These Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect comfort food twist on classic lasagna. Tender pasta sheets are rolled with a savory, creamy butternut squash filling and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. With layers of cheese, spinach, and a hint of garlic, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Savory & Comforting: Creamy squash, cheese, and pasta combine for a warm and cozy meal.
- Perfect for Fall & Winter: Butternut squash adds a seasonal twist to classic lasagna.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, mild flavors.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or freezing for later.
Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
For the Butternut Squash Filling:
- 2 ½ cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon thyme or sage (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Spinach Ricotta Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeeze out excess moisture)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Assembly:
- 8-10 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce or bechamel sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking dish (9×13)
- Mixing bowls
- Saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Spatula
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Roast or Cook the Butternut Squash:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the butternut squash, thyme (if using), and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender.
- Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
- Make the Spinach Ricotta Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, cooked spinach, mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Spread a thin layer of the butternut squash filling onto each lasagna noodle. Add a layer of the spinach ricotta mixture on top.
- Roll the noodles gently and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the Alfredo or bechamel sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the roll-ups rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish: Pair with garlic bread or a simple green salad.
- Cozy Dinner: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a hearty bowl of soup.
- Drizzle Option: Add a drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of sweetness.
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Don’t Overfill: A thin layer of filling will help the roll-ups hold their shape.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or sage adds a fragrant touch.
- Try Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat lasagna noodles.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake to reheat.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I use store-bought butternut squash puree?
Yes! If you’re short on time, canned or store-bought puree works well.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian-friendly?
It already is! Just use a vegetable-based Alfredo or bechamel sauce.
Q3: Can I add meat to this recipe?
Absolutely! Cooked ground turkey, chicken, or sausage can be added to the ricotta filling or layered between the roll-ups.
Conclusion: Comfort Food at Its Finest!
Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups bring together the best flavors of fall and Italian cuisine. With their creamy filling and cheesy topping, they’re the perfect meal to satisfy cravings or wow your dinner guests. Give them a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
Grab your fork and dig into this cheesy, creamy goodness. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share your creation with friends!
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Description
These Creamy Butternut Squash Lasagna Roll-Ups are the perfect comfort food twist on classic lasagna. Tender pasta sheets are rolled with a savory, creamy butternut squash filling and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. With layers of cheese, spinach, and a hint of garlic, this dish is sure to impress at any dinner table!
Ingredients
For the Butternut Squash Filling:
- 2 ½ cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon thyme or sage (optional, for extra flavor)
- ½ cup vegetable broth or water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
For the Spinach Ricotta Filling:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup cooked spinach (squeeze out excess moisture)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta & Assembly:
- 8–10 lasagna noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 ½ cups Alfredo sauce or bechamel sauce
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Roast or Cook the Butternut Squash:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the butternut squash, thyme (if using), and vegetable broth. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the squash is fork-tender.
- Transfer to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the ricotta and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.
- Make the Spinach Ricotta Filling:
- In a bowl, mix the ricotta, cooked spinach, mozzarella, egg, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface.
- Assemble the Roll-Ups:
- Spread a thin layer of the butternut squash filling onto each lasagna noodle. Add a layer of the spinach ricotta mixture on top.
- Roll the noodles gently and place them seam-side down in a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Top with Sauce and Cheese:
- Pour the Alfredo or bechamel sauce evenly over the roll-ups. Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Let the roll-ups rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!
Notes
- Don’t Overfill: A thin layer of filling will help the roll-ups hold their shape.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme or sage adds a fragrant touch.
- Try Whole Wheat Pasta: For a healthier twist, use whole wheat lasagna noodles.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the roll-ups and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine: American