Name: Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups with Sage Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 5 cups chopped butternut squash; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1 shallot, minced; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups shredded chicken (leftover rotisserie chicken recommended); 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and excess water squeezed out; 9 lasagna noodles (gluten-free if needed)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 76 reviews

If you love cozy, comforting dishes that are both elegant and satisfying, then the Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups with Sage Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. Imagine tender lasagna noodles wrapped around savory shredded chicken and spinach, all smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce made from roasted butternut squash infused with fragrant sage. It’s a beautiful balance of creamy, cheesy, and herby flavors that make every bite feel like a warm hug. This recipe is perfect for those chilly nights when you want comfort food that feels special but is surprisingly simple to prepare.

Ingredients You'll Need

A rolled lasagna piece sits on a white plate with three visible layers of wavy pasta separated by thin green herb leaves and a thick orange creamy sauce that covers and pools around the lasagna. The top layer is coated with a slightly browned, bubbly melted cheese with small bits of herbs on it. The plate is placed on a light wood surface with a soft beige cloth and some green leaves blurred in the background. A white casserole dish with more lasagna is partly visible in the top left corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one brings something unique that elevates the entire dish—from the sweetness of the butternut squash to the fresh earthiness of sage and the savory punch of parmesan cheese. Together, they create layers of flavor and texture that are simply irresistible.

5 cups chopped butternut squash: The star ingredient, lending natural sweetness and creamy texture.
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté aromatics gently.
1 shallot, minced: Gives a subtle onion flavor with delicate sweetness.
1 garlic clove, minced: Adds a fragrant, pungent depth that complements sage beautifully.
1 tablespoon fresh sage, minced: Provides a wonderfully aromatic herbal note that ties the dish together.
½ cup ricotta: Adds creamy, mild richness inside the filling.
1 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided: Offers a salty, nutty flavor that melts perfectly over the top and into the filling.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
2 cups shredded chicken: I prefer leftover rotisserie chicken for effortless flavor and tenderness.
1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and water squeezed out: Adds color, nutrients, and a little earthiness.
9 lasagna noodles: Use gluten-free if needed; noodles are the perfect vessel for rolling the filling!

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups with Sage Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Start by boiling the chopped butternut squash until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. This softens the squash perfectly for blending into a creamy sauce. While the water is still hot, remove the squash and keep the water for cooking the noodles later—that way, you keep the process efficient and resourceful.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In a small skillet, heat your olive oil and gently cook the minced shallots, garlic, and fresh sage. This step unlocks their aromatic flavors and infuses the olive oil, which enhances the richness of your squash sauce. Once soft and fragrant, add these to the butternut squash in a food processor for the next step.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce

Add ricotta, half of your parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper into the food processor with the squash and aromatics, then blend until smooth. This silky sauce is the heart of the dish—creamy, slightly sweet, and loaded with sage’s earthy tones.

Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring the stored squash cooking water back to a boil and cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Cooking them in the squash water adds subtle flavor, and since you reserved some of this water, you can use it in the sauce later for perfect consistency.

Step 5: Prepare the Filling

While noodles are cooking, combine shredded chicken with the thawed and well-drained spinach. This filling is packed with protein and greens, adding both texture and nutrition to your roll-ups.

Step 6: Assemble the Roll-Ups

Drain the noodles carefully and lay them flat. Spread approximately 3 to 4 tablespoons of the butternut squash puree evenly along each noodle, then add the chicken and spinach mixture on top before rolling it up tightly. Each roll-up should hold a generous amount of filling to be truly satisfying.

Step 7: Prepare the Baking Dish

Add the reserved cooking water to the remaining puree and blend again to thin it out—this will keep your dish moist and silky while baking. Spoon a layer of this sauce on the bottom of a 9x9 baking dish, place each roll-up seam side down, then cover with the remaining sauce. Sprinkle the last ½ cup of parmesan on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Cover with foil and bake the roll-ups for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry and the cheese to melt into golden goodness. Then, remove the foil, switch the oven to broil, and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the top bubbles and turns invitingly golden brown. This final step creates a beautiful, cheesy crust that's hard to resist.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups with Sage Recipe

The dish is a baked casserole in a white rectangular ceramic dish, with a top layer of melted orange cheese that looks soft and smooth with some slight bubbling. Scattered thin green herb leaves are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh touch. Beneath the cheese, a layer of shredded or shredded light brown filling is slightly visible around the edges. The dish rests on a light beige woven cloth on a white marbled surface, with a white cloth napkin and a silver spoon nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh sage leaves and an extra sprinkle of parmesan cheese are perfect finishing touches. The sage adds bright herbal notes that enhance the earthy squash, and the parmesan gives a sharp, salty contrast that makes the whole dish sing. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil over the top after baking is a lovely touch too.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides to complement without overwhelming. A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the creaminess, or lightly roasted Brussels sprouts lend earthiness. For a comforting meal, garlic bread or a crusty baguette are excellent choices for soaking up any extra sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the roll-ups individually on plates with a spoonful of sauce artistically drizzled around. You can also plate them stacked slightly off-center to show off the colorful layers inside. For a family-style feast, arrange all the roll-ups in a warm baking dish at the table for everyone to help themselves—it’s as charming as it is practical.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

These lasagna roll-ups keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen, so leftovers are often tastier the next day. Just be sure to cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the roll-ups, cover them tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in an oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If you're in a hurry, microwave on medium power in short intervals, but the oven method keeps the cheesy topping delightfully gooey.

FAQs

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?

Absolutely! If you have fresh spinach on hand, just sauté it briefly to wilt and remove excess moisture before mixing it with the chicken. This prevents the roll-ups from becoming soggy.

Is this dish gluten-free?

You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free lasagna noodles. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap without sacrificing taste or texture.

Can I substitute the chicken for another protein?

Yes! Shredded turkey or cooked ground turkey works well, and even sautéed mushrooms make a great vegetarian alternative if you omit the chicken and add extra cheese or legumes.

How long does it take to prepare this dish?

From start to finish, the recipe takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, including cooking and baking time. Most of the time is hands-off cooking, making it manageable even on a busy day.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! The butternut squash sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just bring it back to room temperature before assembling the roll-ups to make spreading easier.

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to try this Creamy Butternut Squash and Chicken Lasagna Roll-Ups with Sage Recipe if you want a dish that’s comforting, vibrant, and downright delicious. It’s a recipe that feels like a celebration on your plate but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this is sure to become a cherished classic you’ll reach for again and again.