of the spinach-ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Top with about one-third of the remaining butternut squash sauce.
Sprinkle with one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
Repeat layers: noodles, remaining spinach-ricotta mixture, another third of butternut squash sauce, another third of mozzarella.
Finish with a final layer of noodles, the remaining butternut squash sauce, and the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Bake: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil (you can spray the underside of the foil with cooking spray to prevent sticking). Bake for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the lasagna is heated through.
Rest & Serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to set and makes for cleaner slices.
Enjoy ❤️👇👇👇