Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna with Layers of Pumpkin & Cheese
If you’re looking for a dish that’s cozy, indulgent, and perfect for fall gatherings, this Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna is it. With layers of velvety pumpkin, creamy cheeses, tender noodles, and fragrant herbs, this dish brings a seasonal twist to the classic lasagna. It’s hearty enough for a main course yet elegant enough to serve at a holiday dinner party.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This pumpkin lasagna combines the comfort of a classic pasta bake with the rich, slightly sweet flavor of pumpkin. It’s vegetarian-friendly, satisfying, and a great way to use pumpkin in a savory dish. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and full of fall-inspired flavor that makes it a standout meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. From creamy ricotta to velvety pumpkin purée and perfectly melted mozzarella, each component contributes to creating a dish that’s indulgent, balanced, and full of seasonal charm.
- Lasagna noodles (regular or no-boil)
- Pumpkin purée (canned or homemade)
- Ricotta cheese
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Heavy cream or béchamel sauce
- Garlic, onion, and fresh herbs (like sage or thyme)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Nutritional Information
This creamy pumpkin lasagna is rich and comforting, yet still provides a wholesome balance of nutrients. The exact values may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes, but here’s an estimate per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/8 of the dish)
- Calories: ~380–420 kcal
- Protein: 16–18g
- Fat: 20–22g
- Carbohydrates: 32–35g
- Fiber: 4–5g
- Sodium: ~520mg
Time Breakdown
One of the best parts of this lasagna is that it’s surprisingly easy to put together, especially if you use no-boil noodles and canned pumpkin purée. Here’s a quick look at the time investment:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40–45 minutes
- Resting Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
How to Make – Step by Step
Making lasagna might sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into easy, approachable steps. From preparing the pumpkin filling to layering the noodles, cheese, and sauce, you’ll find that assembling this dish is just as enjoyable as eating it.
- Prepare the filling: In a skillet, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil until fragrant. Stir in pumpkin purée, herbs, cream, salt, and pepper to make a creamy pumpkin sauce.
- Mix the cheese layer: Combine ricotta, half the mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl. Season lightly with salt and herbs.
- Assemble the lasagna: Spread a thin layer of pumpkin sauce at the bottom of a baking dish. Layer noodles, cheese mixture, more pumpkin sauce, and repeat until the dish is filled.
- Top with cheese: Finish with a final layer of noodles, sauce, and mozzarella.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Let the lasagna rest for 10 minutes before slicing for neat layers.
Ingredient Swaps & Variations
One of the best parts about lasagna is how customizable it is. Whether you’re adding leafy greens, switching up the cheeses, or making it gluten-free, this recipe adapts easily to suit your taste, dietary needs, and pantry staples.
- Greens: Add sautéed spinach, kale, or Swiss chard between the layers for extra nutrition.
- Protein: Mix in ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken for a heartier version.
- Cheese: Substitute goat cheese for ricotta for a tangier flavor, or add Gruyère for extra richness.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a celiac-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the meal to a whole new level. From fresh salads to garlic bread or seasonal drinks, there are endless ways to make your pumpkin lasagna the star of the table.
- Fresh Green Salad – a crisp arugula or spinach salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Garlic Bread or Focaccia – perfect for soaking up the creamy pumpkin sauce.
- Roasted Vegetables – try Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash for a seasonal touch.
- White Wine – a light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess.
- Sparkling Apple Cider – non-alcoholic option that pairs beautifully with fall flavors.
- Herbed Butter Mushrooms – earthy and savory, balancing the pumpkin’s sweetness.
Storing Tips
Lasagna is one of those dishes that’s almost better the next day, and this pumpkin version is no exception. With a few smart storage and reheating tips, you can keep your leftovers tasting as creamy, cheesy, and delicious as when they first came out of the oven.
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Assemble the lasagna ahead and freeze (unbaked) for up to 2 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding extra time.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through for the best texture.
Chef’s Tips
A few simple tricks can take your pumpkin lasagna from great to unforgettable. Choosing the right herbs, letting the lasagna rest before slicing, and balancing creaminess with golden baked edges make all the difference in flavor and presentation.
- Use fresh herbs like sage or thyme to bring out pumpkin’s earthy sweetness.
- Don’t skip the resting period after baking, it keeps the layers from sliding apart.
- For extra creaminess, drizzle a little béchamel sauce between the layers.
- If you want crispier edges, uncover the lasagna for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pumpkin Lasagna with Layers of Pumpkin & Cheese is a rich, comforting, and seasonal dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or holiday celebrations. With its velvety pumpkin sauce, gooey cheese, and golden top, it’s guaranteed to impress. Give this recipe a try and bring a warm, festive touch to your dinner table this season.