Roasted Butternut & Kale Lasagna with Béchamel

Roasted Butternut & Kale Lasagna with Béchamel

Mia

This vegetarian lasagna transforms humble ingredients into a showstopping Mediterranean-inspired dinner that's as nourishing as it is delicious. Cubes of butternut squash are roasted until caramelized and tender, then layered with ribbons of wilted kale, whole-wheat lasagna noodles, and a silky béchamel sauce that's lighter than traditional ricotta-based versions. The result is a lasagna that feels indulgent while staying true to Mediterranean Diet principles.

What makes this dish special is the harmony of textures and flavors. The sweet, nutty butternut squash pairs beautifully with the slightly bitter kale, while the creamy béchamel enriched with nutmeg and Parmesan ties everything together. Using whole-wheat noodles adds a pleasant earthiness and extra fiber, making this a more wholesome take on the Italian classic. Each layer is thoughtfully seasoned, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

This lasagna is perfect for meal prep, as it actually tastes better the next day once the flavors have melded together. It's an ideal dish for entertaining vegetarian guests or anyone looking to incorporate more plant-forward meals into their routine. The golden, bubbling top layer of cheese gives way to tender vegetables and pasta that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

While this recipe requires some time investment, much of it is hands-off baking. The active prep work is straightforward and meditative—perfect for a leisurely weekend cooking project. Serve it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil for a complete Mediterranean meal that celebrates seasonal vegetables and wholesome ingredients.

Nutrition

1 hour 50 minutes
None servings
385 calories
Fat 14.00g
Carbs 48.00g
Protein 18.00g

Ingredients

2 lbsbutternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
4 tbspextra virgin olive oil, divided
1 tspsalt, divided
1/2 tspblack pepper, divided
1 lbkale, stems removed and leaves chopped
3 clovesgarlic, minced
12 sheetswhole-wheat lasagna noodles
4 tbspunsalted butter
1/4 cupall-purpose flour
3 cupslow-fat milk
1/4 tspground nutmeg
1 cupParmesan cheese, grated, divided
1 cuppart-skim mozzarella cheese, shredded
2 tbspfresh basil, chopped (optional)

Equipment

Wooden spoon
Cutting board
Parchment paper
Oven
Whisk
aluminum foil
medium saucepan
chef's knife
measuring cups and spoons
large baking sheet
9x13-inch baking dish
large skillet
grater
large pot for boiling pasta
clean kitchen towel

80/20 Diet

This recipe exemplifies the 80/20 approach with nutrient-dense whole foods (butternut squash, kale, whole-wheat noodles, olive oil) comprising well over 80% of the ingredients, while modest amounts of cheese and butter add flavor and satisfaction in the remaining 20%. It balances wholesome nutrition with real-food indulgence.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

This lasagna features anti-inflammatory ingredients including extra virgin olive oil, nutrient-dense kale, butternut squash rich in antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory spices like nutmeg and garlic. It avoids processed foods and refined grains while emphasizing whole grains and colorful vegetables that combat inflammation.

Clean Eating

This recipe embodies clean eating with whole, minimally processed ingredients including fresh butternut squash, kale, whole-wheat noodles, real butter, and quality cheeses. It avoids artificial ingredients, preservatives, and refined grains, instead using recognizable whole foods prepared from scratch with simple, natural seasonings.

DASH Diet

This recipe aligns with DASH Diet principles by emphasizing vegetables (butternut squash and kale), whole grains (whole-wheat noodles), and low-fat dairy (low-fat milk and part-skim mozzarella). The use of fresh herbs and minimal added salt, combined with potassium-rich vegetables and fiber, supports cardiovascular health and blood pressure management.

Diabetic Diet

This lasagna supports blood sugar management with low-glycemic whole-wheat noodles, fiber-rich butternut squash and kale that slow glucose absorption, and balanced macronutrients from protein (cheese) and healthy fats (olive oil). The emphasis on non-starchy vegetables and whole grains helps maintain stable blood sugar levels while avoiding refined carbohydrates and added sugars.

Flexitarian Diet

This plant-forward lasagna exemplifies flexitarian eating by making vegetables (butternut squash and kale) the stars of the dish, with dairy products used as supporting ingredients. The whole-wheat noodles and abundance of vegetables provide fiber and nutrients while demonstrating how satisfying and delicious primarily plant-based meals can be.

Heart-Healthy Diet

This heart-healthy lasagna features extra virgin olive oil, whole grains, abundant vegetables rich in fiber and antioxidants, and uses low-fat milk and part-skim mozzarella to limit saturated fat. The recipe avoids processed meats and fried foods while emphasizing cardiovascular-protective ingredients like kale and garlic.

Intermittent Fasting

This nutrient-dense lasagna is ideal for eating windows during intermittent fasting, providing sustained energy from whole grains, fiber-rich vegetables, and balanced macronutrients. The combination of complex carbohydrates, protein from cheese, and healthy fats from olive oil promotes satiety and stable blood sugar levels throughout fasting periods.

Intuitive Eating

This satisfying lasagna honors intuitive eating principles by providing a balanced, nourishing meal that celebrates both pleasure and nutrition without restriction or guilt. The combination of sweet butternut squash, earthy kale, creamy béchamel, and melted cheese creates a truly satisfying eating experience that respects hunger, fullness, and food enjoyment.

Mayo Clinic Diet

This lasagna follows Mayo Clinic Diet principles by emphasizing abundant vegetables (butternut squash and kale), whole grains (whole-wheat noodles), and healthy fats from olive oil. The use of low-fat milk and part-skim mozzarella reduces saturated fat while maintaining satisfaction, and the recipe avoids processed ingredients in favor of nutrient-dense whole foods.

Mediterranean Diet

This lasagna is a quintessential Mediterranean dish, featuring extra virgin olive oil, whole-wheat noodles, abundant vegetables (butternut squash and kale), and moderate amounts of cheese. It emphasizes plant-forward eating with nutrient-dense vegetables as the stars, uses herbs for flavoring, and avoids processed ingredients and red meat entirely.

MIND Diet

This recipe supports brain health with MIND Diet staples including leafy greens (kale), whole grains (whole-wheat noodles), vegetables (butternut squash), and olive oil as the primary fat. It avoids red meat, butter is used minimally, and the focus on nutrient-dense vegetables and whole grains provides cognitive-protective benefits.

Mindful Eating

This lasagna is perfect for mindful eating with its variety of textures (creamy béchamel, tender squash, hearty kale, al dente noodles), vibrant colors (orange squash, green kale, golden cheese), and complex flavors that invite slow, conscious appreciation. The whole, minimally processed ingredients and thoughtful layering encourage sensory engagement and eating awareness.

Vegetarian Diet

This completely vegetarian lasagna features no meat, poultry, fish, or seafood, instead showcasing plant-based ingredients like butternut squash and kale alongside eggs and dairy products (milk, butter, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese). It provides balanced nutrition with adequate protein from cheese and eggs while emphasizing whole grains and vegetables.

Weight Watchers

This vegetarian lasagna follows Weight Watchers principles by prioritizing nutrient-dense whole foods including vegetables, whole grains, and using part-skim mozzarella and low-fat milk to reduce saturated fat. The fiber-rich butternut squash and kale provide volume and satisfaction while keeping the dish wholesome and supportive of weight management goals.

Instructions

1

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

1 min
2

Spread the cubed butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.

2 min
3

Roast the butternut squash for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.

28 min
4
1 min

While the squash roasts, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5
5 min

Add the chopped kale to the skillet in batches, stirring until wilted, about 4-5 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

6
12 min

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and lay flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent sticking.

7
2 min

To make the béchamel sauce, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.

8
2 min

Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, cooking until it's lightly golden and smells nutty.

9
3 min

Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce comes to a gentle simmer.

10
7 min

Reduce heat to low and simmer the béchamel for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. Stir in the nutmeg, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat.

11

Reduce the oven temperature to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

1 min
12

Spread 1/2 cup of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Lay 4 lasagna noodles over the sauce, slightly overlapping if needed.

1 min
13

Spread half of the roasted butternut squash over the noodles, followed by half of the sautéed kale. Drizzle with 3/4 cup of béchamel sauce and spread evenly.

2 min
14

Add another layer of 4 lasagna noodles, then the remaining butternut squash and kale. Top with another 3/4 cup of béchamel sauce.

2 min
15

Place the final 4 lasagna noodles on top and spread the remaining béchamel sauce evenly over the entire surface. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and the shredded mozzarella cheese.

2 min
16

Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

30 min
17

Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbling.

18 min
18

Remove the lasagna from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before slicing. This allows the layers to set and makes serving easier.

12 min
19

Garnish with fresh chopped basil if desired. Slice into 8 portions and serve warm.

1 min

Frequently Asked Questions