Delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe for Cozy Meals

There’s something so comforting and homey about a good lasagna, isn’t there? Let me tell you about the Butternut Squash Lasagna that won over my family’s hearts one chilly autumn evening. I remember the first time I tackled this dish—I was intrigued by the idea of a vegetarian lasagna, swapping out the usual tomato-meat combo for a creamy squash sauce that felt like a warm hug from the inside. The moment I took it out of the oven, the house filled with the sweetest, earthiest aromas thanks to the roasted butternut squash, reminding me of crisp fall afternoons spent picking pumpkins with my kids. That sensory memory alone makes this Butternut Squash Lasagna feel like a little celebration of the season every time I make it.

At first, I struggled a bit with finding the right balance between the squash’s natural sweetness and the savory layers of pasta and cheese. Oh, and peeling and cubing that butternut squash—it’s no small feat! But when I finally nailed the creamy squash sauce texture, everything clicked. This lasagna has since become a go-to for busy weeknights when I want something nourishing yet indulgent. It’s a hearty fall vegetable lasagna that even my meat-loving husband requests without hesitation, which feels like a small kitchen victory. If you’ve ever doubted how delicious vegetarian lasagna can be, this recipe will change your mind.

Over the years, I’ve played around with different cheeses and herbs to make it truly our family’s signature squash pasta bake. And don’t get me started on the leftover lunches—oh, the joy of reheated Butternut Squash Lasagna! If you want a dish that’s both comforting and a bit different from the usual, this Butternut Squash Lasagna is here for you. Plus, if you’re curious about expanding your butternut squash adventures, you might like my Butternut Squash Soup or the cozy vibes of Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash too. Let’s get comfy and dive into this fall favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you love!


What You’ll Need for This Butternut Squash Lasagna

Gathering everything for my Butternut Squash Lasagna is part of the fun—there’s a little magic in collecting those simple ingredients that come together for such a comforting result. Here’s my tried and true list:

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Lasagna on a kitchen table
  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled and cubed – I always pick a firm one with no soft spots. You can find great butternut squash at your local farmers’ market or even the grocery store’s fall produce aisle.
  • 9-12 no-boil lasagna noodles – I prefer no-boil for convenience and a nice tender texture in this squash pasta bake.
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese – For that creamy squash sauce feel, ricotta blends perfectly. You can swap part of it for cottage if you want to save a bit on cost.
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – To add that melty, cheesy goodness. I buy it pre-shredded but sometimes grate my own for fresher flavor.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Don’t skip the Parmesan; it adds a lovely nutty depth to this vegetarian lasagna.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic and butternut squash are a match made in heaven in this creamy squash sauce.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed.
  • 2 cups baby spinach or kale (optional) – For a little extra green goodness in this fall vegetable lasagna.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – For roasting the squash and sautéing the onion and garlic.
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage or thyme – Herbs that complement butternut squash beautifully in this dish.
  • Salt and pepper to taste

A quick Butternut Squash Lasagna kitchen wisdom tip I learned is to roast the squash cubes with a drizzle of olive oil and herbs ahead of time—it deepens their natural sweetness and makes the creamy sauce irresistibly rich. For busy families, using pre-cut squash saves loads of time; I’ve found some grocery stores carry this already peeled and diced in the fall months.

If you want to keep your grocery bill friendlier, look for bulk bags of butternut squash or buy store brands of cheeses. Leftover ingredients like Parmesan and ricotta keep well stored in airtight containers in the fridge, so you can make this squash pasta bake again whenever the craving hits.

By the way, if you want to try a Butternut Squash Lasagna that adds a hint of turkey chili flavor for a slightly different spin, check out my Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili post—another fall favorite that uses the squash just right.


Let’s Make This Butternut Squash Lasagna Together

Alright, grab your apron because making this Butternut Squash Lasagna is easier—and way more fun—than you might think. We’re going to make this squash pasta bake step by step, so don’t worry if it’s your first time working with butternut squash in lasagna form.

  1. Roast the butternut squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss your cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and the dried sage or thyme. Spread it on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until soft and caramelized around the edges. Your kitchen should already start smelling like a fall vegetable lasagna dream.
  2. Sauté aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic for just a minute more until fragrant. This mix forms the base of your creamy squash sauce.
  3. Make creamy squash sauce: Once the squash is done, transfer most of it to a blender or food processor, reserving a few cubes for layering. Blend with the sautéed onion, garlic, ricotta cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and velvety. This is what turns your Butternut Squash Lasagna into that creamy squash sauce wonder.
  4. Prepare noodles: Lay out your no-boil noodles next to you. If you prefer regular boiled noodles, cook according to package directions and drain. I like no-boil; it saves time and mess.
  5. Layer your lasagna: In a large baking dish, add a thin layer of the creamy squash sauce. Place noodles over the sauce, then add a layer of remaining squash cubes, spinach or kale (if using), a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Repeat layers until ingredients are used up, finishing with cheese on top for that golden crust.
  6. Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. Remove the foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Don’t worry if your Butternut Squash Lasagna looks a bit rustic—that’s the charm of this squash pasta bake!
  7. Rest before serving: Let it sit for about 10 minutes before slicing so the layers set and it doesn’t come apart. This is my secret time to tidy up or grab a glass of wine.

If you want some extra tips for technique, Giada’s take on butternut squash lasagna here offers great visuals and helpful pointers. And if you’re wondering how to dress up your squash pasta bake further, take a peek at Alexandra’s Kitchen for a roasted version that adds depth and texture here.

In my kitchen, this whole process takes about an hour from start to finish—not too bad for a dish that feels like a labor of love, right? Plus, the family-tested shortcut of using pre-cut squash paired with no-boil noodles can shave off extra prep time on busy nights.


How I Love to Serve This Butternut Squash Lasagna

One of my favorite things about this Butternut Squash Lasagna is how versatile it feels at the table. My family adores it served with a simple crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil—it cuts through the creamy squash sauce beautifully. For a little extra texture, I often serve it alongside roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic bread, which just makes the whole meal feel complete.

This Butternut Squash Lasagna has become a staple for holiday dinners and cozy fall weekends when everyone’s craving something warm and filling but a little different from the usual. I even make it for meat-eating guests, who are always surprised by how satisfying a vegetarian lasagna can be. Friends often ask me where I find this recipe, and I happily point them toward Julia’s Album’s butternut squash and spinach lasagna variation here when they want something similar with a green twist.

Presentation-wise, dusting the top with freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of chopped fresh sage or thyme before serving adds a pop of color and an inviting aroma. If you have extra Butternut Squash Lasagna leftover—which we usually do!—it reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for next-day lunches or even a make-ahead dinner. For a fun twist, I sometimes turn the leftovers into crunchy lasagna cups by crisping small portions in a skillet.

I’ve also experimented with seasonal variations—adding roasted mushrooms or a layer of caramelized onions works wonders if you want to try a slightly heartier fall vegetable lasagna version. No matter how you slice it, this Butternut Squash Lasagna warms hearts and plates alike!


Your Butternut Squash Lasagna Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this Butternut Squash Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! I often assemble it the day before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add about 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold from the fridge. You know what I do when my Butternut Squash Lasagna needs an easy prep? I assemble everything the night before, so busy weeknights don’t feel rushed.

Q: What if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
No worries! Cottage cheese can work as a substitute, though it’s a bit wetter. You might want to drain it first to avoid extra moisture. Some friends have even blended silken tofu with a little lemon juice to keep it creamy for a vegan twist.

Q: How do I prevent the lasagna from getting soggy?
I learned the hard way with Butternut Squash Lasagna that squeezing out excess moisture from the cooked spinach and using dry no-boil noodles helps keep it from being watery. Roasting your squash well is key too—it reduces moisture and heightens sweetness.

Q: Can I freeze Butternut Squash Lasagna?
Yes! This is a brilliant freezer-friendly dish. Freeze before baking in a tightly covered dish or aluminum pan. To cook from frozen, simply bake covered at 375°F for about 1 hour, then uncover to finish baking until bubbly.

Q: What’s the best way to cut butternut squash?
Slice off the ends, then peel with a vegetable peeler. Cut in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. From there, cut into cubes about 1-inch in size. Using pre-cut squash saves time, and you can often find that in grocery stores or farmers’ markets this time of year.

Q: How can I make this Butternut Squash Lasagna more kid-friendly?
My kids love it with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of mild cheddar on top. Sometimes I layer in little bites of cooked sausage or turkey to sneak in some protein, though the dish is already pretty hearty as a vegetarian lasagna.

Q: What’s your favorite herb for flavoring this dish?
I adore sage with butternut squash; it adds a gentle earthiness that pairs perfectly with the creamy squash sauce. Thyme is a close second for its subtle aroma. Fresh herbs on top just before serving make a big difference too.

If you want to dive deeper into techniques and variations, the roasting tips in Alexandra’s Kitchen’s Butternut Squash Lasagna helped me polish my approach. And for a spinach lift and a green twist on this butternut squash recipe, Julia’s Album’s lasagna is a fantastic companion to mine.


My Final Thoughts on This Butternut Squash Lasagna

Finished Butternut Squash Lasagna fresh out of the oven

This Butternut Squash Lasagna has carved out a special place in my heart and kitchen, not just because it’s delicious but because it reminds me of family dinners filled with laughter and the earthy warmth of fall. My Butternut Squash Lasagna Pro Tips? Here they are, in all their glory:

  • Roast your squash well—don’t rush this step, it’s what makes your creamy squash sauce sing.
  • Use no-boil noodles for the easiest squash pasta bake with less fuss and less mess.
  • Let the lasagna rest after baking; it makes slicing neater and the flavors meld beautifully.

Over time, we’ve tried so many variations—sometimes adding kale or spinach for a green boost, occasionally stirring in caramelized onions for extra sweetness, and even swapping the mozzarella for fontina for a richer cheese layer. My husband loves it classic, my kids tend to prefer it extra cheesy, and I love sneaking in those little herb finishes that bring it all together.

I truly hope your experience with this Butternut Squash Lasagna brings you joy and a touch of coziness just like it did for me and my family. Make it your own, play around with flavors, savor the kitchen time, and share it with those you hold dear. If you’re eager to keep cooking with butternut squash, check out more of my favorite recipes like Butternut Squash Soup or the savory Simanim Stuffed Butternut Squash to keep the spirit of squash alive all season long.

So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking and make some magic with this Butternut Squash Lasagna—it might just become your new family favorite too!

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Butternut Squash Lasagna

A comforting and flavorful Butternut Squash Lasagna featuring layers of roasted squash, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese, perfect for a hearty vegetarian dinner.

  • Author: Liliana
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 12 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
  • 2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups béchamel sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, garlic, sage, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
  2. Prepare béchamel sauce or heat pre-made béchamel.
  3. In a baking dish, spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom.
  4. Layer 4 lasagna noodles on top, followed by half the roasted butternut squash, half the ricotta cheese, and some mozzarella. Pour béchamel sauce evenly over the layer.
  5. Repeat the layering with remaining noodles, squash, ricotta, mozzarella, and béchamel sauce.
  6. Top the final layer with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
  8. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, sprinkle fresh sage or thyme on top before serving or add sautéed mushrooms to the layers.

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