The Best Pumpkin Lasagna Creamy Ricotta and Sage

Posted on November 13, 2025

Why Pumpkin Lasagna is the Ultimate Holiday Upgrade

When autumn arrives and the Thanksgiving season nears, it’s time to rethink your holiday table with a cozy twist. Pumpkin lasagna isn’t just a delicious surprise—it’s an elevated, creamy white lasagna that brings together comforting flavors like sage, ricotta, and pumpkin puree in a dish that’s both festive and satisfying. It offers a beautiful alternative to traditional tomato-based lasagna, delivering the warm, earthy notes that pair perfectly with the season.

This pumpkin alfredo lasagna combines a velvety béchamel sauce with the richness of browned butter, garlic, and warming spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. As the layers melt together in the oven, mozzarella and parmesan add the perfect stretch and golden finish, transforming simple ingredients into a standout Thanksgiving centerpiece. It’s a wonderful option for vegetarians and meat lovers alike—with an optional ground turkey or beef layer to satisfy heartier appetites.

If you’re exploring new ways to use pumpkin beyond pie, this savory dish is a fantastic place to start. The use of pumpkin puree brings a naturally sweet and earthy base that complements creamy ricotta cheese beautifully. To better understand the key ingredient, see this Wikipedia article on pumpkin, which outlines its culinary versatility and nutritional profile. Also, check out some creative pumpkin recipes on Pinterest for more seasonal inspiration.

Unlike traditional lasagna, which relies heavily on tomatoes and meat, this white lasagna stands out with its luxurious texture and herbal aroma. With layers infused with fragrant sage—learn more about its culinary uses here—and enhanced by a golden béchamel sauce, this dish delivers a unique flavor that feels both rustic and refined. You can also explore other cozy vegetarian holiday meals that pair well with this lasagna to round out your menu.

Whether you’re hosting a full Thanksgiving spread or attending a potluck, this creamy pumpkin lasagna promises to be a show-stopping addition to your table.

Key Ingredients Overview

The magic of this pumpkin lasagna lies in its thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each component works together to create the rich, layered flavor that defines this festive dish. Understanding the role of each element can help you adapt it to suit your preferences while keeping the integrity of this comforting recipe intact.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Pumpkin Purée: Use canned 100% pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. It gives the dish its earthy-sweet base without added sugar or spices. Discover more about pumpkin’s origin and uses in this Wikipedia article on pumpkin.
Ricotta Cheese: Creamy and mild, ricotta adds body to the filling and complements the spices beautifully. You can learn more about its production and culinary uses here.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty balance to the smooth textures and sweet notes of pumpkin.
Mozzarella Cheese: Essential for that classic lasagna stretch, mozzarella melts into a bubbly top layer that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
Lasagna Noodles: Use traditional boiled noodles or oven-ready sheets. For a gluten-free alternative, you can swap with brown rice or lentil-based noodles. More tips on noodle choice are found in our guide to making perfect lasagna noodles.
Egg: Helps bind the ricotta and pumpkin filling, ensuring clean, sturdy layers.
Béchamel Sauce: Made from butter, flour, and milk, this classic French white sauce creates the creamy base. A touch of nutmeg (learn more here) adds depth. See the full background of béchamel sauce on Wikipedia.
Ground Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices enhance the pumpkin flavor, creating an aromatic and seasonal dish.
Fresh Sage: Lightly crisped in butter or scattered fresh over the top before serving, sage brings a woodsy, aromatic element that elevates the entire dish. See more about its role in cooking in this sage herb Wikipedia article.
Optional Ground Meat: For a heartier version, include seasoned ground turkey or beef. Both pair well with the creamy elements and give the lasagna added richness.

Pinterest also offers plenty of Thanksgiving dinner ideas if you’re looking to pair this dish with complementary sides like roasted Brussels sprouts, maple carrots, or herbed stuffing.

These ingredients work in harmony to create the ultimate white lasagna for the holiday season. Rich, comforting, and deeply flavorful, it’s a recipe that combines simplicity with elegance—ideal for impressing your guests without stress.

Why Pumpkin and Ricotta Work So Well Together

The pairing of pumpkin and ricotta in lasagna may seem unconventional at first, but it’s a combination rooted in balance—where sweet meets savory and creamy meets earthy. Together, they form the heart of this pumpkin alfredo lasagna, offering a velvety texture and mild flavor that complements a range of seasonal spices.

Pumpkin purée has a naturally sweet, slightly nutty flavor that deepens when baked. When combined with ricotta cheese, which is soft, mild, and slightly grainy, the mixture becomes rich and luxurious without being heavy. The egg added to the filling binds these two together, creating a smooth and cohesive layer that holds its shape in every slice.

Spices like nutmeg and cinnamon are often used in both savory and sweet dishes for their warming qualities. In this lasagna, they highlight the natural sweetness of the pumpkin while giving the ricotta filling a gentle spiced aroma—one that feels right at home on a holiday table. You can explore the origins and culinary uses of nutmeg here, which has long been paired with dairy in classic European cuisine.

This duo also allows the other ingredients—mozzarella, Parmesan, béchamel, and sage—to shine through without being overpowered. The result? A deeply flavorful, creamy pumpkin lasagna that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

Choosing the Right Lasagna Noodles

The noodles in any lasagna serve as the structural backbone of the dish, and when you’re crafting a creamy pumpkin lasagna, selecting the right type of pasta is crucial. The noodles not only provide texture but also help bind the layers of ricotta, pumpkin purée, and béchamel sauce together into a unified, sliceable whole.

You generally have two options when it comes to lasagna noodles:

Boil-and-Bake Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles require boiling before assembly. This gives you control over their texture—al dente noodles will hold up better under rich, creamy layers.
Oven-Ready (No-Boil) Noodles: These save time and absorb moisture from the pumpkin ricotta filling and béchamel sauce as the dish bakes. However, they require ample sauce to cook through properly.

If you’re preparing a gluten-free or lower-carb version, there are excellent alternatives:

Brown rice or lentil lasagna sheets
Thinly sliced zucchini or eggplant (roasted first to remove excess water)

To maintain the integrity of the dish, avoid overcooking noodles before layering. Too-soft noodles can break down in the oven, leading to a mushy final product.

For more on pasta’s role in lasagna construction, check out the broader context of lasagna in culinary history, including how regional variations affect noodle choice and layering techniques.

Pinterest also has great visual references for creative pasta layers and alternatives—take a look at these curated vegetarian holiday meals for inspiration on building your lasagna layers with seasonal produce.

How to Make the Creamy Pumpkin-Ricotta Filling

The pumpkin-ricotta filling is the soul of this white lasagna, and it’s incredibly easy to make. This mixture delivers creamy, sweet-savory flavor with warm spices that embody the spirit of fall and winter holidays.

To prepare it:

In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 can of pumpkin purée, 15 oz of ricotta cheese, 1 cup grated Parmesan, and 1 large egg.
Season the mixture with 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, ½ tsp ground nutmeg, and 1 tsp cinnamon.

Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. The texture should be thick but spreadable. The egg acts as a binder, ensuring the filling stays together once baked. The Parmesan adds a salty, nutty balance to the mellow pumpkin, while the ricotta creates the creamy, melt-in-your-mouth consistency.

For extra richness, you can fold in a tablespoon of brown butter—learn how to make it from these Pinterest tips on browning butter. This small touch elevates the filling with a deep, toasty flavor that pairs beautifully with sage and nutmeg.

This filling is the foundation of every layer, so taste and adjust seasoning before assembly. A pinch more salt or nutmeg can go a long way in sharpening the flavors and making the pumpkin truly shine.

Making the Béchamel Sauce with a Hint of Nutmeg

A creamy béchamel sauce takes this lasagna from good to unforgettable. This classic French white sauce binds the dish together and creates that luscious, smooth mouthfeel that pairs perfectly with pumpkin and ricotta.

Here’s how to make it:

Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
Whisk in 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste.
Slowly add 3 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Simmer the sauce until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Season with salt, pepper, and ¼ tsp of nutmeg.

The addition of nutmeg is a traditional touch in béchamel and particularly enhances this dish by echoing the flavors in the pumpkin filling. If you’re new to making this sauce, you can learn more about its classic preparation from this Wikipedia article on béchamel sauce.

A properly made béchamel will layer smoothly and bake into a golden, bubbling topping. Don’t rush the process—giving the sauce time to thicken ensures your lasagna won’t end up watery. For visual examples and alternative variations, explore Pinterest’s béchamel tutorials for more tips.

Optional Meat Layer: Ground Turkey or Beef

If you’re not keeping it vegetarian, adding a meat layer is a fantastic way to bulk up the lasagna and give it added depth. The savory flavor of seasoned ground turkey or ground beef provides a hearty counterbalance to the creamy pumpkin and cheese layers.

Here’s how to prepare it:

Brown ½ pound of ground turkey or beef in a skillet with olive oil.
Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of sage for added autumn flavor.
Drain excess fat and set the meat aside to cool slightly before layering.

Add the meat after the pumpkin-ricotta layer but before the béchamel and mozzarella for the best structural integrity. This optional layer gives the lasagna a protein boost and makes it a more filling main dish—ideal for larger holiday gatherings or potlucks.

Whether you choose to include meat or not, this dish remains flavorful and festive. For more inspiration on creative holiday pairings, visit these Thanksgiving dinner ideas on Pinterest.

Layering the Lasagna: Structure and Assembly Tips

Creating a well-structured lasagna is all about building consistent layers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to assemble your pumpkin white lasagna like a pro:

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Spread a thin layer of béchamel sauce on the bottom of the dish.
Lay down a layer of cooked lasagna noodles or oven-ready noodles.
Spread ½ to 1 cup of pumpkin-ricotta mixture over the noodles.
Add ¼ to ½ cup béchamel sauce on top.
Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese.
(Optional) Add a layer of cooked ground meat.
Repeat the layers until you run out of ingredients, finishing with béchamel and a generous topping of mozzarella and Parmesan.

Keep each layer even to ensure clean slicing and even cooking. Don’t overload any one layer—balance is key. If you’re using oven-ready noodles, make sure your sauces are plentiful to help the pasta cook through properly.

To visualize how each layer should look, refer to this overview of lasagna structures and variations that explain different methods of layering.

Baking Instructions and Timing Tips

Once your lasagna is assembled, it’s time to bake it to golden perfection. Here’s how:

Cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 375°F for 25 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Let the lasagna rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the layers to firm up.

This resting period is essential. Cutting into it too soon can cause the filling to spill out. Use a sharp knife and a spatula to serve clean slices that reveal the beautiful layers.

Serving Suggestions for Thanksgiving or Holidays

This pumpkin alfredo lasagna pairs beautifully with a wide variety of classic holiday sides and beverages. Try serving it with:

Roasted Brussels sprouts, maple-glazed carrots, or herbed green beans.
Cranberry relish to contrast the creamy, savory flavor.
Fresh sourdough rolls or focaccia.
White wines like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Sparkling apple cider or light red wines like Pinot Noir.

You can explore even more festive pairings by browsing through these vegetarian holiday meal boards on Pinterest, full of complementary ideas for every course.

Garnishing: Fresh Sage, Brown Butter Drizzle, and Parmesan

Garnishing your lasagna doesn’t just improve appearance—it adds a final punch of flavor. For a restaurant-quality presentation:

Crisp a few sage leaves in browned butter and drizzle them over the top.
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese after baking.
Add a few cracks of black pepper and a touch of sea salt.

The brown butter enhances the toasty, nutty notes in both the filling and the sauce. For a deeper dive into how to make it properly, check out these Pinterest guides to brown butter.

Pumpkin Lasagna Variations You’ll Love

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. Try these creative variations:

Vegetarian Pumpkin Lasagna with Spinach or Mushrooms: Add sautéed spinach or roasted mushrooms to the pumpkin-ricotta mixture.
No-Ricotta Version: Use a pumpkin Alfredo sauce alone, or blend in mascarpone or cottage cheese.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with thin slices of roasted zucchini.
Low-Carb Option: Try layers of eggplant or even cauliflower sheets.
Fresh Pumpkin Alternative: Roast fresh pumpkin and blend into purée for a more rustic flavor.

These twists maintain the dish’s creamy, seasonal core while allowing flexibility for dietary needs and flavor preferences. Explore other pumpkin-based meals to find even more fall-friendly inspiration.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Leftover pumpkin lasagna stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap individual slices or the full dish tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through. Microwave in 1–2 minute intervals for single servings.

To avoid drying out, add a spoonful of milk or béchamel over the top before reheating.

Make-Ahead Tips for Busy Holidays

This lasagna is perfect for prepping in advance:

Assemble the entire dish a day ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
Bake it directly from the fridge, adding 10 extra minutes to the baking time.
Freeze before baking, then thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Making it ahead saves time and reduces stress on holidays, allowing you to focus on hosting and enjoying the meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make pumpkin lasagna ahead of time?
Yes, you can fully assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate it. You can also freeze it before or after baking.

What does pumpkin lasagna taste like?
It has a creamy, slightly sweet flavor from the pumpkin, balanced by cheese, herbs, and spices like nutmeg and sage.

Is pumpkin lasagna healthy?
It’s rich but offers nutrients like fiber, vitamin A, and calcium. Use whole wheat noodles or reduce cheese for a lighter version.

Can I freeze pumpkin lasagna before baking?
Absolutely. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight before baking.

How do I make pumpkin lasagna gluten-free?
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with sliced roasted vegetables like zucchini or eggplant.

Can I substitute sweet potato for pumpkin in lasagna?
Yes! Mashed sweet potato works well and offers a slightly sweeter, denser texture.