Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach + Mushroom Lasagna (No Pasta) — Light, Cozy & Veggie-Loaded

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Introduction

Hello, fellow home cooks and comfort-food lovers! 🧡

If you love lasagna but sometimes feel weighed down by heavy noodles, heavy sauces, or just the effort of layering pasta sheets, then you’re going to adore this recipe: Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach + Mushroom Lasagna (No Pasta). It’s a dish where thinly sliced butternut squash stands in for noodles, wrapping layers of sautéed spinach and earthy mushrooms in a dreamy, cheesy bake.

I first discovered this creative lasagna on a chilly fall evening, when I had a butternut squash sitting on my counter waiting for something special — and a craving for something warm, cozy, and comforting. I wanted the satisfaction of lasagna, but with lighter ingredients and no simmering pot or boiling noodles. As the dish baked, the smells of garlic, mushroom, and warm squash made the whole house feel like home. When I pulled it out of the oven, bubbling with cheese and golden on top, I realized I had made something magical — and surprisingly easy.

Since then, this lasagna has become a go-to for weeknight dinners, cozy weekend meals, and even make-ahead family dinners. It’s packable for leftovers, friendly to vegetarians, and endlessly adaptable. Let me walk you through how to make your very own — and maybe even start a new comfort-food tradition.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this layered, no-pasta wonder. Quantities are scaled for a standard 9×13″ baking dish (serves about 6–8, depending on portion size).

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs (≈ 680 g) butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced thin (about 1/8–1/4 inch thick) Hungry Happens
  • 5 oz (≈ 140 g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped Hungry Happens
  • 20 oz (≈ 560 g) baby bella mushrooms (or button mushrooms), sliced Hungry Happens

For the Creamy Filling

Cheese & Topping

Oil / Cooking Fat

  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing vegetables and prepping dish) Hungry Happens

Substitution Ideas & Dietary Tweaks

  • Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. The recipe is naturally gluten-free aside from the flour. Hungry Happens
  • Dairy-Free / Vegan-ish: Replace soft cheese with a plant-based creamy cheese or cashew-cream; use a plant milk; swap mozzarella and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives.
  • Vegetable Variations: If you don’t have butternut squash, you can try sweet potato slices instead. Hungry Happens
  • Greens Swap: Replace spinach with kale or chard (just sauté until tender) for a heartier green. Hungry Happens

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Your Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with olive oil.

2. Sauté the Greens & Mushrooms

  • Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté for 1–2 minutes, just until wilted. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Hungry Happens
  • In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and heat. Then add sliced mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Transfer mushrooms to the same plate as spinach and set aside. Hungry Happens

3. Slice the Butternut Squash

Peel and halve your butternut squash lengthwise and remove the seeds. Using a mandoline (or a very sharp knife), slice the squash into thin rounds about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. Consistent thickness helps the squash bake evenly. Hungry Happens

4. Prepare the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: the soft cheese, eggs, milk, flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, and chopped parsley. Stir until smooth and well combined. Hungry Happens

5. Combine & Layer Everything

Add the sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and all the butternut squash slices into the bowl with the creamy mixture. Fold gently so everything gets coated evenly. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Hungry Happens

Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the top. This cheese layer will melt, bubble, and form a golden crust — the kind that makes you gasp when you open the oven. Hungry Happens

6. Bake

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the filling is set (no jiggle when you gently shake). Hungry Happens

Remove from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes. This helps the layers settle and makes slicing much cleaner.

Extra Tips

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a simple green salad or arugula with lemon vinaigrette — the freshness balances the creamy, cheesy richness.
  • Add a side of crusty bread or garlic toast if you want more heft.
  • Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or a few sprigs of thyme on top before serving for a fresh, herb-forward finish.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Hungry Happens
  • To reheat, warm in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven for 10–15 minutes (or until heated through). This helps restore a bit of the original texture and avoid sogginess.
  • While you could freeze this dish — because of the creamy-cheese base, the texture may change slightly on thawing. If you freeze, wrap tightly and reheat gently.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Swap the squash: Use sweet potato slices instead of butternut squash for a slightly sweeter flavor and hearty texture. Hungry Happens
  • Greens substitution: If you’re not a spinach fan, try kale, Swiss chard, or collard greens — just sauté and wilt them well to soften their texture. Hungry Happens
  • Cheese substitution: If Boursin (or soft cheese) isn’t available, use softened cream cheese, goat cheese, or even ricotta + herbs for a lighter filling. Hungry Happens
  • Make it vegan: Use a plant-based creamy cheese or cashew-cream, vegan mozzarella, and a non-dairy milk instead of regular milk. The structure will remain.
  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or some chopped fresh sage or rosemary for a more aromatic twist.

Nutritional Information

Per the original recipe’s nutrition breakdown: one serving of this Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach + Mushroom Lasagna (No Pasta) (assuming the recipe serves 8) provides roughly: 251 kcal, 19 g carbohydrates, 10 g protein, 16 g fat, 3 g fiber, 4 g sugars. Hungry Happens

It’s filling, veggie-rich, and lighter than many traditional pasta lasagnas — yet still comforting and satisfying, thanks to the cheese and creamy filling.

FAQ

How long does this lasagna take to make?

  • Prep time (slicing squash, sautéing veggies, mixing filling): about 15–20 minutes (especially if you use a mandoline to slice squash).
  • Oven time: 40–45 minutes.
  • Rest time after baking: ~10 minutes.
    Total time: roughly 65–75 minutes from start to finish.

Can I substitute some ingredients?
Yes! You can swap butternut squash for sweet potato, spinach for kale or chard, soft cheese for vegan or lighter alternatives, or use gluten-free flour to keep it gluten-free. All of these substitutions work well without sacrificing taste.

Can I freeze Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach + Mushroom Lasagna (No Pasta)?
Yes — but with a caveat. The dish freezes, but because of the creamy cheese base, the texture may change slightly (it may get a bit softer or slightly watery when thawed). If you choose to freeze, wrap the dish tightly and reheat gently, ideally in the oven rather than microwave for better texture.

Conclusion

If you love lasagna but want something lighter, vegetable-forward, and full of cozy flavors — Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach + Mushroom Lasagna (No Pasta) is your new best friend. It’s creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed, and surprisingly easy to throw together. Whether you make it for a lazy Sunday dinner, a weekday meal, or a cozy night in, it’s the kind of dish that satisfies without weighing you down.

I’d absolutely love for you to try this one — and even more, I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Did you swap in sweet potato? Add extra herbs? Make it vegan? Tell me all about it in the comments (or share a photo!). And if you share this with friends or family, I bet they’ll think you spent hours in the kitchen — when really, you just found the perfect cozy shortcut.

Happy cooking, cozy eaters — and may your kitchen always smell of melted cheese, warm squash, and roasted mushrooms. 🧀🍂🍄