Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. This soup combines the creaminess of mozzarella with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and the nutritious crunch of kale. Perfect for chilly evenings or cozy gatherings, this dish brings warmth and comfort to your table while being packed with flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cozy Comfort Food: This soup is the ultimate fall comfort food, combining rich flavors that warm you from the inside out.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with butternut squash and kale, this recipe offers a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this delicious soup in about 50 minutes.
• Versatile Meal Option: It works as an appetizer or main dish, making it suitable for various occasions from casual dinners to festive gatherings.
• Cheesy Goodness: The addition of mozzarella gives a meltingly cheesy finish that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To make Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These tools will ensure a smooth cooking process and help you achieve great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Immersion Blender
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Measuring Cups

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and prevents spillage when stirring.
• Immersion Blender: This handy tool makes it easy to puree part of the soup without transferring it to another container.
• Cutting Board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Sharp Knife: A good knife is essential for quick and precise cutting of ingredients like onion and garlic.

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 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 cups Low Moisture Mozzarella (I recommend Lake o’Lakes Mozzarella shreds)

How to Make Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

Add olive oil to a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook down for 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook down for another 3 minutes.

Step 2: Cook Butternut Squash

Add butternut squash, Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt. Turn the heat up and cook for 5 minutes or until the squash starts to caramelize.

Step 3: Simmer Base Ingredients

Add vegetable stock and parmesan rind; bring back to a boil for 10 minutes. Remove the rind and use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Add the parmesan rind back in along with broken mafalda pasta. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Turn off the heat; add fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, and stir well. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into four bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (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

Serving Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is all about enhancing the cozy experience. Pair this comforting soup with delightful accompaniments to elevate your meal.

With Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette – Ideal for dipping into the rich, cheesy soup.
• Garlic bread – Adds a flavorful crunch that complements the creamy texture.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• Shredded mozzarella – Sprinkle on top for an extra layer of gooey goodness.
• Grated Parmesan – A sprinkle of this cheese enhances the savory flavors.

With a Side Salad

• Mixed greens salad – Light and refreshing, balances the hearty soup.
• Caesar salad – The creamy dressing offers a nice contrast to the soup’s richness.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped basil – Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• Fresh parsley – Brightens the dish and adds an aromatic touch.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To make your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance the flavor profile significantly.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
• Blend for texture – Pureeing half of the soup creates a creamy consistency while keeping some chunks for texture.
• Experiment with pasta – While mafalda works great, feel free to use other pasta shapes or even gluten-free options.
• Serve immediately – This soup is best enjoyed fresh for optimal taste and texture.
• Store leftovers properly – Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stove.

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

Accompanying your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these delicious options:

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables – Roasted seasonal veggies add a nutritious and flavorful side.
2. Caprese Salad – Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
3. Herb Focaccia – Soft, fluffy focaccia infused with herbs pairs beautifully with each bowl of soup.
4. Quinoa Salad – A protein-packed salad that offers nuttiness and texture alongside the creamy soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers filled with rice or grains make for a hearty addition.
6. Savory Scones – Cheese or herb scones add a delightful twist to your meal experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking the vegetables. When sautéing the onion and garlic, keep an eye on them to prevent burning. Cook until they are just softened.
• Don’t forget to season properly. Adding a pinch of salt at each stage enhances flavors. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Opt for fresh kale and quality mozzarella instead of pre-packaged versions to elevate your soup.
• Be cautious with pasta cooking time. If using dried lasagna noodles, break them into smaller pieces for even cooking in the soup.
• Avoid using too much liquid initially. Start with less broth; you can always add more if needed as the soup simmers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
• Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl at medium power, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a cozy, creamy soup that combines the flavors of lasagna with butternut squash and kale, topped with melted mozzarella.

Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute mafalda pasta with any short pasta shape like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

How can I customize Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms, or swap out mozzarella for a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the cheese content. Perfect for cozy nights, this hearty soup will warm you up while delivering comforting flavors that everyone will love!