If you’re craving a dish that’s comforting, unique, and packed with cozy autumnal flavors, I have just the thing for you: Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe. I absolutely love this recipe because it takes the traditional lasagna up a notch with sweet, roasted squash and a creamy, herby sauce that just melts in your mouth. Trust me, once you try this, your whole family will be asking for seconds (mine sure do!). Keep reading, and I’ll walk you through every step so you nail this fantastic meal right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort with a Twist: Roasted butternut squash adds a naturally sweet, creamy layer that transforms your typical lasagna into something unforgettable.
- No-Boil Lasagna Sheets: Saves time and hassle, while soaking them briefly helps ensure perfect tenderness every time.
- Herb-Infused Sauce: Infusing the milk with rosemary and sage brings just the right earthy aroma that rounds out the dish beautifully.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the sauce a few days in advance to lighten your workload on dinner day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is all about fresh, wholesome ingredients that work in harmony to create layers of flavor you won’t forget. I always recommend picking the freshest butternut squash you can find — it makes a big difference in sweetness and texture.
- Butternut squash: Sweet and creamy when roasted; peeling and cutting it yourself guarantees freshness.
- Grapeseed or olive oil: Both give you a nice roasting finish, though grapeseed has a higher smoke point if you’re roasting at high temperature.
- Milk (2% or whole): Full-fat milk makes the sauce richer, but 2% works well if you want to lighten it up.
- Fresh rosemary and sage: These fresh herbs elevate the sauce with savory depth; dried won’t give the same flavor punch.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential for that subtle but noticeable flavor boost.
- Unsalted butter: You need this for your roux to control salt levels perfectly.
- All-purpose flour: Used to thicken the sauce into a perfect béchamel style base.
- No-boil lasagne sheets: Barilla brand works great and makes assembly a breeze.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is the key here for better melt and sharp flavor.
- Heavy cream: Whipped on top for a delicate, fluffy layer that adds creaminess and richness.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering.
Variations
I love that you can easily put your own spin on this roasted butternut squash lasagna recipe. Whether you’re aiming for a vegan option or want to add a bit more texture, personalization is totally doable.
- Vegan version: Swap butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk and cream alternative; nutritional yeast stands in nicely for Parmesan.
- Add greens: I sometimes toss in a layer of sautéed spinach or kale to sneak some extra nutrients.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce if you enjoy a subtle heat.
- Use fresh pasta: If you want an even softer texture, fresh lasagna sheets work wonderfully but skip the soaking step.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash to Golden Perfection
First things first, preheat your oven to 450°F. Lay your diced butternut squash on a large sheet pan, toss it with the oil and salt to coat evenly, then roast it for about 30 minutes. Halfway through, give it a toss to ensure even cooking and browning. You’re aiming for tender pieces with slightly caramelized edges, which add a subtle sweetness that makes this lasagna shine. I like to use grapeseed oil here since it handles the high heat beautifully without smoking.
Step 2: Infuse Your Milk with Fresh Herbs
While your squash is roasting, gently heat your milk in a saucepan with rosemary and sage sprigs for about 10 minutes on low. This infusion gives your sauce an aromatic, earthy base that pairs beautifully with the sweet squash. Don’t forget to strain out the herbs afterward to keep your sauce silky smooth!
Step 3: Make the Creamy, Herb Béchamel Sauce
Now, melt butter in a heavy saucepan, and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant and softened but not browned. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 3 minutes to remove that raw flour taste. Gradually pour in your infused milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Simmer until thickened, then fold in your roasted squash pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Bonus: You can make this sauce up to three days ahead and refrigerate — it only gets better as flavors meld!
Step 4: Prepare and Soak No-Boil Noodles (Optional but Recommended)
For perfect noodle texture, especially if you’ve had trouble before, I soak no-boil lasagne sheets briefly in hot water before assembling. This step helps soften them and ensures they cook evenly in the lasagna. Use tongs to dunk three sheets at a time into boiling water, then assemble quickly before they stick together.
Step 5: Assemble the Lasagna Layers
Butter your baking dish and start with a cup of sauce spread evenly (it won’t cover fully, and that’s okay). Arrange three lasagna sheets so they don’t touch, add half the remaining sauce plus Parmesan, then repeat layers with noodles, sauce, and cheese. Finish with a final noodle layer. This layering builds that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and tender squash in every bite.
Step 6: Top with Whipped Cream and Bake
Beat the heavy cream with salt until it holds soft peaks, then spread it evenly over the top layer of noodles — this is the secret that makes the top layer luxuriously creamy and prevents drying out. Sprinkle the rest of your Parmesan over the cream, cover loosely with foil to keep moisture in, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 20 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let it rest for five minutes before slicing so the layers set perfectly.
Pro Tips for Making Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
- Even Roasting: Cut squash into uniform cubes so they roast evenly—this helps with texture and flavor consistency.
- Hot Water Soak: I discovered soaking the no-boil noodles before assembly drastically improves tenderness, especially if your brand tends to stay too firm.
- Avoid Over-Baking: Cover with foil loosely to prevent the cream topping from drying out or burning during baking.
- Let It Rest: Give the lasagna a few minutes after baking to set up—it makes slicing cleaner and keeps layers intact.
How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
Garnishes
I like to finish my serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped sage or a few crispy fried sage leaves on top—it adds a lovely crunch and boost of herbal aroma. A little drizzle of good olive oil over the slices just before serving brings everything together beautifully.
Side Dishes
This lasagna is hearty, so I usually keep sides simple: a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a light beet and citrus salad also make gorgeous companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to assemble individual ramekin-sized lasagnas using the same layers, perfect for elegant plating and portion control. They look beautiful with a touch of fresh herbs and Parmesan curls on top, making guests feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always find that letting it cool completely before covering helps keep the layers intact and flavors meld beautifully overnight.
Freezing
I’ve frozen both assembled but unbaked lasagna and leftovers with great results. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn, and it’ll keep for up to 2 months. Just thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your slice with foil and warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes). This method keeps the edges from drying out and the cream topping creamy as fresh.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen butternut squash for this roasted butternut squash lasagna recipe?
You can use frozen butternut squash in a pinch, but fresh squash tends to roast better and hold its shape. Frozen squash can be more watery, which might affect the sauce’s consistency, so be sure to drain any excess moisture and roast it long enough to caramelize for the best flavor.
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Do I have to soak no-boil noodles before assembling the lasagna?
It depends on the brand you use, but I recommend soaking when possible because it ensures the noodles don’t end up undercooked or chewy. If you’ve never had trouble with your no-boil noodles, you can skip this step, but if you’ve experienced issues, soaking them briefly in hot water will help tremendously.
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Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce actually develops better flavor if made a day or two ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and just rewarm gently before assembling the lasagna.
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What’s the secret to getting a golden, bubbly top layer?
Whipping the heavy cream and spreading it on top before sprinkling with Parmesan helps keep the topping moist and creamy as it bakes. Removing the foil halfway through baking lets the top brown beautifully without drying out.
Final Thoughts
This roasted butternut squash lasagna recipe has become a firm favorite in my kitchen, especially when I want a show-stopping, yet surprisingly easy, meal to share with friends or family. The way the cozy roasted squash mingles with that creamy, herb-infused sauce — it’s pure comfort food but with a fresh twist. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it transforms your lasagna night into something truly special. If you give it a go, let me know how yours turns out — I’m cheering you on in your kitchen adventures!
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Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 10 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna is a comforting, creamy dish combining tender roasted squash, a hearty béchamel sauce infused with fresh herbs, and layers of no-boil pasta sheets topped with whipped cream and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe highlights roasted squash’s natural sweetness balanced by savory and cheesy notes.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
- 3 pounds butternut squash, quartered, seeded, peeled, and cut into 1/2-inch dice (about 8 cups)
- 3 tablespoons grapeseed or olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk, 2% or whole
- a few sprigs fresh rosemary and sage
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Lasagna Assembly
- nine 7–by 3 1/2-inch sheets dry no-boil lasagne pasta (such as Barilla)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- butter for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 450°F. Spread the cubed squash on one extra-large or two standard sheet pans. Toss with 2 tablespoons oil if using one large pan or 1 tablespoon each if using smaller pans. Season with salt and toss to coat evenly. Roast for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and starting to turn golden.
- Infuse the Milk: While the squash roasts, place milk and the rosemary and sage sprigs in a saucepan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and warm gently for 10 minutes to infuse flavors. Strain milk through a sieve into a large pitcher or measuring cup, discarding the herbs.
- Make the Roux and Sauce: In a heavy large saucepan, melt butter over moderate-low heat. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until softened. Stir in flour and cook the roux for about 3 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the strained milk until the mixture is smooth. Return to heat and simmer, whisking occasionally, for about 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in roasted squash, salt, and pepper to taste. This sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated.
- Prepare Baking Dish and Noodles: Reduce oven temperature to 375°F. Butter a 9×13-inch baking dish. To help no-boil noodles expand better, bring water to a boil and soak the noodles in hot water before assembling if desired.
- Assemble the Lasagna: Pour 1 cup of the squash sauce into the bottom of the dish; it will not fully cover. Arrange 3 soaked noodles over the sauce so they do not touch. Soak the next 3 noodles while assembling. Spread half of the remaining sauce (~2 cups) over the noodles and sprinkle 1/2 cup Parmesan. Add another layer of 3 noodles, then soak the final noodles. Spread remaining sauce over the noodles and top with 1/2 cup Parmesan. Finish with the last layer of noodles.
- Top With Cream and Cheese: Beat heavy cream with 1/2 teaspoon salt until soft peaks form. Spread evenly over the top pasta layer, making sure noodles are completely covered. Sprinkle the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan over the cream.
- Bake the Lasagna: Cover tightly with foil, tenting slightly to avoid touching the top layer. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10 to 20 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the lasagna stand 5 minutes before cutting and serving.
Notes
- Soaking no-boil noodles in hot water before assembling helps improve their texture and ensures they cook properly.
- The sauce can be prepared 3 days in advance, stored covered in the refrigerator to save time on the day of baking.
- Use either grapeseed or olive oil for roasting the squash depending on flavor preference.
- Fresh rosemary and sage infuse the milk gently; be sure to remove the sprigs before making the sauce.
- Whipping the cream to soft peaks adds a rich, light texture on top instead of traditional ricotta or béchamel topping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 55mg