Name: Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 large butternut squash (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 teaspoons dried sage; 1 teaspoon dried thyme; 1 teaspoon salt (divided); 1 teaspoon black pepper (divided); 2 cups milk; 1 (15-ounce) container ricotta cheese; 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese (or Parmesan cheese); 1 large egg; 2 garlic cloves (minced); ¼ cup fresh basil (chopped); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound lasagna sheets; 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

If you love cozy, comforting meals that still feel fresh and vibrant, then this Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe is going to win your heart. Picture layers of tender roasted squash, creamy cheeses, and delicate herbs all baked into one deliciously satisfying dish.

The image shows a white ceramic baking dish filled with a square-cut lasagna. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese, sprinkled with green chopped herbs. The edges of the lasagna have a slightly darker, crispy cheese layer. One piece near the center is being lifted by a white spatula, revealing several layers underneath: a top cheese layer, a creamy light-colored sauce layer, a red tomato sauce layer, and bottom pasta layers. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a soft pink cloth on the left. A white plate with a single lasagna piece is partially visible on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This lasagna quickly became one of my favorite vegetarian dinners, especially when the weather turns a bit chilly. It’s rich and creamy but also has that natural sweetness from the roasted butternut squash, making each bite so balanced and comforting.

Deliciously Creamy: The roasted butternut squash blends into a smooth sauce that’s both luxurious and light.
Simple Ingredients: Mostly pantry staples with fresh herbs and veggies—nothing too complicated to track down.
Vegetarian Friendly: A hearty main that even meat-lovers will rave about.
Perfect for Entertaining: Serves 8 and makes a beautiful, impressive centerpiece at any dinner table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, pick a firm butternut squash with vibrant skin—this ensures sweetness and texture. Fresh herbs really brighten the dish, while good-quality cheeses make a noticeable difference in creaminess and flavor.

Flat lay of a peeled butternut squash cut into neat half-inch cubes, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a few dried sage leaves, a small pile of dried thyme, a small white bowl filled with fine salt, another small white bowl with freshly cracked black peppercorns, a small white bowl of creamy milk, a smooth white ceramic bowl overflowing with fresh ricotta cheese, a simple white ceramic plate with a mound of grated mozzarella cheese, one large whole brown egg with a clean shell, two peeled garlic cloves, a small bunch of bright fresh basil leaves, and several uncooked wide flat lasagna sheets neatly arranged, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butternut Squash: Provides natural sweetness and body to the creamy sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps roast the squash evenly and adds richness.
Dried Sage & Thyme: Classic herbs that complement the squash’s flavor perfectly.
Milk: Blended with the squash to create that silky, smooth sauce texture.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds a creamy, slightly grainy texture—a must for authentic lasagna layers.
Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, while Parmesan offers a nuttier twist.
Egg: Binds the cheese mixture for easy spreading and sturdiness in each layer.
Garlic: Adds a subtle kick that rounds out the savory notes.
Fresh Basil: Brightens and freshens the overall flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning each component and balancing the sweetness.
Lasagna Sheets: The perfect canvas to hold all those creamy layers together.
Shredded Mozzarella: For that irresistible golden, bubbly finish on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the joys of making this Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you like it cheesier, herbier, or tailored to dietary needs, there’s room to customize without losing the comforting essence of this dish.

Variation: For a richer, nuttier flavor, I love swapping out the mozzarella in the cheese mixture for Parmesan cheese. It adds a lovely depth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the roasted butternut squash.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna sheets instead of regular ones. This simple swap makes the recipe accessible for those avoiding gluten but keeps all the comforting layers intact.
Make Ahead Tip: You can roast the butternut squash cubes a day in advance and refrigerate them. It saves time when assembling the lasagna and allows the flavors to intensify overnight.
Vegan Twist: Trying for a vegan version? Substitute dairy-free cheeses and plant-based milk, and replace the egg with a flax egg. It’s a lovely way to enjoy this dish without compromising on creaminess or flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe

The image shows a baking sheet filled with many small, evenly cut cubes of roasted butternut squash. The cubes have a bright orange-yellow color with some slightly browned edges, giving a roasted texture. The baking sheet is well-used, showing some discoloration and marks around the edges. The pieces are spread out and cover almost the entire surface of the sheet, allowing each cube to be clearly visible. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Cook the Lasagna Sheets to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, then add 2 teaspoons of salt — it seasons the pasta right from the start. Add your lasagna sheets carefully and cook them until they are just al dente. This is key for a perfect texture that won’t turn mushy in the oven. Drain the sheets, then lay them overlapping on a parchment-lined sheet pan. This keeps them from sticking together and makes layering a breeze.

Step 2: Prep and Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, dried sage, dried thyme, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Be sure to spread the squash out evenly to allow for thorough roasting. Roast for 35 minutes, stirring once halfway through — you’re aiming for tender, caramelized cubes that smell irresistibly savory.

Step 3: Blend the Squash Sauce

Once roasted, transfer the butternut squash to a high-speed blender, add 2 cups of milk, and blend until silky smooth. This will create about 4 to 5 cups of luscious, creamy sauce that forms the heart of your lasagna layers. The velvety texture is what makes this recipe truly special.

Step 4: Mix Up the Cheese Filling

In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1 cup of either mozzarella or Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, freshly chopped basil, and season with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Stir it thoroughly to get a well-blended mixture with fragrant basil and garlic notes shining through. This creamy, cheesy filling complements the sweet squash perfectly.

Step 5: Assemble Your Layers With Love

Spread 1 cup of your butternut squash sauce evenly over the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Next, lay down the first layer of lasagna sheets. Spread about ¾ cup of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles in an even layer. Spoon 1 cup of the squash sauce on top, then sprinkle roughly ½ cup of shredded mozzarella. Repeat this layering process two more times – lasagna sheets, ricotta mixture, squash sauce, mozzarella – ending with the final layer of lasagna sheets.

Step 6: Top and Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the remaining butternut squash sauce over the top layer, then sprinkle the last of the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly. Cover the dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven. Bake for 30 minutes to let all those flavors meld beautifully. After that, remove the foil and bake uncovered for another 20 minutes until the cheese is gloriously golden and bubbly.

Step 7: Rest Before Serving

Once baked, let your lasagna rest for 15 minutes. This step helps the layers set nicely so when you slice into it, the pieces hold together and look as inviting as they taste. Serve warm, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite of this comforting Italian-inspired dish.

Top Tip

Mastering the Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe comes down to a few simple but powerful tips that ensure every bite is as wonderful as it should be. Here’s what I’ve learned along the way to make this dish truly shine!

Roast Your Squash Well: Taking the time to roast butternut squash until it’s slightly caramelized brings out its natural sweetness and depth of flavor that makes the sauce truly special.
Prevent Sticking: Layer the cooked lasagna sheets overlapping on a parchment-lined pan right after boiling to keep them from sticking together — it saves so much frustration when assembling!
Let It Rest: After baking, be patient and let your lasagna rest for 15 minutes. This simple step helps the layers set, making slicing and serving much cleaner.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil tucked into the cheese mixture adds a burst of aromatic brightness that balances the creamy richness perfectly. Don’t skip it!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe

A square slice of yellowish layered casserole sits on a round white plate, topped with chopped green herbs. The casserole shows multiple soft pasta layers with creamy, smooth filling visible between them, with a slightly browned, bubbly top layer. A silver fork rests on the plate behind the slice. In the background, a blue baking dish contains the remaining casserole with the same golden top and some green herbs scattered. The scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate the visual appeal and taste experience for your Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe. Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or oregano over the top just before serving for a fragrant touch. You could also add a light dusting of finely grated Parmesan cheese for a salty pop. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice contrast to the creamy sweetness of the squash sauce.

Side Dishes

This comforting lasagna pairs beautifully with fresh, crisp side dishes. A vibrant green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a simple arugula and cherry tomato salad cuts through the richness and adds freshness. Garlic roasted broccoli or sautéed green beans bring a warm, veggie-packed contrast. For a cozy Italian vibe, serve warm garlic bread or a crunchy focaccia on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover Butternut Squash Lasagna in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 4 days, letting you enjoy the comforting flavors again throughout the week.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. If freezing post-baking leftovers, portion into airtight containers and freeze. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, reheat individual slices in the microwave in short intervals to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help maintain that creamy texture we all love.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked or canned butternut squash in this recipe?

While fresh roasted butternut squash gives the best flavor and texture for the creamy sauce, you can use canned or pre-cooked squash in a pinch. Just be mindful of excess moisture and adjust the milk quantity as needed to maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap the traditional lasagna sheets for gluten-free lasagna noodles. Make sure to follow the package instructions for cooking times to get that perfect al dente texture.

Can I prepare the lasagna sauce ahead of time?

Yes, roasting the butternut squash and blending it into sauce can be done a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then proceed with assembling the lasagna when you're ready. This can save time on busy days.

How can I make a vegan version of this lasagna?

To make your Butternut Squash Lasagna vegan, use plant-based milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives, such as cashew ricotta or vegan mozzarella. Replace the egg in the cheese mixture with a flax egg or omit it entirely. Adjust seasoning as needed for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

Creating this Butternut Squash Lasagna with Creamy Sauce Recipe has been such a joy — it’s the kind of dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. The layers of creamy squash, fragrant herbs, and melty cheese come together in a way that feels special but is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re cooking it for a cozy family dinner or feeding a crowd, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Happy baking, and enjoy every delicious bite!