Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe is the kind of dish that wraps you up in cozy, cheesy comfort with every forkful. Picture layers of sweet roasted squash, tender veggies, and melty cheese all baked together into one unforgettable meal. It’s much easier to make than you might think, and you'll love how it delivers hearty flavor without a ton of fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Seriously, this lasagna has quickly become one of my go-to recipes whenever the weather cools off. It’s packed full of vibrant roasted veggies and layered with a dreamy, creamy squash sauce that just melts in your mouth. I’m excited to share why it stands out and how it can become a staple for you too.
- A Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with savory roasted veggies and melted mozzarella, creating layers that complement rather than overpower.
- Rich, Creamy Texture: Thanks to the smooth squash sauce and ricotta mixture, you get that luscious creaminess in every bite without heavy cream.
- Vegetable-Packed Comfort Food: This dish sneaks in zucchini, peppers, mushrooms, and onions, so it’s hearty and nutritious as well.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it in advance, and leftovers reheat beautifully, making it perfect for busy nights or hosting.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this creamy roasted butternut squash lasagna recipe plays a key role in building depth and harmony. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why I love each component.
- Red and Yellow (or Orange) Bell Peppers: Tossed in olive oil and roasted, they add a natural sweetness and vibrant color that livens up the dish.
- Red Onion: Roasted thin slices provide subtle sweetness and a tender bite, blending with the squash beautifully.
- Baby Bella Mushrooms: Their earthy flavor deepens the lasagna’s savory profile, balancing the sweet spices in the squash layer.
- Zucchini: Adds freshness and texture without overwhelming other flavors.
- Butternut Squash: The star of the dish, roasted until tender and blended into a creamy sauce spiced delicately with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
- Milk: I prefer unsweetened almond milk here, but any milk will do—it keeps the squash sauce silky without heaviness.
- Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar: Just a touch sweetens the squash layer, balancing the spices and savory notes.
- Lasagna Noodles: I like boiling and laying them flat for easy layering. No-boil noodles can work but sometimes miss that fresh texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Combined with an egg, salt, and pepper, it creates a rich, creamy layer that binds everything together.
- Mozzarella and Parmesan Cheese: The mozzarella melts fantastically, while parmesan adds nutty, salty brightness on top.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this creamy roasted butternut squash lasagna recipe is how you can easily put your own spin on it. I like to mix things up depending on the season or what’s in my fridge — and you should too!
- Variation: When I want a little more heat, I toss in red pepper flakes or swap the brown sugar for a drizzle of maple syrup and a pinch of smoked paprika. It adds a smoky, spicy twist that’s incredible.
- Dietary Swap: Feel free to use vegan ricotta and plant-based cheeses to make this recipe dairy-free without losing any of the creaminess.
- Seasonal Upgrade: In the fall, roasted sweet potatoes or carrots are excellent additions alongside or instead of some veggies.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Veggies and Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. I line two baking sheets with parchment paper — one for the roasted veggies and one for the butternut squash halves. Toss your bell peppers, onion, mushrooms, and zucchini with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, spreading them out in an even layer. For the butternut squash, carefully peel and cut it in half lengthwise, removing seeds, then place it flesh side down on the baking sheet. Pop both trays into the oven on separate racks. The veggies will need about 30 minutes, until they’re slightly golden; the squash takes about 1 hour and should be tender enough to mash easily with a fork.
Step 2: Blend the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce
Once your squash has cooled slightly, scoop out the flesh and transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add your milk, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, salt, and pepper. Blend until silky smooth. This sauce is the magic ingredient that makes this lasagna so creamy without heavy cream.
Step 3: Prepare the Noodles and Ricotta Mixture
While your veggies and squash roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your lasagna noodles for 5-6 minutes until just al dente. Drain them carefully, then lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or board to prevent sticking. In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This will add richness and help keep your layers cohesive.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake Your Lasagna
Grab a 9x13 inch baking dish and start by spreading ¾ cup of your butternut squash sauce on the bottom. Lay down five noodles — four vertical and one horizontal — then spread half the ricotta mixture over the noodles. Next, add half your roasted veggies followed by ¾ cup shredded mozzarella. Spoon 1 heaping cup of squash sauce on top, then sprinkle with ¼ cup parmesan. Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients, finishing with the last 1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes, then remove foil and bake an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese bubbles and starts to brown. Let it cool for 15-20 minutes to set up before cutting—trust me, this step makes slicing so much easier!
Top Tip
From all the times I’ve made this creamy roasted butternut squash lasagna recipe, a few key things really make a difference in the final result and help you avoid potential pitfalls.
- Squash Preparation: Use a sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy, non-slip cutting board to halve the butternut squash safely and evenly. This makes roasting and scooping the flesh so much easier.
- Keep Noodles Flat: After boiling, be sure to lay lasagna noodles individually on an oiled sheet to avoid sticking and tearing during assembly.
- Don’t Skip Cooling Before Serving: Letting the lasagna rest for 15-20 minutes helps it set and enhances cleanup and portioning.
- Layer Evenly: Spread ingredients evenly for balanced flavor — I like to reserve the first spoonful of squash sauce for the bottom so it’s perfectly moist without getting soggy.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle fresh chopped parsley right on top just before serving—it adds a nice pop of color and a subtle fresh note that brightens the rich, creamy flavors. Sometimes, if I’m feeling a bit indulgent, I’ll toss a little extra parmesan on top for that salty finish.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is so hearty that a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Alternatively, roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic bread on the side complete the meal without competing with the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like layering individual portions in mini casserole dishes or even large ramekins. It’s a crowd-pleaser and makes serving effortless. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts on top adds delightful crunch and an extra touch of elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover lasagna in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s surprisingly tasty the next day once everything has had time to meld even more.
Freezing
This recipe freezes well — I wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover leftover slices with foil and warm them in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If you like, finish under the broiler briefly to crisp up the cheese top.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Swap out the ricotta for a vegan alternative like tofu or cashew-based cheese, and use vegan mozzarella and milk. Adjust seasonings accordingly and enjoy a dairy-free version without sacrificing creaminess.
Yes, peeling the butternut squash is best for a smooth, creamy sauce. The skin is tough and doesn't blend well, so removing it before roasting helps achieve that luscious texture.
You can, but I find that boiling the noodles and laying them flat gives a better texture and avoids dryness. If using no-boil noodles, make sure there’s enough sauce in the layers to keep everything moist.
Leftovers are best eaten within 3-4 days stored in an airtight container. After that, the texture and flavor might start to decline.
Final Thoughts
This creamy roasted butternut squash lasagna recipe is one of those dishes I return to when I want food that feels like a warm hug. It’s comforting, satisfying, and carries the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors that always impress. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become a favorite in your rotation too — perfect for sharing with family or cozy nights in.
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Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Rest Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cozy Roasted Vegetable Butternut Squash Lasagna is a comforting vegetarian recipe featuring layers of roasted bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and zucchini combined with a creamy, spiced butternut squash sauce. This dish is enhanced by ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned or cut into chunks
- 1 yellow or orange bell pepper, julienned or cut into chunks
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 8 ounces baby bella mushrooms, sliced
- 2 medium zucchini, sliced and quartered
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly ground salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Butternut Squash Layer
- 1 large butternut squash (at least 3 pounds)
- ⅔ cup milk (unsweetened almond milk preferred)
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or coconut sugar (or pure maple syrup)
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ginger
- ¼ teaspoon allspice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Noodles
- 10 lasagna noodles
Ricotta Mixture
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1 egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Cheese Layers
- 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided (approximately 12 ounces)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, divided
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep Veggies: Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Arrange all veggies for roasting on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat and spread in an even layer. Set aside while preparing butternut squash.
- Prepare Butternut Squash: Cut off both ends of the butternut squash, then slice vertically in half. Secure cutting board and carefully cut squash halves vertically down the middle. Scoop out seeds with a spoon. Place squash halves flesh side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast Veggies and Squash: Place both baking sheets on two different oven racks. Roast veggies for 30 minutes until slightly golden, then remove to cool. Roast butternut squash for about 1 hour or until very fork tender. Allow to cool slightly before scooping out flesh. Keep oven on.
- Make Butternut Squash Sauce: Transfer squash flesh to a high-power blender or food processor. Add milk, brown sugar or syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: While roasting, bring a large pot of water to boil. Boil noodles for 6 minutes. Drain and lay flat on an oiled baking sheet or cutting board for easy assembly. Alternatively, soak noodles in warm water for 30 minutes or use no-cook noodles if preferred.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth. Set aside.
- Assemble Lasagna - First Layer: Spread ¾ cup butternut squash sauce evenly on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place 5 lasagna noodles on top (4 vertically and 1 horizontally). Spread half of the ricotta mixture over noodles, then half of the roasted vegetables, followed by ¾ cup shredded mozzarella. Spoon 1 heaping cup butternut squash sauce over cheese and sprinkle with ¼ cup parmesan cheese.
- Assemble Lasagna - Second Layer: Repeat layering with remaining noodles (4 vertically and 1 horizontally), remaining ricotta mixture, rest of roasted veggies, ¾ cup shredded mozzarella, remaining butternut squash sauce, and ¼ cup parmesan cheese. Top with remaining 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Bake with Foil: Cover lasagna dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes in preheated oven.
- Bake without Foil: Remove foil and bake an additional 20 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbling.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh chopped parsley. Allow lasagna to cool for 20 minutes before slicing and serving. Serves 12.
Notes
- This lasagna is packed with a colorful variety of roasted vegetables for a wholesome meal.
- The butternut squash sauce provides a subtle sweetness balanced with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
- You can substitute almond milk with any milk of your choice.
- If you prefer, no-boil lasagna noodles can be used, but boiling and laying them flat prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
- Letting the lasagna rest after baking helps the layers set for easier cutting.
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil make great garnishes adding brightness to the rich dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 4.9 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 3.1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg

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