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
- Preparation: Ignite the oven to a robust 425°F (220°C), positioning a rack in the central zone for uniform heat distribution.
- Setup: Generously coat a 3-quart casserole dish with nonstick spray, placing it atop a sturdy sheet pan for stability.
- Cheese Fusion: Whisk ricotta with finely chopped parsley and egg, then tenderly fold in crumbled goat cheese until harmoniously blended.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Assembly: Top with a conclusive butternut squash layer, meticulously seal with foil, and bake until squash reaches tender perfection (35-50 minutes).
- Finishing Touch: Unveil the foil, lavishly sprinkle Parmesan cheese, and return to the oven until the surface transforms to a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- 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