Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe

If you’re craving a cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious meatless meal, you’re going to adore this Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe. Imagine layers of tender lasagna noodles embracing a creamy, warmly spiced pumpkin ricotta filling, combined with vibrant spinach and melty cheese jewels tucked throughout. This dish is not only a feast for the taste buds but also a beautiful celebration of autumnal flavors and wholesome ingredients, perfect for sharing with family or friends on any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds a creamy, white mixture with uneven texture, filled evenly with dark green spinach leaves spread throughout. Small pieces of light yellow onion are mixed in, and there is a sprinkle of black pepper on the top. A wooden-handled spatula with a gray silicone blade is placed inside the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Bringing this Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe to life is all about simple, fresh ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable meal. Each item adds a unique texture, flavor, or a burst of color, making the lasagna truly special.

  • Olive oil: The base for sautéing onions and garlic, adding a subtle richness and depth.
  • Chopped onion: Builds a flavorful foundation with sweet and savory notes.
  • Garlic cloves: Provides an aromatic punch that elevates the entire dish.
  • Fresh spinach: Adds a lovely bright green hue and a tender leafy texture.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance every layer.
  • Pumpkin puree: The star ingredient, offering a creamy, naturally sweet base with a subtle nutty character.
  • Unsweetened milk of choice: Creams the pumpkin filling without overpowering its delicacy.
  • Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that bring cozy comfort to the pumpkin layer.
  • Kosher salt: For precise seasoning throughout the recipe.
  • Reduced-fat ricotta cheese: Adds smooth, creamy texture and body to the filling.
  • Egg: Acts as a binder to hold the ricotta mixture beautifully together.
  • Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts into gooey, stringy goodness within the layers.
  • Parmesan cheese (shredded): Provides a sharp, nutty punch that cuts through the creaminess.
  • Dried oregano or basil: Infuses a fragrant Mediterranean herbaceousness to the cheese filling.
  • No-boil lasagna noodles: Simplifies preparation while ensuring perfectly tender pasta layers.
  • Fresh basil or parsley: Bright garnishes that add freshness and an inviting aroma.

How to Make Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Spinach and Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onions and sprinkle with salt and pepper to coax out their natural sweetness. After a few minutes, add minced garlic and give the kitchen that irresistible savory aroma. Pile in the fresh spinach, which may look like a mountain at first but quickly wilts down into a tender, flavorful green bed that ties everything together.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin Filling

While your spinach cools, whisk together the pumpkin puree, almond milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl until creamy and smooth. This spiced pumpkin mixture will lend a luscious moistness and warm autumnal vibe to the lasagna—a little secret that makes this dish stand apart.

Step 3: Make the Ricotta Cheese Filling

In another bowl, blend the ricotta, egg, mozzarella, parmesan, and dried herbs, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Then gently fold in your cooked spinach, ensuring every bite has that perfect balance of creamy cheese and vibrant greens. This step builds the heart of your Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe filling with luscious texture and color.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Lasagna

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Start by spreading half a cup of pumpkin filling on the bottom to keep noodles from sticking and infuse every bite with cozy pumpkin goodness. Layer five no-boil noodles, half of your ricotta-spinach cheese mixture, half a cup of shredded mozzarella, more pumpkin filling, then half of the shredded parmesan. Repeat the layers one more time to create a hearty stack of flavors. Cover with foil and bake on the center rack for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15 to 20 minutes until bubbling and golden. Let it rest for at least 25 minutes to set perfectly.

How to Serve Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe

A piece of lasagna sits on a white plate with a textured rim, showing three visible layers: a top golden-brown cheese layer with a crispy texture, a middle layer with green leafy spinach mixed with creamy white cheese, and a bottom layer of orange sauce. Fresh green sage leaves are placed on top of the lasagna and on the plate. A silver fork rests on the plate with a bite of lasagna on it. The scene is set on a white marbled surface with a small wooden bowl of grated cheese partially visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped basil or parsley sprinkled over the lasagna just before serving adds a lovely pop of color and an herbal brightness that balances the rich creamy layers. This simple finishing touch makes the dish feel fresh and inviting, elevating your presentation effortlessly.

Side Dishes

This lasagna pairs beautifully with crisp, green salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple mixed greens salad to cut through the richness. Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or a festive fall roasted carrot medley complement the pumpkin notes wonderfully, creating a balanced, vibrant meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family dinner, serve slices directly from the pan for a rustic feel. If you want to impress guests, plate individual portions with a drizzle of olive oil or a dollop of herbed Greek yogurt on the side for added creaminess. You could even layer smaller portions in oven-safe ramekins for a charming, personalized experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the best texture.

Freezing

This lasagna freezes beautifully. To freeze, tightly wrap individual slices or the whole dish (if unbaked) in plastic wrap and then foil. It can keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for a couple of minutes, but the oven method preserves the texture and melty cheese best.

FAQs

Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin puree?

You can, but fresh pumpkin needs to be cooked and pureed first. Canned puree offers convenience and consistent moisture content, which makes layering and baking easier in this dish.

Is this lasagna gluten-free?

This recipe calls for no-boil regular lasagna noodles, which contain gluten. However, you can substitute with gluten-free no-boil noodles to keep it gluten-free without sacrificing texture.

Can I add other vegetables to the filling?

Absolutely! Roasted mushrooms, diced zucchini, or caramelized butternut squash can be fantastic additions that complement the pumpkin and spinach flavors beautifully.

How spicy is the lasagna?

The lasagna is mild and warms you up with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, without any heat or spice. It’s perfect for all ages and palates looking for a comforting flavor profile.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To veganize this dish, substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with plant-based cheeses and use a flax egg or chia egg in place of the egg. Also, ensure your milk of choice is nondairy as you already do with almond milk.

Final Thoughts

This Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe is a dream for anyone looking to silky smooth comfort food with a seasonal twist. It feels indulgent yet wholesome, easy enough for a weeknight but special enough for guests. Give this recipe a try and watch it become your new fall favorite—your family and friends will thank you!

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Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe

Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna Recipe

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  • Author: Jessica
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Vegetarian Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna is a comforting and flavorful weekday dinner option, featuring layers of warm pumpkin ricotta filling, sautéed spinach, and tender no-boil lasagna noodles, all baked to creamy perfection. It’s a hearty vegetarian main dish that combines the subtle sweetness of pumpkin with savory cheeses and fresh herbs, perfect for family meals or gatherings.


Ingredients

For the cooked spinach

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup chopped white or yellow onion
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 ounces fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pumpkin Filling

  • 2 (15 oz) cans pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
  • ½ cup plain unsweetened milk (almond milk recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For the Ricotta Cheese Filling

  • 15 ounces reduced-fat, part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 1 large egg
  • ⅓ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano or dried basil
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste

Additional ingredients for layering

  • 12 no-boil lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Fresh chopped basil or parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Cook the spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, season with salt and pepper, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add fresh spinach to the pan; toss with the onion and garlic mixture. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 3-4 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
  2. Prepare the pumpkin filling: In a medium bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, unsweetened milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
  3. Make the ricotta cheese filling: In another medium bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, egg, shredded mozzarella, shredded parmesan, dried oregano or basil, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. Fold in the cooled cooked spinach. (Optional: Add cooked sausage or ground turkey here if desired.)
  4. Preheat oven and prepare baking dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish or lasagna pan with cooking spray.
  5. Assemble the lasagna: Spread ½ cup of the pumpkin filling evenly at the bottom of the prepared pan. Layer 5 no-boil lasagna noodles over the pumpkin mixture. Spread half of the ricotta cheese filling evenly over the noodles, then sprinkle ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese. Add more pumpkin filling on top followed by half of the shredded parmesan cheese. Repeat the layers with noodles, the remaining ricotta mixture, pumpkin filling, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  6. Bake the lasagna: Cover the assembled lasagna with foil and bake on the center rack for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  7. Rest and garnish: Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it cool for at least 25 minutes to set. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use no-boil lasagna noodles to save time and skip pre-cooking the noodles.
  • You can substitute almond milk for any unsweetened milk of choice in the pumpkin filling.
  • Feel free to add cooked sausage or ground turkey into the ricotta filling for a non-vegetarian version.
  • Resting the lasagna before serving helps it set, making it easier to cut and serve clean slices.
  • For a richer flavor, you can use whole milk ricotta or full-fat cheese varieties.

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