Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that's both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagne! This Italian-inspired masterpiece combines creamy ricotta, savory marinara, and the sweet, earthy notes of roasted butternut squash, all layered between tender pasta sheets. Perfect for a cozy family meal or an impressive dinner party, this recipe promises to delight your taste buds and leave everyone asking for seconds. Dive into the world of culinary bliss and discover how to create this delectable lasagne that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 50 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups roasted butternut squash, mashed
- 2 cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your lasagne cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large pot of salted water, bring to a boil. Once boiling, add the lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the roasted butternut squash. If you haven't done so already, peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and spread them on a baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized. Once roasted, mash the squash in a bowl until smooth.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed butternut squash, ricotta cheese, and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- In another bowl, mix the marinara sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- To assemble the lasagne, spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, followed by half of the butternut squash and ricotta mixture. Spread it evenly over the noodles.
- Next, sprinkle one-third of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the butternut squash mixture. Repeat the layering process by adding another layer of marinara sauce, three more noodles, the remaining butternut squash mixture, and another third of the mozzarella cheese.
- Add the final layer of noodles on top, then spread the remaining marinara sauce over the noodles. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil, making sure it does not touch the cheese. This will prevent the cheese from burning while the lasagne cooks.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the lasagne from the oven and let it rest for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make it easier to serve.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil or additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your delicious roasted butternut squash lasagne!
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, roast the butternut squash a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will allow the flavors to deepen and make assembly a breeze!
- Noodle Choice: Use no-boil lasagna noodles for an even quicker prep time. Just layer them directly with the sauce and filling, and they’ll soften beautifully during baking.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Adding a blend of smoked mozzarella or goat cheese can give your lasagne an extra layer of flavor.
- Make It Vegetarian: This lasagne is naturally vegetarian, but you can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for additional nutrients and texture.
- Resting Time: Allowing the lasagne to rest for 10-15 minutes after baking is crucial. This helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and serve without falling apart.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze before serving can elevate the presentation and add a touch of freshness to each bite. Enjoy your cooking adventure, and savor every delicious layer of this roasted butternut squash lasagne!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 425kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 23g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 65mg
