Butternut Squash Spinach Mushroom Lasagna (Print Version)

Layers of roasted squash, mushrooms, and spinach in creamy béchamel sauce.

# What You Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 10 oz fresh spinach, washed and chopped
04 - 12 oz cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
05 - 1 medium onion, finely chopped
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced

→ Cheese & Dairy

07 - 2 cups whole milk
08 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
10 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
12 - 1 cup ricotta cheese
13 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
14 - Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)

→ Pasta

15 - 9–12 no-boil lasagna noodles (or regular, cooked according to package instructions)

→ Herbs & Seasonings

16 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
18 - 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring once, until tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside.
03 - In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until translucent.
04 - Add mushrooms, season with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Sauté for 6–8 minutes, until they release moisture and begin to brown. Add spinach and cook for another 2–3 minutes until wilted. Remove from heat.
05 - In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg (if using). Stir in half the Parmesan cheese; remove from heat.
06 - Lower oven temperature to 375°F.
07 - Spread a thin layer of béchamel on the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Layer noodles, half of the roasted butternut squash, half of the mushroom-spinach mixture, half of the ricotta cheese, and a third of the béchamel sauce. Sprinkle with mozzarella and some Parmesan. Repeat layers once more. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining béchamel, and top generously with mozzarella and Parmesan.
08 - Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
09 - Remove foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh basil, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The roasted squash brings natural sweetness that balances perfectly with savory mushrooms and creamy béchamel
  • Its a vegetarian main that satisfies even the most dedicated meat eaters at the table
02 -
  • Let the roasted squash cool slightly before assembling so it does not make the cheese separate
  • The lasagna needs at least 10 minutes of resting time or the layers will slide apart when sliced
03 -
  • Grate your own cheese from blocks instead of buying pre-shredded bags for better melting and flavor
  • Use a microplane to grate fresh nutmeg directly into the sauce for the most aromatic result

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