Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a warm and comforting dish perfect for fall. With layers of flavors from the squash, kale, and gooey mozzarella, it makes an excellent choice for family dinners or cozy nights in. Whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course, this soup is sure to impress with its rich taste and delightful texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of butternut squash and mozzarella creates a rich, satisfying soup that warms you up.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with kale and nutritious vegetables, this soup is both delicious and good for you.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it as a standalone meal or pair it with crusty bread for a complete dining experience.
• Perfect for Fall: The seasonal flavors make this soup ideal for chilly autumn evenings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience easier, gather these essential tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottomed soup pot
• Immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottomed soup pot: Ensures even cooking without burning the ingredients.
• Immersion blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot for a creamy texture without transferring to another container.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 medium Sweet Onion (finely diced)
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• 5 cloves Garlic (roughly chopped)

For the Soup

• 6 cups Butternut Squash (about 2lbs)
• 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 2 quarts Vegetable Broth
• 1 chunk Parmesan Rind

For Serving

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

Start by adding olive oil to a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium heat.
– Add the diced onion along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.
– Cook down for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
– Stir in the chopped garlic and cook for an additional 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Butternut Squash and Seasoning

Once the onions are ready:
– Add in the butternut squash cubes, Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt.
– Increase the heat slightly and cook for 5 minutes or until the squash starts to caramelize.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth and Puree

Next, it’s time to add some liquid:
– Pour in the vegetable broth and add the Parmesan rind. Bring the mixture back to a boil.
– Allow it to boil for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the rind.
– Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

With your soup blended:
– Return the Parmesan rind back into the pot.
– Add broken mafalda pasta and let it simmer for around 10 minutes or until fully cooked.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cream

Finally, finish off your soup:
– Turn off the heat.
– Stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, and mix well. Taste your creation and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve Your Soup

Now it’s time to enjoy:
– Ladle your butternut squash lasagna soup into bowls.
– Top each serving with a generous handful of Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (about 1/2 cup each) for that cheesy goodness!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only warm and comforting but also versatile in its serving options. Here are some great ways to enjoy this delicious soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread – Pair your soup with a slice of warm sourdough for a tangy flavor that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash.
• Garlic Bread – The buttery, garlicky taste of garlic bread adds a delightful crunch and richness to each spoonful of soup.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Basil Leaves – Adding fresh basil leaves brightens the flavors and offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
• Chopped Parsley – Sprinkle some chopped parsley for a pop of color and an earthy taste that enhances the overall dish.

With Cheese Garnish

• Extra Mozzarella – For cheese lovers, a sprinkle of additional mozzarella on top creates an even cheesier experience.
• Parmesan Shavings – Add some shavings of Parmesan for a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the soup’s creaminess.

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How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To ensure your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh butternut squash and kale enhance the flavor profile and nutritional value of your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste your soup before serving; adjust salt and pepper as needed for optimal flavor balance.
• Blending Technique – Use an immersion blender to achieve the desired consistency—smooth or chunky based on your preference.
• Pasta Cooking Time – Ensure you cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when added to the soup.
• Add Cream Gradually – Stir in the heavy cream slowly for a creamy texture without overwhelming the other flavors.
• Store Properly – If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently to maintain texture.

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

Enjoying this delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is even better with some tasty side dishes. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad brings crunchy romaine and creamy dressing, providing a nice contrast to the warm soup.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts add a savory element that pairs well with the sweetness of the soup.
3. Caprese Skewers – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a light and refreshing appetizer that complements this hearty dish.
4. Garlic Mashed Potatoes – Creamy garlic mashed potatoes provide an extra comforting side that matches well with any fall meal.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms can be served alongside your soup for an added burst of flavor in every bite.
6. Herbed Focaccia Bread – Soft focaccia bread topped with herbs is perfect for dipping into your delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella can be fun, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the sauté: Not sautéing the onion and garlic can lead to a lack of flavor in your soup. Always take the time to cook these ingredients until they’re soft and fragrant.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Underseasoning can make your soup bland. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you overcook the pasta, it will become mushy. Add it during the last cooking minutes for perfect texture.
• Not using enough kale: Kale adds nutrition and flavor, but some may skimp on it. Use a generous amount for a healthy and delicious soup.
• Forgetting to puree: Failing to blend part of the soup results in a less creamy texture. Puree at least half for that signature lasagna feel.
• Using low-quality cheese: The cheese is key in this recipe. Opt for high-quality mozzarella for maximum creaminess and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover. Heat for about 20-30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella.

Can I use other vegetables in this soup?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or carrots based on your preference.

Is this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is completely vegetarian as it uses vegetable broth.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegan cheese instead of mozzarella.

What type of pasta can I use?

Mafalda pasta is recommended, but you can also use broken lasagna noodles or any small pasta shape you prefer.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup a day ahead. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or adjusting seasonings to your taste. It’s perfect for cozy dinners during fall or anytime you crave comfort food. Give it a try!