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No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna Recipe

5 from 137 reviews

A wholesome and comforting No-Noodle Butternut Squash Lasagna that layers tender slices of butternut squash with a creamy ricotta filling, flavorful homemade tomato sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese. This nutritious twist on classic lasagna swaps traditional pasta for thinly sliced squash, making it gluten-free and packed with vitamin-rich veggies, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Butternut Squash Layers

  • 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Ricotta Filling

  • 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
  • 1 egg
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Tomato Sauce

  • 2 cups marinara sauce
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For Layering

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the lasagna layers.
  2. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel and seed the butternut squash, then slice it thinly into noodle-like strips. Toss the slices with olive oil, salt, and black pepper to season evenly and set aside.
  3. Create the Ricotta Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta cheese, egg, grated Parmesan cheese, dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
  4. Make the Tomato Sauce: Mix the marinara sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl to create a flavorful tomato sauce.
  5. Assemble the Layers: Grease a baking dish lightly. Start by layering a portion of butternut squash slices, then spread some ricotta filling over them, drizzle a layer of tomato sauce, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used, ending with a final generous mozzarella cheese layer.
  6. Bake to Perfection: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
  7. Let It Rest: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to set and make slicing easier.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves for an extra flavor boost.

Notes

  • Ensure butternut squash slices are thin for even cooking and tender texture.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free due to the substitution of squash for noodles.
  • Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it set and makes cleaner slices.
  • Feel free to add fresh basil in the layers for added freshness.

Keywords: noodle-free lasagna, butternut squash lasagna, gluten-free lasagna, healthy lasagna, vegetable lasagna, ricotta lasagna, baked pasta alternative