If you are craving a comforting, hearty dish full of vibrant flavors and creamy textures, the Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna is the perfect meal to warm up your weeknight dinners or impress guests on the weekend. This dish features roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach layered between sheets of tender pasta, generously topped with luscious (plant-based) cheese and a rich, velvety sauce that brings everything together in harmony. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just love cozy, wholesome meals, this Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: The creamy (plant-based) cheese and tender roasted butternut squash create a delightful blend of textures that feel like a warm hug.
Wholesome and Nutritious: Loaded with fresh spinach and squash, this lasagna offers a great way to enjoy added vitamins and minerals without compromising flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Elegant enough for a dinner party but simple enough for a cozy family meal any night of the week.
Plant-Based Friendly: Made with (plant-based) cheese and natural ingredients, making it accessible for those seeking meat-free, lush dishes.
Customizable and Easy to Make: You can tweak the layers and ingredients to fit your tastes and pantry items without losing the heart of the dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple but essential ingredients that work beautifully together to create depth and balance in each slice of lasagna. Each item adds flavor, texture, or color, ensuring your dish is satisfying from the first forkful to the last.

Butternut Squash: Roasted for natural sweetness and a creamy texture that complements the savory layers.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a vibrant green color and a gentle earthy flavor, plus vitamin-rich goodness.
Lasagna Sheets: Either fresh or dried, they create the perfect tender base to hold all the delicious layers together.
(Plant-based) Cheese: Provides a creamy richness that melts beautifully into the dish.
Ricotta-Style (Plant-based) Cheese Mixture: Combines silky texture and a mild tang that keeps the lasagna moist and flavorful.
Tomato Sauce (Natural): A lightly seasoned sauce adds brightness and moisture to the layers without overpowering the squash and spinach.
Garlic and Onion: Essential aromatics that build the savory foundation of the sauce.
Olive Oil: For roasting and sautéing, enhancing flavor and texture throughout.
Nutmeg (Natural): Just a pinch adds warmth and complexity to the creamy layers.
Natural Gelling Agent: Used in the cheese mixture for a perfect creamy consistency.
Herbs like Basil and Thyme (Natural): Fresh or dried herbs elevate the overall flavor profile with a fragrant touch.

Variations for Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

You can easily customize this recipe depending on your preferences or the ingredients you have on hand. Experimenting with different flavors and textures can make this dish uniquely yours without any fuss.

Adding Mushrooms: Sautéed mushrooms add a rich umami dimension and meaty texture that pairs beautifully with squash.
Using Kale Instead of Spinach: For a heartier, slightly earthy twist, kale stands in wonderfully with similar nutritional benefits.
Swap Tomato Sauce for a White Sauce (Natural): Try a creamy (plant-based) béchamel using almond or oat milk for a different but equally luscious layering.
Incorporate Pine Nuts: Toasted pine nuts bring a lovely crunch and nutty contrast to the soft layers.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the tomato sauce for a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors.

Cozy Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna Recipe

How to Make Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized. This roasting step brings out the natural sweetness and creates the soft, silky texture essential for layering.

Step 2: Sauté the Spinach and Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté chopped garlic and onion until translucent and fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted, seasoning lightly with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

In a bowl, combine the ricotta-style (plant-based) cheese with a natural gelling agent, herbs like basil and thyme, salt, and a splash of grape juice for a touch of subtle sweetness. Mix until smooth and creamy, perfect for spreading between layers.

Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna

In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (natural) to prevent sticking. Layer cooked lasagna sheets, roasted butternut squash, sautéed spinach, the cheese mixture, and more tomato sauce. Repeat the layering until all ingredients are used, finishing with a generous topping of (plant-based) cheese.

Step 5: Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing to set the layers perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Roast the Squash Evenly: Cut the cubes uniformly to ensure consistent cooking and texture in every bite.
Drain Cooked Spinach Well: Excess moisture can make the lasagna watery; press the spinach gently before layering.
Use Fresh Herbs: For a bright flavor, fresh herbs make a noticeable difference, adding a refreshing herbal note.
Let the Lasagna Rest: Allow the dish to cool slightly before cutting to help the layers hold together beautifully.
Don’t Skip the Natural Gelling Agent: It ensures a luscious creamy cheese texture that doesn’t separate when baked.

How to Serve Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil, or a dusting of nutritional yeast on top adds a lovely finishing touch and extra flavor boost.

Side Dishes

Serve your lasagna with a crisp mixed green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins or small baking dishes make it fun to serve personal portions, especially for entertaining, while layering colorful roasted vegetables on top brightens the presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen after resting, making for excellent next-day meals.

Freezing

Wrap individual portions tightly or freeze the whole lasagna before baking for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to maintain moisture, or microwave in short intervals, stirring or rotating as needed for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen spinach thoroughly to remove excess water before using it in the recipe.

Is it necessary to roast the butternut squash?

Roasting enhances sweetness and softens the squash, but you can also steam it; however, roasting is preferred for the best flavor and texture.

What can I substitute for (plant-based) cheese?

If you prefer, you can use mashed tofu mixed with nutritional yeast and seasonings to mimic the creamy texture and flavor.

Can I prepare this lasagna vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe already uses (plant-based) cheese and natural ingredients, making it perfect for vegan diets.

How do I prevent the lasagna from becoming watery?

Drain and squeeze excess moisture from the spinach and avoid overly saucing each layer; also, roasting the squash well helps reduce extra moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna is truly a heartwarming dish that brings together comforting flavors and fresh, wholesome ingredients in an easy-to-make recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a nourishing, cozy meal, this lasagna fits the bill perfectly. Grab your favorite baking dish and enjoy making this vibrant, creamy delight part of your regular rotation they’ll be asking for seconds in no time!

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna

Author: Brian
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Plant-Based

Print Recipe

Description

Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna is a creamy, comforting, and plant-based meal featuring roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach layered with tender pasta sheets, luscious plant-based cheese, and a rich natural tomato sauce. This wholesome dish offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Sauté the Spinach and Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant. Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine ricotta-style plant-based cheese with natural gelling agent, basil, thyme, salt, and grape juice. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy, suitable for spreading between layers.
Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce (natural) on the bottom of a baking dish to prevent sticking. Lay down cooked lasagna sheets, then layer roasted butternut squash, sautéed spinach, cheese mixture, and tomato sauce. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used. Finish with a generous topping of shredded plant-based cheese.
Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling. Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Cut butternut squash cubes uniformly for even roasting and texture.
Drain and squeeze excess moisture from cooked spinach to avoid watery lasagna.
Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant and fragrant flavor.
Allow lasagna to rest before cutting so the layers set perfectly.
Do not omit the natural gelling agent to maintain a creamy, stable cheese mixture.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-inspired