Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna (No Pasta): The Viral Recipe That Melted the Internet

The internet is obsessed with a new dinner recipe, and for good reason. It’s comforting, cheesy, vegetable-packed, and completely invisible. We’re talking about the viral Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna, a genius hack that transforms a humble butternut squash into a creamy, savory masterpiece.

Unlike traditional lasagna which relies on pasta sheets, this dish is pasta-free and inspired by French baking techniques. The result is a lighter, healthier casserole that tastes incredibly decadent. If you loved the recent trend of no-carb meals, this is similar to the excitement around The Viral TikTok Food Trends Worth Trying (Skip Guide).

Here is your definitive guide to the “invisible” technique, the full recipe, and all the tips you need to make this viral sensation tonight!

What is the Invisible Butternut Squash Technique? (Beyond No-Pasta)

The secret to this dish lies in the way the main ingredients—butternut squash and spinach—are prepared and baked.

 

 

Instead of thick pasta or even distinct vegetable layers, this recipe uses a technique borrowed from the French “Invisible Apple Cake.” The main components are combined and baked in a thin, creamy custard:

  1. Thin Slicing: The butternut squash is sliced incredibly thin (about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick) using a mandoline or a very sharp knife.
  2. The Custard: A simple batter made of Boursin cheese, eggs, milk, and a small amount of flour acts as a binding agent.
  3. The Fusion: When the thin squash slices, wilted spinach, and sautéed mushrooms are folded into the batter and baked, the custard sets around the vegetable pieces. The slices are so delicate and fully coated that they essentially melt and fuse during baking, making them functionally “invisible” as a distinct layer.

The result is a dense, vegetable-forward casserole that feels both satisfying and surprisingly light. This method is perfect for those who enjoy vegetable bakes or low-carb comfort food, much like our popular Low Carb Ground Beef Zucchini Bake.

The Full, Step-by-Step Recipe for Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna

This recipe is simple to assemble and results in a golden, bubbling, creamy bake.

Equipment Needed

  • 9×13 inch baking dish
  • Handheld mandoline slicer (highly recommended)
  • Large skillet

Ingredients List

  • 1 large (approx. 1.5 lbs) butternut squash
  • 5 oz baby spinach, chopped
  • 20 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 5 oz Boursin cheese (any flavor, room temp)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or GF swap)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • $1/2$ tsp each salt, garlic powder, onion powder
  • $1/8$ tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbs olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Prep and Sauté: Preheat your oven to $400^{circ}text{F}$. Spray your baking dish. Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the spinach until just wilted (1-2 minutes) and set aside. Add the remaining olive oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms until softened (4-5 minutes). Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Squash: Peel, halve lengthwise, and deseed the butternut squash. Using a mandoline or a sharp knife, slice the squash into pieces about $1/8$ to $1/4$ inch thick. Uniform thickness is key for the “invisible” effect.
  3. Make the Batter: In an extra-large bowl, whisk together the Boursin cheese, eggs, and milk until smooth. Next, whisk in the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg until fully incorporated.
  4. Combine and Bake: Gently fold the wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and all the thinly sliced butternut squash into the batter until everything is thoroughly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and flatly. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  5. Bake: Bake for $40-45$ minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling and the squash is tender when pierced. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

 

Hand-slicing butternut squash with a mandoline over a large bowl of creamy batter with fresh spinach and Boursin cheese.

 

 

Essential Swaps, Variations, and Pro Tips for Success

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to your preference and what you have on hand.

Pro Tips:

  • Slicing is Key: Invest in a mandoline if you can. It guarantees the uniform, thin slices needed for the squash to almost melt into the custard.
  • Prevent Soggy Greens: Make sure your spinach and mushrooms are well-drained after sautéing to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter.

Swaps and Variations:

Ingredient Substitution Idea Internal Link for Reference
Butternut Squash Sweet potato or zucchini (slice thin). If you opt for zucchini, learn how to prepare it perfectly using our guide to Air Fryer Zucchini for draining excess moisture.
Spinach Kale (ensure it is finely chopped and wilted). For a peppery flavor, swap in kale—the star of our hearty The Ultimate Kale Salad Recipe.
Boursin Cheese Softened cream cheese, goat cheese, or a mix of ricotta and herbs.
All-Purpose Flour Use Gluten-Free all-purpose flour for a GF version. Remember to always use a reliable GF all-purpose flour blend, similar to the flour used in our popular Gluten Free Bread Easy Recipes for Delicious Baking.
Protein Add-In Pre-cooked chicken, bacon, or Italian sausage. For a heartier meal, consider adding Italian sausage and increasing the spinach content, drawing inspiration from our One Pan Creamy Penne with Spinach Italian Sausage.

More Butternut Squash Recipes and Low-Carb Bakes

If the Invisible Lasagna concept has you hooked, try these other fantastic ways to enjoy hearty, healthy, and cozy vegetable dishes:

 

 

Dinner Solved: Why This Dish Deserves Its Viral Status

The “Invisible” butternut squash spinach lasagna is more than just a passing trend—it’s a delicious way to enjoy a massive serving of vegetables disguised as cheesy comfort food. It’s an inventive, pasta-free spin on a classic, making it a guaranteed family favorite.

Have you tried this viral recipe yet? Would you like me to find some quick side dishes that pair perfectly with this savory lasagna?

 

Print
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Invisible Butternut Squash Spinach Lasagna

A comforting, cheesy, vegetable-packed lasagna made without pasta, using butternut squash and spinach in a creamy custard.

  • Total Time: 60 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large butternut squash (approx. 1.5 lbs)
  • 5 oz baby spinach, chopped
  • 20 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
  • 5 oz Boursin cheese (any flavor, room temp)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/3 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or GF swap)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray your baking dish.
  2. Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a skillet. Sauté the spinach until just wilted (1-2 minutes) and set aside.
  3. Add the remaining olive oil and sauté the sliced mushrooms until softened (4-5 minutes). Set aside.
  4. Peel, halve lengthwise, and deseed the butternut squash. Slice it into pieces about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick.
  5. In a bowl, whisk together the Boursin cheese, eggs, and milk until smooth. Whisk in the flour, baking powder, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg until fully combined.
  6. Gently fold the wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, and sliced butternut squash into the batter. Transfer to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  7. Top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
  8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly, and the squash is tender. Let rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Ensure even slicing of the butternut squash for the best texture and to prevent sogginess from vegetables.

  • Author: miguel-santiago
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 35g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: lasagna, butternut squash, vegetarian, comfort food, low-carb