When I first discovered Butternut Squash Lasagna, it was a chilly fall evening, and a close friend invited me over for dinner. I remember walking into her cozy kitchen filled with the warm scents of roasted squash and melted cheese. The way she layered that creamy butternut squash sauce with tender lasagna noodles, fresh herbs, and gooey cheese created a dish that felt both comforting and special. It wasn’t just about the taste—it was the whole experience of sharing food that connected us. That night, Butternut Squash Lasagna became much more than a meal; it became a new favorite I couldn’t wait to make at home.
Since then, this vegetarian lasagna with butternut squash has slid its way into my weekly rotation, especially when I want something wholesome but fuss-free. What I love most is how it fits into everyday cooking—using ingredients I usually have at hand—yet delivers on flavor every time. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but comes together easily on a busy weeknight. Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or simply want a healthy lasagna with squash to cozy up with, this Butternut Squash Lasagna is a reliable winner.
If you’re a fellow home cook looking for a delicious, approachable recipe that highlights the natural sweetness of squash without complicated steps, this one’s for you. I’m excited to share everything you need to make my go-to Butternut Squash Lasagna, including tips for a creamy butternut squash sauce, smart ingredient swaps, and quick ways to prep so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s a simple ingredient list for this Butternut Squash Lasagna that keeps things straight and accessible:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked or no-boil
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups spinach, chopped (fresh or frozen and drained)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cups milk (or any plant-based milk for dairy-free option)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage or ½ teaspoon dried sage
- Olive oil for roasting
No problem if you don’t have fresh sage—dried works well and you’ll find it easily in the spice aisle. I’ve also swapped out ricotta for cottage cheese or even mascarpone when I want a creamier texture, and the dish still turns out great.
If you’re looking to keep this Butternut Squash Lasagna budget-friendly, it’s surprisingly affordable since butternut squash is in season for much of the year and you can buy regular dried lasagna noodles rather than fresh ones. Plus, you can bulk up the dish with spinach or kale without adding much cost.
For time-saving prep, roast the squash while you cook the noodles and get the sauce ready. Roasted squash holds well in the fridge, so if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for longer. This makes it easy to whip together a Butternut Squash Pasta Bake another day when you want something similar but quicker.
My secret for restaurant-quality flavor in this Butternut Squash Lasagna is adding a generous sprinkle of Parmesan between the layers and a touch of nutmeg in the creamy butternut squash sauce. It’s these small details that make a big difference.
Let’s Cook It Together!
Here’s how I bring this Butternut Squash Lasagna together step-by-step. From start to finish, it usually takes me about 1 hour, including roasting time. You’ll love how the kitchen fills with warm, inviting aromas as you go.
- Roast the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast for about 25–30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Prepare the creamy butternut squash sauce: While the squash roasts, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add diced onion and garlic; cook until soft and fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for a minute to form a roux.
- Add milk: Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly until the sauce starts to thicken. Add salt, pepper, sage, and a pinch of nutmeg for warmth.
- Blend the squash: When the squash is cool enough, puree it with the sauce mixture until smooth and creamy. This step is key to the texture of your Butternut Squash Lasagna.
- Cook noodles if needed: If you’re using regular lasagna noodles, boil them according to package instructions. For a no-boil pasta bake, you can skip this step. Personally, I prefer no-boil for saving time without sacrificing texture.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of the creamy butternut squash sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Lay down 3 noodles, then a layer of sauce, a sprinkle of chopped spinach, dollops of ricotta, and some shredded mozzarella. Repeat twice more, finishing with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then, uncover and bake another 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Rest before serving: Let your Butternut Squash Lasagna rest for 10 minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing neater.
While your lasagna bakes, I recommend pouring a glass of your favorite drink and setting the table. The smell alone will make your mouth water. If your first try seems a bit too saucy or dry, adjust the amount of milk next time for your perfect creamy butternut squash sauce consistency.
If you want to see a great no-boil twist on butternut squash lasagna, you might enjoy what Ereka V shared on Facebook for a quick sheet pan dinner. And if you’re looking for more inspiration, Henry David Firth’s butternut squash and sage lasagne on Instagram is absolutely gorgeous and inspiring.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This Butternut Squash Lasagna is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when hosting friends who appreciate something a bit different but familiar. I often serve it with a crisp green salad and crusty bread so everyone can enjoy a bit of crunch to balance the creamy layers.
Roasted Brussels sprouts or a simple garlic sautéed green bean side also pair beautifully, complementing the squash’s sweetness without overpowering it. If you’re serving this Butternut Squash Lasagna for a holiday meal or special occasion, adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top just before serving adds texture and a nutty flavor everyone will rave about.
Leftovers? No worries. This lasagna reheats beautifully in the oven or microwave. For a creative leftover idea, try turning the leftovers into a butternut squash pasta bake by tossing cubes of baked lasagna with pasta and extra cheese for a new twist the next day.
This dish shines in fall and winter, but it’s just as comforting any time of year when you want a wholesome, vegetarian lasagna with butternut squash that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
If your family loves this Butternut Squash Lasagna, they might also enjoy another spinach and kale twist I found at For the Love of Gourmet, which adds leafy greens for extra nutrition and flavor.
Your Questions Answered
1. Can I make this Butternut Squash Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often assemble it the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from cold.
2. What’s the best substitute for ricotta?
I’ve swapped in cottage cheese or mascarpone with excellent results. For dairy-free, try blending soaked cashews with a bit of lemon and nutritional yeast for a creamy alternative.
3. Can I use frozen squash?
Yes! Thaw and drain it well before roasting or pureeing to avoid watery sauce. It’s a convenient shortcut when fresh squash isn’t available.
4. How do I adjust this Butternut Squash Lasagna for more servings?
Double the recipe and use a larger dish or two pans. You can also freeze one for later, making it a handy crowd-pleaser for future meals.
5. Is it possible to make a vegan version?
Definitely. Use plant-based milks and vegan cheese substitutes. The creamy butternut squash sauce is naturally rich, so it holds up well without dairy.
6. Why does my sauce sometimes turn out too thin?
If your sauce seems watery, try cooking it a little longer after adding the milk or adding a touch more flour in the roux step. Blending well helps too.
7. Can I add other veggies?
For sure. Roasted pumpkin or sweet potatoes make a great pumpkin lasagna recipe variation, while spinach and kale add a nice veggie boost. Check out this stuffed butternut squash recipe for inspiration on incorporating bold flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash Lasagna has earned a special place in my recipes because it balances comfort food with wholesome ingredients so effortlessly. It’s become my go-to healthy lasagna with squash that never fails to impress both family and guests.
My Best Butternut Squash Lasagna Tips:
– Roast the squash until caramelized to boost sweetness and flavor.
– Patience with your creamy butternut squash sauce makes a smoother texture.
– Use no-boil noodles for a faster weeknight meal that still tastes fresh.
Some tried-and-true variations I love include adding kale for more greens, making a pumpkin lasagna recipe when you want a fall twist, or turning the leftovers into a butternut squash pasta bake for a quick reheated meal. Of these, my family consistently requests the classic Butternut Squash Lasagna with fresh sage—it’s become a real favorite.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Adjust the herbs, experiment with cheese, swap in your favorite veggies. What I hope you’ll find is that this Butternut Squash Lasagna is not just a recipe but a reliable, delicious dish you’ll turn to again and again.
If you want to try another cozy squash-based favorite, I recommend checking the Butternut Squash Apple Coffee Cake on my site—a great way to enjoy this wonderful ingredient in a sweet way.

Now, roll up your sleeves and give this Butternut Squash Lasagna a try. I promise, you’ll love how approachable and satisfying it is. Happy cooking, friend!

Butternut Squash Lasagna
This creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna combines tender roasted squash, ricotta, and mozzarella for a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic Italian dish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 9 lasagna noodles
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups béchamel sauce (white sauce)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- Fresh sage leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes until tender. Mash or puree the roasted squash.
- Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in a little olive oil until translucent. Add mashed squash and nutmeg, mix well and cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in fresh sage if using.
- Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce in the bottom of a baking dish. Layer 3 noodles, half of the squash mixture, half of the ricotta, one-third of the mozzarella, and a little Parmesan.
- Repeat the layering with 3 more noodles and the remaining squash and ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Finish with a final layer of noodles, béchamel sauce, mozzarella, and Parmesan on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra sage if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or serve with a fresh green salad and crusty bread.