Creamy No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Cheesy No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe for Fall

Layered with rich, creamy textures and autumn-inspired flavors, this no-noodle butternut squash lasagna delivers a delightful twist on the classic comfort dish.

Seasonal butternut squash takes center stage, replacing traditional pasta with tender, roasted slices that melt in your mouth.

Each bite promises a harmony of savory herbs, melted cheese, and the natural sweetness of squash.

The recipe strips away carb-heavy noodles while maintaining the soul-warming essence of lasagna.

Roasted vegetables and fragrant seasonings create a warm, inviting meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Hearty and nutritious, this lasagna reimagines a beloved classic with a low-carb, vegetable-forward approach.

Get ready to savor every incredible forkful of this game-changing autumn-inspired dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50-65 minutes

Total Time: 70-85 minutes

Calories: 363 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients for No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna

For The Base Layer:
  • Butternut Squash: Sweet, velvety vegetable that replaces traditional lasagna noodles with its tender, delicate slices perfect for layering.
  • Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that adds depth and warmth to the entire dish.
For The Protein And Greens:
  • Italian Sausage: Rich, hearty meat that brings robust flavor and protein to the lasagna.
  • Baby Spinach: Tender, nutrient-packed green that adds a fresh, earthy element and beautiful color contrast.
For The Creamy Cheese Blend:
  • Ricotta Cheese, Goat Cheese: Creamy, tangy cheeses that create a luxurious, smooth texture and complex flavor profile.
  • Fresh Mozzarella: Soft, milky cheese that melts beautifully and provides classic lasagna stretch.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Aged, sharp cheese that adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous garnish that brings a pop of freshness.
  • Large Egg: Binding agent that helps hold the cheese mixture together and creates a silky consistency.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance all the flavors.

Tools to Build Butternut Squash Lasagna

  • Casserole dish (3-quart): Essential for layering and baking the lasagna.
  • Sheet pan: Helps handle the casserole dish and catch any potential spills.
  • Large skillet: Perfect for cooking sausage and sautéing spinach.
  • Medium bowl: Used for mixing ricotta cheese, parsley, and egg.
  • Paper towel-lined plate: Helps drain excess fat from cooked sausage.
  • Foil: Covers the lasagna during initial baking to prevent burning.
  • Cheese grater: Needed for grating Parmesan cheese.
  • Cutting board: For chopping parsley and slicing butternut squash.
  • Sharp knife: Helps slice butternut squash and chop ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Useful for stirring and spreading layers.

No-Noodle Lasagna Assembly Instructions

Squash Celebration Layered Feast

  • Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a toasty 425°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your culinary adventure.

  • Cheese Magic

Blend creamy ricotta with fresh herbs and a cracked egg, transforming simple ingredients into a luscious mixture that will make taste buds dance.

  • Sausage and Greens Harmony

Brown Italian sausage until it’s crispy and tempting, then toss in vibrant spinach and aromatic garlic for a flavor explosion that’ll make your kitchen smell incredible.

  • Beautiful Layers

Create a stunning landscape of golden butternut squash slices, alternating with melty mozzarella, herb-infused sausage, and creamy cheese mixture. Each layer tells a delicious story.

  • Baking Transformation

Cover your masterpiece with foil, letting it bubble and steam for 35-50 minutes. Then unveil the golden top with a sprinkle of Parmesan, continuing to bake until it’s gloriously crisp.

  • Resting and Serving

Allow your creation to settle for a few moments, letting flavors meld and making each slice picture-perfect. Serve and watch faces light up with pure culinary joy.

Flavor Swaps for Butternut Squash Lasagna

  • Cooking Tips & Variations
  • Veggie Power: Skip the sausage and double the spinach for a vegetarian version. Add diced bell peppers or mushrooms for extra depth and nutrition.
  • Cheese Swap: Replace goat cheese with feta or ricotta for a different flavor profile. Mix in herbs like basil or thyme to enhance the taste.
  • Squash Selection: Choose firm, evenly colored butternut squash with a deep orange hue. Smaller squash often have sweeter, more tender flesh perfect for layering.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the lasagna up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then foil before baking to preserve freshness.
  • Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes between layers or add a dash of smoked paprika for a gentle kick. Ground nutmeg pairs beautifully with butternut squash for a warm, subtle flavor boost.

Serving No-Noodle Lasagna with Flair

  • Cozy Winter Comfort Meal: Serve this hearty lasagna alongside a crisp winter salad with mixed greens, thinly sliced pears, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy layers.
  • Mediterranean Feast Companion: Pair with a bright Greek salad featuring cucumber, kalamata olives, and feta cheese to complement the Italian sausage and squash flavors.
  • Rustic Wine Night Delight: Match with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese, which will enhance the savory sausage and creamy cheese notes in the lasagna.
  • Herb Garden Fresh Finish: Garnish with extra chopped parsley or fresh basil leaves just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma to the dish.

Butternut Lasagna: Storage & Prep Notes

  • Smart Portioning: Slice the lasagna into individual servings before refrigerating. This makes reheating quick and prevents unnecessary handling of the entire dish.
  • Chilled Storage Strategy: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Freezer-Friendly Technique: For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking. Frozen lasagna stays delicious for approximately 2-3 months when properly sealed.
  • Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated or thawed lasagna in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for best results. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, and heat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Microwave works in a pinch, but may slightly compromise the texture of the butternut squash layers.
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Creamy No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

Creamy No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna


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4.8 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 70-85 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Classic Italian comfort meets seasonal autumn charm in this no-noodle butternut squash lasagna that layers roasted squash, ricotta, and herbs without traditional pasta. Hearty vegetarian slices promise rich flavors and wholesome nutrition you will savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (454 g) Italian sausage
  • 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • 8 oz (227 g) fresh mozzarella, very thinly sliced
  • 4 oz (113 g) creamy goat cheese
  • ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese
  • 1 (3 pound/1.36 kg) butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and sliced into 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) slices
  • 8 oz (227 g) baby spinach
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsps chopped fresh parsley
  • salt, to taste
  • black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), positioning a rack in the central zone for uniform heat distribution.
  2. Setup: Generously coat a 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray, placing it atop a sturdy sheet pan for stability.
  3. Cheese Fusion: Whisk ricotta with finely chopped parsley and egg, then tenderly fold in crumbled goat cheese until harmoniously blended.
  4. Sausage Transformation: Intensely brown Italian sausage in a skillet, draining excess fat on paper towels, then simultaneously sauté baby spinach and minced garlic until leaves wilt and aromatics bloom.
  5. Layering Foundation: Construct the initial stratum using thinly sliced butternut squash, delicately seasoning with salt and pepper, then strategically layer mozzarella slices across the squash base.
  6. Medley Distribution: Evenly spread the sausage-spinach mixture over the cheese layer, followed by gentle dollops of ricotta blend, creating a second identical layer to maximize flavor complexity.
  7. Final Assembly: Top with a conclusive butternut squash layer, meticulously seal with foil, and bake until squash reaches tender perfection (35-50 minutes).
  8. Finishing Touch: Unveil the foil, lavishly sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven until the surface transforms to a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
  9. Resting Period: Allow the lasagna to settle for several minutes, enabling layers to consolidate and ensuring elegant, structured servings.

Notes

  • Precise Oven Preparation: Maintain exact 425°F temperature for consistent cooking results and optimal flavor development.
  • Smart Dish Setup: Using a sheet pan prevents potential spills and provides stable handling during preparation and baking.
  • Fat Management Technique: Drain sausage thoroughly on paper towels to reduce excess grease and maintain balanced dish texture.
  • Resting Importance: Allow lasagna to settle for 5-10 minutes after baking, enabling layers to set and making cutting and serving much easier.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-65 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 363
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Emily Roberts

Emily Roberts

Content Creator & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Dietary Planning​, Public Health Nutrition, Nutritional Education​, Content Development​

Education

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Degree: Master of Science in Nutritional Sciences
  • Focus: Research on dietary patterns and their impact on chronic diseases.​

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

  • Credential: Expertise in translating nutrition science into practical advice. ​

Emily Roberts is our content specialist and registered dietitian at HealthyChoices.org. With her Master’s degree in Nutritional Sciences from the University of Illinois and her Registered Dietitian Nutritionist certification, Emily uses her deep nutrition knowledge to write helpful, easy-to-understand guides about healthy eating. 

Her warm, practical advice empowers readers to confidently make healthier choices, turning everyday meals into simple moments of wellness and joy.

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