This cozy, fall-inspired lasagna is a favorite in my household for the past few years, combining rich layers of creamy ricotta, savory pumpkin, and a fragrant béchamel sauce infused with sage, rosemary, and garlic. The sweetness of the pumpkin blends beautifully with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, while the spinach and mozzarella add a fresh, melt-in-your-mouth finish. Yes, the ingredient list is long, but I promise, it’s a true labor of love that’s worth every step! Whether you're hosting a family dinner or just craving some comforting homemade food, this dish is a must-try. Share it with someone who loves a seasonal twist on a classic, and don’t forget to visit my website NourishtoBeauty.com for more nourishing recipes that celebrate wholesome ingredients and vibrant living!
Béchamel Sauce Layer
6 tbsp salted butter
10-12 sage leaves
2 sprigs rosemary
6 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp dried oregano
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3.5 cups whole milk
1/2 cup apple cider (or vegetable broth)
4 cups fresh spinach
Pumpkin Layer
15 oz whole milk ricotta
1 cup pumpkin puree
1 large egg
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1 cup grated parmesan
Salt & pepper, to taste
Cheese/Pasta Layers
3 cups shredded mozzarella
1 package no-boil lasagna noodles
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a deep 9x13-inch baking dish.
Prepare the béchamel sauce: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and rosemary sprigs, cooking until they’re slightly crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside for garnish, if desired.Stir in the minced garlic and dried oregano. Whisk in the flour, ensuring there are no large clumps.
Make the sauce: Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly, followed by the apple cider (or vegetable broth). Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, whisking for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in the spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, until wilted. Remove from heat. This is your béchamel sauce!
Prepare the pumpkin layer: In a bowl, combine the pumpkin puree (blot with a paper towel if watery), ricotta, egg, cinnamon, nutmeg, and parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the lasagna: Spread 1/4 of the béchamel sauce evenly in the bottom of the lightly greased casserole dish. Place a layer of lasagna noodles on top to cover the bottom. Spread 1/3 of the pumpkin ricotta mixture over the noodles and then sprinkle with mozzarella. Repeat the layers until you've used all the filling/sauce, ending with a final layer of mozzarella and a sprinkle of some additional parmesan on top.
Bake: Cover the dish with foil and place it on a baking sheet to catch any potential spills. Bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 20-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Beauty Benefits of this Recipe:
Pumpkin
Health benefits: A rich source of beta-carotene and fiber, pumpkin supports digestion and boosts immune function, making it a great addition to balance the richness of this dish.
Beauty benefits: High in antioxidants like vitamin A, which promote radiant, youthful skin, and fiber that helps maintain clear skin by supporting healthy digestion.
Sage
Health benefits: Sage is known for aiding the digestion of fats, making it a perfect complement to the creamy béchamel sauce and cheeses in this lasagna. It also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce bloating.
Beauty benefits: The antioxidants in sage help combat free radicals, protecting skin from premature aging and keeping it firm and clear.
Rosemary
Health benefits: Rosemary stimulates the production of bile, which aids in the digestion of fats. This makes it especially helpful when paired with rich dairy. It also has antimicrobial properties and can improve memory and focus.
Beauty benefits: Rosemary promotes hair growth and adds strength to hair follicles, leaving hair looking fuller and healthier.
Ricotta Cheese
Health benefits: Ricotta is a great source of high-quality protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied long after your meal. Its combination of protein and healthy fats provides steady energy, helping to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes. This makes it an ideal ingredient for feeling nourished and grounded, especially in a hearty dish like lasagna.
Beauty benefits: The protein in ricotta supports the growth and repair of skin, hair, and nails, while the healthy fats help keep skin hydrated and radiant. When paired with herbs that aid in fat digestion, ricotta becomes a well-rounded, beauty-boosting ingredient.
Quality Dairy and Pasta is Key in this Recipe*
Health benefits: Choosing high-quality dairy, like grass fed/pasture raised ricotta and parmesan, ensures you're getting beneficial fats and nutrients, like calcium and vitamin D, without the negative side effects of processed dairy. This not only keeps your digestive system happy but also helps you feel good after enjoying a rich dish like this lasagna. Opting for a pasta made with organic or ancient grains can enhance both the flavor and nutritional value. European pastas, especially those from Italy, are often crafted using traditional methods and high-quality durum wheat, making them easier to digest and richer in nutrients. Their texture holds up beautifully in layered dishes like this one, giving you that perfect bite every time while supporting better digestion and overall wellness!
If you enjoyed this recipe you can find videos of me making it on my instagram so be sure to follow me on socials for more! Also if you would like to find me on Youtube I try and post new videos a few times a month of more!
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