Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna with Caramelized Onions — A Cozy Fall Dinner Recipe
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- Author: Jeannie Jacobs
- Total Time: 105 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
If you’ve ever said you hate squash or spinach — this lasagna will change your mind. Roasted butternut squash spinach lasagna layered with garlicky spinach, creamy ricotta, and buttery caramelized onions creates a dish that feels like a warm hug on a cool evening. No heavy cream, no fussy sauce — just pure comfort and the flavors of fall.
Ingredients
For the roasted butternut squash
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 5 cups)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp chopped fresh sage (or 1/2 tsp dried)
For the spinach and caramelized onion layer
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 oz baby spinach (about 5 cups fresh)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
For assembly
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (for layering)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
1 Roast the Butternut Squash Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and sage. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and tender.
2 Caramelize the Onions In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3 Sauté the Spinach In the same skillet, heat olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Remove from heat and stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
4 Assemble the Lasagna Lightly brush a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Layer as follows:
- ◦ Noodles
- ◦ Half of the roasted butternut squash
- ◦ Half of the spinach-ricotta mixture
- ◦ Half of the caramelized onions
- ◦ Sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan Repeat once more, ending with noodles, roasted squash, and cheese on top. Brush the top with a bit of olive oil for golden color.
5 Bake Cover loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 15 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling.
6 Rest & Serve Let rest for 10–15 minutes before cutting to allow clean layers. Serve warm with garlic-roasted broccoli rabe or a simple green salad.
Notes
Pro Tips
• Use pre-cut butternut squash for quicker prep.
• Roast the squash a day ahead — it deepens the natural sweetness.
• For perfectly caramelized onions, cook low and slow. Patience gives you that golden color and buttery flavor.
• Let the lasagna cool slightly before slicing — it holds its shape beautifully for serving.
Hosting Tip
Set the tone for a cozy Sunday Supper with the Mystic Pumpkin Candle from Pivotal Moments by Just Jeannie. Its blend of pumpkin, vanilla, and spice mirrors the warmth of this lasagna and fills your home with the scent of fall. Pair with a glass of wine, garlic-roasted broccoli rabe, and finish with cannolis for a sweet Italian-inspired ending.
Discover More
This Butternut Squash & Spinach Lasagna with Caramelized Onions is a cozy, make-ahead fall dinner that brings together simple ingredients and big flavor.
For more recipes like this, plus hosting inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments, sign up for my newsletter on my blog. And don’t forget to order my cookbook, Welcome to My Table — your guide to creating meaningful moments through food, scent, and style.
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- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 522
- Sugar: 2.5 g
- Sodium: 985.7 mg
- Fat: 19.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 51.4 g
- Fiber: 6.9 g
- Protein: 33.2 g
- Cholesterol: 58.5 mg


