This Creamy Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna is a cozy, vegetarian-friendly dish made with layers of roasted butternut squash, creamy béchamel sauce, sautéed spinach, and melty cheese. Perfect for fall and winter meals or holiday gatherings.
Author:Emily
Prep Time:30 minutes
Cook Time:45 minutes
Total Time:1 hour 15 minutes
Yield:6 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
9 lasagna noodles
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup ricotta cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender. Set aside.
Cook lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth. Add nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Cook until thickened to a béchamel sauce consistency.
Sauté spinach in a skillet over medium heat until wilted. Set aside.
In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce. Layer 3 noodles, half the roasted squash, half the spinach, spoonfuls of ricotta, and some mozzarella. Repeat the layers. Top with final 3 noodles, remaining béchamel, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Let rest 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use oven-ready lasagna noodles to skip boiling.
Blend the roasted butternut squash if you prefer a smoother filling.
Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.