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A slice of layered Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna on a white plate, topped with a fresh basil leaf and a golden fork beside it.
Layla

Pumpkin Spinach Lasagna

Creamy roasted pumpkin and garlicky spinach layered with rich bechamel and three cheeses for the ultimate autumn comfort food.
Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the Pumpkin Layer
  • 2 cups pumpkin puree not pumpkin pie filling
  • 8 leaves fresh sage leaves thinly sliced
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg freshly grated if possible
For the Spinach Layer
  • 10 oz baby spinach about 8 cups packed
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Bechamel & Cheese
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 0.25 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk warmed
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese freshly grated, divided
  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta 1 container
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella low-moisture, divided
For Assembly
  • 12 sheets no-boil lasagna noodles about 9 oz

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large skillet
  • Medium saucepan

Method
 

Prep the Fillings
  1. In a bowl, stir together pumpkin puree, sliced sage, nutmeg, 0.5 tsp salt, and 0.25 tsp black pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add spinach in batches, turning with tongs, until completely wilted and any liquid evaporates, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a colander, press out excess moisture, and roughly chop.
Make the Bechamel
  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute until foamy and pale golden. Slowly pour in warm milk while whisking constantly. Continue cooking, whisking often, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in 0.5 cup parmesan and 0.5 tsp salt.
Assemble the Lasagna
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Spread 0.5 cup bechamel in the bottom of a 9x13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of noodles, breaking to fit as needed. Spread half the pumpkin mixture, then half the spinach. Dollop half the ricotta in spoonfuls and spread gently. Pour 1 cup bechamel over top and sprinkle with 0.5 cup mozzarella. Repeat layers once more. Finish with a final layer of noodles, remaining bechamel, and remaining mozzarella and parmesan.
  2. Cover tightly with foil and bake 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake until top is spotty golden and edges are bubbling, 15 to 20 minutes more. Let rest 15 minutes before slicing so the layers set.

Notes

Use canned pumpkin labeled 100% pure pumpkin, not pie filling which contains sugar and spices. For a make-ahead option, assemble completely, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; add 10 minutes to covered baking time. A mandoline makes quick work of slicing fresh sage if you prefer it over dried.