Cozy Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe for Fall Comfort

Crafting a delightful squash and spinach lasagna brings comfort right to your dinner table.

Layers of vibrant vegetables create a hearty meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal produce transforms this classic dish into something truly special.

Creamy cheese and tender vegetables mingle between pasta sheets, promising incredible flavor in every bite.

Mediterranean influences shine through with rich, wholesome ingredients.

Nutritious and satisfying, this recipe makes vegetable-packed meals feel indulgent and exciting.

Dive into this culinary adventure that will become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Why Squash and Spinach Lasagna Deserves a Spot on Your Table

• Craft Colorful Comfort: This vibrant lasagna transforms ordinary ingredients into a stunning, nutritious meal packed with beautiful orange squash and green spinach layers.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Loaded with vitamins from butternut squash and spinach, this recipe delivers a healthy twist on traditional lasagna while keeping incredible flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Simple adaptations make this dish perfect for vegetarians, gluten-sensitive individuals, or anyone wanting to swap ingredients based on preferences or pantry availability.
• Master One-Dish Wonder: Requiring minimal kitchen skills, this recipe offers restaurant-quality results with straightforward steps that guarantee delicious outcomes for home cooks of all levels.

What’s Inside This Veggie-Packed Lasagna

• Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty vegetable that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the lasagna.
• Spinach: A nutrient-packed leafy green that provides earthy taste and vibrant color to the dish.
• Lasagna Noodles: The classic pasta base that holds all the delicious layers together.

• Ricotta Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: A trio of cheeses that creates a creamy, melty, and flavorful lasagna experience.

• Marinara Sauce: A classic tomato-based sauce that adds moisture and traditional Italian flavor.
• Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatics that bring depth and a subtle kick to the dish.
• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Nutmeg, Egg: Supporting ingredients that enhance overall taste and help bind the components together.

Baking the Perfect Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.

Step 2: Season and Roast Squash

Place butternut squash rounds on the prepared sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper across the surface.

Roast until the squash becomes tender and develops golden edges, which takes approximately 20 minutes.

Step 3: Sauté Spinach Mixture

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add garlic and red pepper flakes, allowing them to release their aromatic flavors for one minute. Introduce spinach and cook until it wilts completely, which typically takes around 3 minutes.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 4: Create Creamy Ricotta Blend

In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese with egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.

Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated and smooth.

Step 5: Layer Lasagna Components

Start by spreading marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish.

• Lasagna noodles
• Roasted squash
• Sautéed spinach
• Ricotta mixture
• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Repeat the layering process, ensuring the final layer is noodles topped with remaining sauce and cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until the top becomes bubbly and golden brown.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving.

This helps the layers set and makes slicing easier.

Savvy Tips for Layers of Flavor

• Roast butternut squash until caramelized edges develop for deeper, sweeter flavor profile.
• Drain excess moisture from spinach after cooking to prevent watery lasagna texture.
• Use fresh ricotta for creamier, smoother filling that enhances overall dish richness.
• Choose no-boil lasagna noodles to simplify preparation and reduce cooking time.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina or gruyère for unique taste variations.

Lasagna Remix: Veggie-Style Ideas to Try

• Zucchini Spinach Fusion: Replace butternut squash with thinly sliced zucchini, maintaining similar roasting technique and layering method for a lighter vegetable version.
• Kale Mediterranean Mix: Swap spinach with chopped kale, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate dried oregano for a Greek-inspired Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Pumpkin Sage Celebration: Use roasted pumpkin instead of squash, sprinkle fresh chopped sage leaves between layers, and enhance ricotta with ground black pepper for an autumnal feel.
• Mushroom Green Protein Powerhouse: Replace squash with sautéed portobello mushrooms, add sautéed Swiss chard, and mix quinoa into ricotta for extra protein and earthy depth.

Great Pairings for Spinach Squash Lasagna

• Pair Perfectly with Robust Red Wine: Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the rich, earthy flavors of butternut squash and spinach.
• Complement with Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the lasagna's creamy texture and cut through its richness.
• Match with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: Select a chilled white wine with bright acidity that refreshes the palate and enhances the vegetable's subtle sweetness.
• Serve alongside Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up extra marinara sauce and provide a crunchy textural contrast to the soft lasagna layers.

How to Keep Your Lasagna Delicious Later

• Refrigerate: Store leftover lasagna in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions or the entire lasagna in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Microwave Reheating: Place a single serving on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even warming.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place lasagna in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil to retain moisture.

Questions About Squash and Spinach Lasagna? Start Here

• Is this lasagna vegetarian?

Yes, this squash and spinach lasagna is completely vegetarian, featuring roasted butternut squash, spinach, and cheese layers without any meat.

• Can I use a different type of squash?

Absolutely! Acorn squash or pumpkin can be great alternatives to butternut squash with similar texture and roasting characteristics.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles, which are widely available in most grocery stores. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

While the recipe uses mozzarella and Parmesan, you can also experiment with ricotta alternatives like cottage cheese or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.

Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Layers of Italian comfort converge in this hearty squash and spinach lasagna, blending rustic autumn flavors with creamy ricotta and tender noodles. Comfort meets nutrition in a single baking dish that promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry families seeking a nourishing meal.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds
• 10 ounces (280 grams) fresh spinach
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) marinara sauce

Cheese Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 grams) ricotta cheese
• 2 cups (200 grams) grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Aromatics:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large egg

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet for roasting butternut squash.
2. Drizzle squash rounds with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then roast for 20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
3. In a large skillet, sauté garlic and red pepper flakes in olive oil for one minute, creating an aromatic base.
4. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until completely wilted, approximately 3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
5. Create ricotta mixture by combining cheese, egg, nutmeg, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
6. Prepare baking dish by spreading marinara sauce across the bottom to prevent sticking.
7. Construct first lasagna layer with noodles, arranging roasted squash, wilted spinach, and dolloping half the ricotta mixture evenly.
8. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese generously over the first layer to enhance flavor and texture.
9. Repeat layering process with remaining ingredients, ensuring final layer consists of noodles topped with marinara sauce and residual cheese.
10. Cover lasagna with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then uncover and continue baking for additional 10 minutes until cheese turns golden and edges bubble.
11. Allow lasagna to rest for 10 minutes, which helps set layers and makes slicing easier, then serve warm.

Notes

• Swap butternut squash with pumpkin or sweet potato for varied flavor profiles and seasonal adaptations.
• Create a gluten-free version by using rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional lasagna sheets.
• Enhance protein content by adding cooked ground turkey or lentils between layers for a more nutritious meal.
• Reduce cooking time by using pre-roasted squash or frozen roasted vegetable medleys for convenience and quicker preparation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg