Butternut Squash and Ricotta Lasagna with Spinach
A comforting pasta bake featuring layers of roasted squash, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato sauce. This american-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 65 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, small, finely diced onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 311 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs, peeled, seeded, and grated butternut squash
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small, finely diced onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup, chopped fresh spinach
- 12 sheets (no-boil) lasagna noodles
- 1 cup, shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup, grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the grated butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes until golden and tender.
- Step 2: While squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft, then add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Spread 1/2 cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Place 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce. Layer 1/3 of the roasted squash, 1/2 cup ricotta, 1/2 cup spinach, and 1/3 of the remaining marinara sauce.
- Step 4: Repeat layers: 4 noodles, 1/3 of the squash, 1/4 cup ricotta, 1/4 cup spinach, and 1/3 marinara. Top with the final 4 noodles and remaining marinara sauce.
- Step 5: Sprinkle 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese and 1/4 cup parmesan cheese over the top. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Butternut Squash and Ricotta Lasagna with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 65 minutes (25 min prep + 40 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Butternut Squash and Ricotta Lasagna with Spinach?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoons olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Butternut Squash and Ricotta Lasagna with Spinach?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Butternut Squash and Ricotta Lasagna with Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Butternut Squash and Ricotta Lasagna with Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used frozen vegetables instead of fresh and honestly couldn't tell the difference.
- ★★★★★
I've tried many pasta recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
