Wholesome Butternut Squash Lasagna Delight
Indulge in a deliciously lighter twist on classic lasagna with this Wholesome Butternut Squash Lasagna Delight. Rich roasted butternut squash fills this dish with vibrant flavor and creamy texture, while whole wheat noodles provide a hearty base. A luscious, homemade basil-infused white sauce ties it all together, making each bite satisfying and nourishing. Perfect for gatherings, this lasagna can also be prepared with defrosted frozen squash for an effortless option on busy days. Serve it with a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
nonstick cooking spray
1 (for greasing the baking dish)
butternut squash
4 lbs (roasted and pulp removed from shells)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (for seasoning)
fresh ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (for seasoning)
butter
1/4 cup (for making the sauce)
all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (for thickening the sauce)
nonfat milk
3 1/2 cups (for making the sauce)
nutmeg
1 pinch (for flavoring the sauce)
fresh basil leaf
3/4 cup (finely chopped for sauce)
whole wheat lasagna noodles
12 (for layering)
shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
2 cups (for layering and topping)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wholesome Butternut Squash Lasagna Delight?
It is a lighter twist on classic lasagna featuring roasted butternut squash, whole wheat noodles, and a homemade basil-infused white sauce.
What are the primary ingredients in this lasagna?
The main ingredients include 4 lbs of butternut squash, 12 whole wheat lasagna noodles, nonfat milk, butter, flour, fresh basil, and mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe that uses vegetables and cheese instead of meat.
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use defrosted frozen squash as an effortless option on busy days.
How much butternut squash do I need?
The recipe calls for 4 pounds of butternut squash.
What kind of noodles are used in this dish?
The recipe uses 12 whole wheat lasagna noodles for a hearty and healthy base.
What type of sauce is used in the lasagna?
It features a luscious, homemade basil-infused white sauce made with a roux of butter and flour.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
The squash should be roasted until tender, and then the pulp should be removed from the shells for the filling.
What cheese is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a lightened version of lasagna using whole wheat noodles, nonfat milk, and nutrient-rich squash.
How do I season the squash filling?
The squash pulp is seasoned simply with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
What provides the flavor in the white sauce?
The sauce is flavored with a pinch of nutmeg and 3/4 cup of finely chopped fresh basil leaves.
What is the purpose of the butter and flour?
The butter and all-purpose flour are cooked together to create a roux that thickens the milk into a sauce.
Can I use a different type of milk?
The recipe specifies nonfat milk to keep it light, but you could substitute other milks if desired.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, it uses 12 noodles which typically serves 6 to 8 people.
How do I prevent the lasagna from sticking to the pan?
Use a nonstick cooking spray to grease the baking dish before you begin layering the ingredients.
What should I serve as a side dish?
A fresh side salad is recommended to complement the flavors of the lasagna for a complete meal.
Is the basil used fresh or dried?
The recipe specifically calls for 3/4 cup of finely chopped fresh basil leaves for the best flavor.
Can I make this dish for a large group?
Yes, this lasagna is described as being perfect for gatherings.
Is there any nutmeg in the recipe?
Yes, a pinch of nutmeg is included to add warmth and depth to the white sauce.
How many noodles should I prepare?
You will need 12 whole wheat lasagna noodles for the layering process.
What is the texture of the filling?
The roasted butternut squash pulp provides a creamy and vibrant texture to the dish.
Does this recipe use red tomato sauce?
No, this recipe uses a basil-infused white sauce instead of a traditional red tomato-based sauce.
Is this a good recipe for meal prep?
Yes, since it can be made with frozen squash and lasagna generally reheats well, it is great for busy schedules.
What kind of flour is used for the sauce?
1/4 cup of all-purpose flour is used as the thickening agent for the white sauce.
How much cheese is used for the topping?
The 2 cups of mozzarella are divided between the internal layers and the top of the lasagna.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While not in the base recipe, you could easily add spinach or sautéed mushrooms to the layers.
What is the role of the nonstick spray?
It is used specifically for greasing the baking dish to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
Is the black pepper freshly ground?
Yes, the recipe suggests using fresh ground black pepper for better seasoning.
Can this be made in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the lasagna ahead of time and bake it when you are ready to serve.