Butternut Squash Lasagna

 

Lasagna Ingredients:

• Olive oil
• 1 ¼ lb. ground turkey
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons chopped, fresh sage leaves
• 12 lasagna noodles, cooked
• 4 cups fresh, baby spinach leaves
• 4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

Butternut Squash Sauce Ingredients:

• 3 heads garlic, tops cut off
• Olive oil for drizzling
• 3 teaspoons salt, plus a pinch, divided use
• 4 lbs. butternut squash, peeled and cubed (or 4, 1 lb. packages pre-cut squash)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chicken stock
• 2 cups half and half
• 4 ounces mascarpone cheese
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese

Preparation:

For the Butternut Squash Sauce:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the garlic heads, sprinkle with salt, wrap in foil, and roast directly on the oven rack.
3. After 10 minutes, toss the butternut squash with olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Place on the lined baking sheet with the garlic and roast for 30-35 minutes until tender.
4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins and mash lightly.
5. In batches, puree the roasted squash and garlic in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a large pot.
6. Place the pot on low heat, add warm chicken stock and half and half, and whisk to combine.
7. Add mascarpone cheese, parmesan, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of salt. Stir until well blended. Remove from heat.

For the Lasagna:

1. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.
2. In a large sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey and break it up with a spatula.
3. Add Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Cook until turkey is no longer pink. Stir in fresh sage and set aside.
4. In a 12"x10"x2" baking dish, spread 1 cup of butternut squash sauce.
5. Layer with 4 lasagna noodles, 2 cups sauce, half the ground turkey, 2 cups spinach, and 1 cup mozzarella.
6. Repeat layering: noodles, sauce, turkey, spinach, and 1 cup mozzarella.
7. Top with remaining noodles, sauce, and 2 cups mozzarella. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning.
8. Bake at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until cheese is melted and golden.

Enjoy your lasagna!