Savory Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna
This delectable vegetarian lasagna features layers of creamy butternut squash combined with fresh spinach, rich cottage cheese, and gooey mozzarella. The combination of honey and herbs adds a subtly sweet and aromatic twist, making each bite a delight. Perfect for a comforting family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is best served alongside a crisp salad and warm breadsticks for an even more satisfying meal. The addition of vibrant spinach not only enhances the flavor but also boosts the nutritional profile, ensuring you enjoy a wholesome yet indulgent experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 lb (steamed and mashed)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
onion
2 medium (1 chopped, 1 minced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
honey
2 teaspoons
oven-ready lasagna noodles
1 box
cottage cheese
1 1/2 cups
shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups
grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup
sugar
2 teaspoons
dried basil
1 tablespoon
dried oregano
1 tablespoon
black pepper
1 teaspoon
salt
1/2 teaspoon
diced tomatoes with juice
1 (28 ounce) can
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion turns light brown, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the honey and mashed butternut squash until well combined.
4
In a medium saucepan for the sauce, heat the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the minced onion and garlic until soft, about 5 minutes.
5
Stir in the sugar, dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, salt, and the can of diced tomatoes with their juice. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6
To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the sauce in the bottom of a 2-quart oven-safe dish. Place 3 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
7
Spread half of the butternut squash mixture over the noodles, followed by half of the cottage cheese and a third of the tomato sauce. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese on top.
8
Repeat the layers with the remaining ingredients: noodles, squash mixture, cottage cheese, sauce, and mozzarella cheese.
9
Finish with the remaining tomato sauce and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
10
Cover the dish with aluminum foil (to prevent sticking, you may spray the foil with cooking spray) and bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown slightly.
11
Let the lasagna cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Butternut Squash and Spinach Lasagna?
It is a delectable vegetarian lasagna featuring layers of creamy butternut squash, fresh spinach, cottage cheese, and mozzarella, flavored with honey and aromatic herbs.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is entirely vegetarian, utilizing squash, spinach, and various cheeses as the primary fillings.
How should the butternut squash be prepared for this recipe?
The butternut squash should be steamed and mashed until creamy before being mixed with other ingredients.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking the lasagna.
Can I use regular lasagna noodles instead of oven-ready ones?
While the recipe calls for oven-ready noodles, you can use regular noodles if you boil them according to package directions before assembly.
Why is honey included in the squash mixture?
Honey adds a subtly sweet twist that complements the savory herbs and the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.
What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you prefer a more traditional texture, you can substitute the cottage cheese with an equal amount of ricotta cheese.
How do I prevent the cheese from sticking to the aluminum foil?
You can spray the underside of the aluminum foil with cooking spray before covering the dish.
How long does the lasagna need to bake?
The lasagna should bake for 35 to 45 minutes total, with the foil removed for the final 10 minutes.
What size baking dish is required for this recipe?
A 2-quart oven-safe dish is the recommended size for assembling this lasagna.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic for the sauce?
Sauté the minced onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until they become soft.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna and keep it refrigerated for a few hours before baking, or bake it and reheat later.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Is this lasagna healthy?
The addition of vibrant spinach and nutrient-dense butternut squash boosts the nutritional profile of this wholesome meal.
What are the recommended side dishes?
This dish is best served alongside a crisp garden salad and warm breadsticks.
Do I need to cook the tomato sauce before assembly?
Yes, let the tomato sauce simmer on low heat for 20 minutes to allow the flavors of the basil, oregano, and garlic to meld.
Why should I let the lasagna cool before slicing?
Letting it cool for a few minutes allows the layers to set, making it much easier to cut into clean slices.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried ones?
Yes, you can use fresh basil and oregano; use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as you would dried.
Does this recipe include sugar?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of sugar are added to the tomato sauce to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How many layers of noodles are in this lasagna?
The recipe involves repeating the layers twice, typically resulting in two main layers of noodles and filling.
Can I freeze this lasagna?
Yes, you can freeze the lasagna either before or after baking. If frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking or reheating.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The top layer is finished with remaining tomato sauce and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
How do I know when the lasagna is finished baking?
The lasagna is done when the noodles are tender and the cheese on top has browned slightly.
Can I add more garlic if I prefer a stronger flavor?
Absolutely, feel free to increase the amount of minced garlic in both the squash mixture and the tomato sauce.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for one 28-ounce can of diced tomatoes, including the juice.
Is there a way to make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the cottage cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives and use maple syrup instead of honey.
How do I prepare the spinach mentioned in the description?
Fresh spinach can be layered directly on top of the squash mixture or sautéed briefly with the onions before layering.
What spices are used to flavor the sauce?
The sauce is seasoned with dried basil, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen cubed butternut squash can be steamed and mashed easily, saving time on peeling and chopping.
Does the onion for the squash mixture need to be brown?
Yes, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes until they turn a light brown for maximum flavor.