Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta

Introduction

Butternut squash lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, where thinly sliced butternut squash replaces traditional pasta sheets. This innovative recipe brings together the natural sweetness of butternut squash with savory cheese and flavorful herbs, creating a comforting and satisfying meal. The layers of tender squash, rich cheese, and aromatic sauce meld together to form a harmonious symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking to add more vegetables to your diet or simply crave a new culinary adventure, this butternut squash lasagna is sure to impress your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s gluten-free and lighter than traditional lasagna.

• Packed with vitamins A and C from butternut squash.

• Perfect for cozy fall nights and holiday meals.

• Budget-friendly, using seasonal ingredients.

Origin and Inspiration

The idea for this butternut squash lasagna recipe sprouted from my love for experimenting with seasonal produce. During the fall, when butternut squash is abundant and at its peak of sweetness, I wanted to create a dish that celebrates its natural flavors. Drawing inspiration from traditional lasagna but aiming for a lighter, vegetable-forward twist, I decided to swap out the pasta for thinly sliced butternut squash. This substitution not only adds a unique touch to the dish but also makes it gluten-free and low-carb, appealing to a wider range of dietary preferences.

Unique Ingredients and Flavor Profile

The star of this butternut squash lasagna is, of course, the butternut squash itself. Its vibrant orange flesh brings a natural sweetness and a velvety texture to each bite. Complementing the squash are layers of creamy ricotta cheese, nutty Parmesan, and gooey mozzarella, creating a luscious and indulgent filling. A homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, onions, and fragrant herbs like basil and oregano ties all the components together, adding a robust and savory element to the dish. The marriage of these ingredients results in a lasagna that is both comforting and sophisticated, perfect for a cozy dinner party or a quiet night in.

Conclusion

Butternut squash lasagna is not only a delicious and innovative dish but also a wholesome way to enjoy the flavors of the season. Packed with nutrients from the squash and bursting with cheesy goodness, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will elevate any meal. So, roll up your sleeves, grab that butternut squash, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you craving more. Give this recipe a try, make it your own, and savor the joy of cooking something truly special.

🛒 Grocery Shopping List

• Butternut squash
• Ricotta cheese
• Spinach (fresh)
• Parmesan cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Tomato sauce (homemade or store-bought)
• Garlic
• Onion
• Dried basil
• Dried oregano
• Olive oil
• Salt & pepper

Print Recipe

Healthy

Cheesy Butternut Squash Lasagna with Spinach and Ricotta

Author: simplydelicious Cooking Method: Baking Cuisine: Greek, Italian Courses: Dinner Recipe Keys: Low Carb Diet Vegetarian

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 30 mins Cook Time 60 mins Total Time 1 hr 30 mins

Cooking Temp: 375  F Servings: 6 Estimated Cost: $ 15 Calories: 320 kcal

Best Season: Fall

Dietary:

Gluten Free Vegetarian

Description

Layers of roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta cheese, savory marinara sauce, and gooey mozzarella baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Servings

Butternut Squash Lasagna Ingredients

• 1 large Butternut Squash (Choose a large squash for easier slicing)
• 2 cups Ricotta Cheese (Whole milk ricotta works best for a creamy texture)
• 2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (Part-skim mozzarella for gooey layers)
• 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (Freshly grated adds a nutty flavor)
• 2 cups Marinara Sauce (Homemade or store-bought for convenience)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For roasting the butternut squash slices)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Enhances the savory flavors)
• 1 tsp Dried Oregano (Adds a hint of earthy aroma)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp Salt (To season the squash slices)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp Black Pepper (For a touch of heat)

Instructions

Preparation

1. Prep the Butternut Squash

   Peel and thinly slice the butternut squash using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer.
   For easier slicing, you can slightly steam the butternut squash to soften it.
   Mark as complete

2. Precook the Butternut Squash Slices

   Roast or sauté the thinly sliced butternut squash until slightly tender.
   This step helps the butternut squash slices cook evenly in the lasagna.
   Mark as complete

3. Prepare the Filling:

   In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese with cooked spinach. Extract the excess liquid from the spinach before mixing it with ricotta cheese. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

   Mark as complete

Assembly

1. Layering

   In a baking dish, start by layering marinara sauce, butternut squash slices, ricotta cheese mix, and a sprinkle of mozzarella.

   Repeat the layers until you reach the top of the dish, ending with a final layer of butternut squash slices and mozzarella on top.
   Mark as complete

Baking

1. Bake the Lasagna

   Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 45-50 minutes.
   Uncover the lasagna in the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
   Mark as complete

Serve

1. Rest and Serve

   Let the butternut squash lasagna rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
   Garnish with fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving for a pop of color and flavor.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 6

Serving Size 1

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 16g25%

Saturated Fat 8g40%

Cholesterol 45mg15%

Sodium 520mg22%

Potassium 780mg23%

Total Carbohydrate 22g8%

Dietary Fiber 5g20%

Sugars 7g

Protein 15g30%

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Magnesium 55 mg

Net Carb 17g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

• Ensure to slice the butternut squash thinly and evenly for even cooking.
• Consider using a mandoline slicer for uniform slices if available.
• Pre-roast the butternut squash slices with a drizzle of olive oil and seasoning for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Layer the butternut squash slices with your favorite lasagna ingredients like marinara sauce, cheese, and herbs.
• Allow the lasagna to rest for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.
• Customize the lasagna with additional ingredients like mushrooms or ground meat for variety.
• This butternut squash lasagna can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer-term storage. Just reheat before serving.

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