Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, offering a warm and comforting bowl filled with vibrant flavors. Perfect for chilly evenings or dinner gatherings, this soup brings together the sweetness of butternut squash, the heartiness of kale, and the irresistible stretch of melted mozzarella. Its creamy texture and rich taste make it an ideal choice for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Delight: This soup is perfect for cozy nights in, providing warmth and satisfaction with every spoonful.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables like kale and butternut squash, this dish is both healthy and indulgent.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this soup can be made in under an hour, making it great for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a hearty main dish or pair it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
• Kid-Friendly Flavors: The cheesy goodness appeals to both kids and adults alike, encouraging even the pickiest eaters to enjoy their veggies.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smoother, gather the essential tools listed below. These items will help you create the perfect bowl of Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Wooden Spoon
• Immersion Blender (or regular blender)
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking of all ingredients without overcrowding.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients without scratching your pot while ensuring everything blends well.
• Immersion Blender: Perfect for achieving a creamy texture by easily blending your soup right in the pot.

Ingredients

This butternut squash lasagna soup is loaded with kale and lots of ooey gooey mozzarella. It’s the perfect cozy soup recipe for Fall!

For the Soup Base

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (finely diced)
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 5 cloves Garlic (roughly chopped)
• 6 cups Butternut Squash (about 2lbs)
• 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 2 quarts Vegetable Broth
• 1 chunk Parmesan Rind

For the Pasta and Greens

• 1/2 lb Mafalda Pasta (or dried lasagna noodles) (broken up)
• 2 cups Fresh Kale

For Creaminess

• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 cup Low Moisture Mozzarella (I recommend Lake o’ Lakes Mozzarella shreds)

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large soup pot over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, toss in the finely diced onion along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes. Cook down for about 3 minutes until softened. Then add the roughly chopped garlic and cook down for another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Butternut Squash

Add in the cubes of butternut squash along with Italian seasoning and another pinch of salt. Increase the heat slightly and cook for about 5 minutes until some pieces start caramelizing.

Step 3: Incorporate Vegetable Broth

Pour in the vegetable broth along with the parmesan rind. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the rind from the pot.

Step 4: Blend Half of the Soup

Using an immersion blender, puree about half of the soup to create a creamy base while leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Return the parmesan rind back into the pot. Stir in your broken-up pasta pieces and let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until al dente.

Step 6: Finish with Greens & Cheese

Once cooked through, turn off the heat before adding fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, and stir well. Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle generous portions into bowls. Top each serving with a big handful of low moisture mozzarella (about 1/2 cup each). Enjoy your delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This cozy butternut squash lasagna soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your soup experience.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a slice of freshly baked baguette or sourdough for dipping. The bread soaks up the rich flavors beautifully.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle some fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of color and an aromatic finish that complements the cheese and squash.

With a Side Salad

• Serve alongside a light mixed greens salad tossed in a vinaigrette. It adds freshness and balances the hearty soup.

As a Main Dish

• This soup is filling enough to stand alone as a main course, especially when topped generously with mozzarella.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To elevate your butternut squash lasagna soup, here are some tips for perfection.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will provide the best flavor. Opt for seasonal produce whenever possible.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or even a dash of lemon juice for brightness.
• Blend to Your Preference: If you like a chunkier soup, blend only half. For a creamier texture, blend it all until smooth.
• Experiment with Pasta: While mafalda pasta works great, feel free to try other shapes like shells or rigatoni for variety.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Complement your butternut squash lasagna soup with these tasty side dishes that enhance the meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Classic garlic butter spread on toasted bread adds crunch and flavor.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized brings out their natural sweetness.
3. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Warm, fluffy biscuits infused with garlic and cheese pair perfectly with the creamy soup.
4. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing contrast.
5. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Crispy sandwiches filled with gooey cheese make this meal delightful and comforting.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice offer a nutritious side that’s packed with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid:

• Skipping the onion: The sweet onion adds depth and flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient; it’s essential for a flavorful base.
• Overcooking the kale: Adding kale too early can lead to mushiness. Stir it in at the end for a vibrant color and texture.
• Not seasoning properly: Be sure to taste as you go. Adjust salt and pepper to enhance the soup’s overall flavor.
• Ignoring the broth: Using low-quality vegetable broth can compromise the soup’s taste. Opt for a good-quality broth for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Best used within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Heat until warm, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl and cover. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella:

How do I make Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella vegan?

You can easily make this soup vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative and omitting cheese or using a vegan cheese substitute.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to substitute mafalda pasta with any short pasta shapes like shells or penne, or even broken lasagna sheets if preferred.

What can I serve with Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

This soup pairs well with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal experience.

Can I add additional vegetables?

Absolutely! You can include other veggies like carrots or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is perfect for cozy fall days. Its creamy texture combined with the heartiness of kale creates a comforting dish that anyone will love. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste!