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Creamy Butternut Squash and Kale Lasagna

A rich and creamy lasagna infused with roasted butternut squash and sautéed kale, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Vegetarian
Servings 8 servings
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

For the Vegetable Mixture

  • 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups kale, chopped and de-stemmed

For the Lasagna

  • 12 pieces lasagna noodles (traditional or no-boil)
  • 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

For the Béchamel Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk or unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt (for béchamel)
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (for béchamel)

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg, laying them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender. For a creamier texture, mash or blend the roasted squash if desired.
  • In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and chopped kale, cooking until the kale is wilted and tender, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh sage.

Béchamel Sauce

  • To make the béchamel sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter (or olive oil) in a saucepan. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth roux. Gradually pour in your warm milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and is smooth. Season with salt and nutmeg.

Assembly

  • Boil your lasagna noodles according to package directions, drain them, and lay them flat to prevent sticking. If you’re using no-boil noodles, proceed directly to the next step.
  • In a large baking dish, spread a layer of béchamel or squash puree on the bottom. Add a layer of lasagna noodles, followed by the squash mixture, kale mixture, ricotta cheese, and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Repeat these layers, finishing with a layer of noodles, béchamel sauce, and topping with mozzarella and parmesan.

Baking

  • Cover the baking dish loosely with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Notes

You can assemble the lasagna a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake it later. For a lighter option, serve with a side salad and enjoy.
Keyword Butternut Squash, Comfort Food, Kale, Lasagna, Vegetarian Recipes