Creamy Butternut Squash & Basil Lasagna
Inspired by the culinary genius of Giada De Laurentiis, this Creamy Butternut Squash & Basil Lasagna is a delightful twist on the traditional lasagna that both vegetarians and meat lovers will adore. With layers of tender butternut squash puree, aromatic basil-infused sauce, and gooey mozzarella, this dish is as comforting as it is elegant. Instead of the classic red sauce, a creamy white sauce enriched with nutmeg pairs effortlessly with the sweetness of squash and the freshness of basil, creating a symphony of flavors that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this lasagna is sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
1 tablespoon
Butternut squash
1 1/2-2 lbs (peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Water
1/2 cup
Amaretti cookies
3 (crumbled)
Butter
1/4 cup
All-purpose flour
1/4 cup
Whole milk
3 1/2 cups
Nutmeg
1 pinch
Fresh basil leaves
3/4 cup (lightly packed)
No-boil lasagna noodles
12
Shredded whole milk mozzarella
2 1/2 cups
Grated Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Butternut Squash & Basil Lasagna?
It is a vegetarian lasagna inspired by Giada De Laurentiis, featuring layers of butternut squash puree, a creamy white sauce with nutmeg, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese.
Is this lasagna recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it contains no meat products.
What kind of sauce is used in this recipe?
Instead of traditional red sauce, this recipe uses a creamy white sauce (bechamel) enriched with butter, flour, whole milk, and a pinch of nutmeg.
Do I need to boil the lasagna noodles?
No, this recipe specifically calls for 12 no-boil lasagna noodles for convenience.
How much butternut squash is required?
You will need 1.5 to 2 pounds of butternut squash.
How should the butternut squash be prepared?
The squash should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes before cooking.
What are amaretti cookies used for in this recipe?
Three crumbled amaretti cookies are added to the squash mixture to provide a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor common in Italian squash dishes.
What kind of cheese is in this lasagna?
The recipe uses 2.5 cups of shredded whole milk mozzarella and 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe calls for 3/4 cup of lightly packed fresh basil leaves.
Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
The recipe calls for whole milk to achieve a rich, creamy sauce, but you can substitute with lower fat milk though the texture may be thinner.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dish is seasoned with salt, fresh ground black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg in the white sauce.
How much butter is needed for the white sauce?
You will need 1/4 cup of butter to start the roux for the creamy sauce.
Is this dish considered a casserole?
Yes, this lasagna is categorized as both a casserole and a one-dish meal.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe is inspired by the culinary style of Giada De Laurentiis.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe requires 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
How many lasagna noodles do I need?
You need 12 no-boil lasagna noodles for this recipe.
What is the purpose of the water in the ingredients list?
Half a cup of water is used, typically to help steam or puree the butternut squash.
How much flour is used in the sauce?
The white sauce uses 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour.
Can I use dried basil?
While fresh basil is recommended for its aromatic quality, you can use dried, though the flavor profile will change significantly.
What size should the squash cubes be?
The squash should be cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
How much Parmesan cheese is required?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
What type of mozzarella is best?
Shredded whole milk mozzarella is recommended for the best melt and flavor.
Is this a comfort food dish?
Yes, it is tagged as a comfort food meal due to its cheesy and creamy nature.
How many amaretti cookies are used?
The recipe uses exactly 3 crumbled amaretti cookies.
What cuisine is this recipe?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine.
Can I make this for a dinner party?
Yes, its elegant twist on traditional lasagna makes it perfect for gatherings.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The combination of butter, flour, and 3.5 cups of whole milk creates the creamy texture.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much black pepper is used?
You should use 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
Is the squash pureed or left in chunks?
The description indicates layers of tender butternut squash puree.