Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. Packed with wholesome ingredients, this soup brings together the sweetness of butternut squash and the creaminess of mozzarella. Perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings, it’s a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that will warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: Ideal for Fall, this soup warms you up from the inside out.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of butternut squash, kale, and mozzarella creates a rich and savory dish.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps, anyone can whip up this delicious soup in no time.
• Nutrient-Rich: Loaded with vegetables, this soup is a great source of vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as an appetizer or main course; it fits any occasion perfectly.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Having everything at hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Immersion Blender
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Soup Pot: A must-have for preparing soups; it allows for even cooking without splatter.
• Immersion Blender: Makes pureeing easy without transferring hot ingredients to another container.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accuracy in your ingredients for consistent results every time.

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 and Flavor

• 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

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: Caramelize 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: Add Broth & Puree

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.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

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

Step 5: Finish with Cream & Kale

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 & Enjoy!

Ladle soup into bowls and top with a generous handful of mozzarella 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

This delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is perfect for cozy dinners. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped fresh basil or parsley can add a burst of freshness and color to your soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Serve alongside slices of crusty bread or garlic bread for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy soup.

Add a Side Salad

• A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze

• A drizzle of balsamic glaze on top of the soup can add a sweet tang that elevates the flavors.

Sprinkle Extra Cheese

• For cheese lovers, adding more mozzarella or even some grated Parmesan on top will enhance the cheesy goodness.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Perfecting your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is easy with these tips. Follow them for an even more delightful dish!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavor profile of your soup.
• Adjust seasoning – Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and spices according to your preference.
• Blend for texture – For a creamier texture, blend more of the soup, but leave some chunks for added heartiness.
• Cook pasta al dente – Ensure your pasta is cooked just right; it will continue to soften in the soup.
• Experiment with greens – Feel free to substitute kale with spinach or Swiss chard based on availability and preference.

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

Pairing your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella with complementary side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread topped with garlic butter provides flavor and texture.
2. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing adds crunch and creaminess.
3. Roasted Veggies – Seasonal roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots enhance the meal’s healthiness.
4. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make for a hearty side.
5. Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for dipping into your soup.
6. Caprese Salad – Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil offer brightness and acidity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make the perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, be aware of these common mistakes.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking vegetables too long can lead to mushy textures. Sauté them until just tender for the best results.
• Skipping the Pureeing Step: Not pureeing part of the soup will result in a less creamy texture. Take the time to blend half for a rich consistency.
• Neglecting to Season Properly: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can leave your soup bland. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Using Low-Quality Cheese: Using cheap mozzarella can affect the flavor. Opt for high-quality, low moisture mozzarella for the best cheesy goodness.
• Not Monitoring Pasta Cooking Time: Overcooked pasta can fall apart in the soup. Keep an eye on it and cook just until al dente.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream or broth can cool down your soup. Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even heating.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before refrigerating to maintain texture.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze in individual portions using freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space in containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different pasta in Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

You can substitute mafalda pasta with any short pasta like penne or rotini. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

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

To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.

How spicy is this Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

The red pepper flakes provide a mild kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will deepen overnight!

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables or pasta types to suit your taste. Give this cozy recipe a try; it’s perfect for Fall evenings!