A cozy vegetarian lasagna layered with sweet potato, roasted butternut squash, carrots, creamy ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, Parmesan, and tender lasagna noodles. It’s naturally sweet, savory, creamy, and perfect for a comforting family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Roasted Vegetables
- 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 3 large carrots, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Cheese Filling
- 15 oz (425 g) ricotta cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
For the Lasagna
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 2 cups marinara sauce or tomato basil sauce
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- Fresh sage or thyme for garnish
Instructions
1. Roast the Vegetables
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place the diced sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and carrots on a large baking sheet.
Add olive oil, thyme, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Toss everything until evenly coated.
Spread the vegetables into a single layer.
Roast for 25–35 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly.
2. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles
While the vegetables roast, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions.
Drain and lay them flat on a lightly oiled baking sheet or parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
3. Make the Ricotta Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Ricotta
- Egg
- 1 cup mozzarella
- Parmesan
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Salt
Mix until smooth.
Fold in the chopped spinach.
Set aside.
4. Prepare the Roasted Vegetable Mixture
Once the roasted vegetables have cooled slightly, you can leave them chunky for a rustic lasagna.
For a smoother filling, transfer about half of the roasted vegetables to a food processor and pulse until roughly mashed.
Combine the mashed vegetables with the remaining roasted vegetables.
This creates a filling with both creamy and chunky textures.
5. Assemble the Lasagna
Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish.
Spread about ½ cup marinara sauce over the bottom.
Place 3–4 lasagna noodles over the sauce.
Spread about ⅓ of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add about ⅓ of the roasted vegetable mixture.
Drizzle with some marinara sauce.
Sprinkle with a little mozzarella.
6. Repeat the Layers
Repeat the layers:
Noodles → ricotta mixture → roasted vegetables → marinara → mozzarella
Continue until all the filling is used.
Finish with a final layer of noodles.
Spread the remaining marinara sauce over the top.
Cover generously with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
7. Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil.
Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and lightly golden.
For a more browned top, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
8. Rest Before Serving
Remove the lasagna from the oven.
Let it rest for 15–20 minutes before slicing.
This allows the layers to set and makes the lasagna much easier to serve.
Garnish with fresh parsley, thyme, or sage.
Optional Flavor Additions
Creamier
Add ½ cup Alfredo sauce between the layers.
More savory
Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic.
More protein
Add cooked lentils, white beans, or chopped chicken.
Extra crunch
Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pecans between the layers.
Spicy
Add red pepper flakes to the roasted vegetables or tomato sauce.
Tips for Perfect Vegetable Lasagna
- Cut the vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they roast evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the roasting pan; crowded vegetables steam instead of caramelizing.
- Let the roasted vegetables cool slightly before assembling.
- Don’t skip the resting time after baking.
- If your marinara sauce is very thick, add a few tablespoons of water before layering.
- Cover the lasagna during the first part of baking so the noodles don’t dry out.
Storage
Store leftover lasagna covered in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot.
Freezing
Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Q&A
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
Yes. Use them according to the package instructions and make sure there is enough sauce to keep them moist.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes. Use vegan lasagna noodles, plant-based ricotta, vegan mozzarella, and a suitable egg substitute.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes. Use certified gluten-free lasagna noodles and check all packaged ingredients.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes. Thaw and drain it well before roasting so the lasagna doesn’t become watery.
Can I prepare it ahead?
Yes. Assemble the entire lasagna, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Why does my lasagna become watery?
The vegetables may contain too much moisture. Roast them until well caramelized and allow frozen vegetables to drain thoroughly before using.
Can I add meat?
Yes. Cooked ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage can be layered with the vegetables if you don’t want a vegetarian version.
Quick Recipe Card
Prep: 30 minutes
Roasting: 25–35 minutes
Lasagna baking: 45–50 minutes
Rest: 15–20 minutes
Servings: 8–10
Sweet potato + butternut squash + carrot + creamy ricotta + spinach + melted mozzarella = a colorful, comforting vegetable lasagna.
