Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, offering a cozy and hearty meal that’s perfect for fall. With its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this soup is ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or even a comforting solo meal. The combination of butternut squash and kale gives it a unique character, while the gooey mozzarella adds a cheesy touch that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: This soup warms you up from the inside out, making it perfect for chilly autumn nights.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is accessible even for novice cooks.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Loaded with butternut squash and kale, this dish is packed with vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile: Enjoy it as an appetizer or a main course; it’s great for any occasion!
• Cheesy Goodness: The addition of mozzarella creates an irresistible creamy texture that enhances every spoonful.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella successfully, you’ll want to have the right tools at your disposal.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Soup Pot
• Immersion Blender
• Wooden Spoon
• Measuring Cups

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Soup Pot: This is essential for cooking all the ingredients evenly without overcrowding them.
• Immersion Blender: Perfect for pureeing the soup to achieve that desired creamy texture right in the pot.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures accuracy in your ingredients for consistent results.

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 the Pasta & 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

For Cheesy Topping

• 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 Aromatics

Add olive oil to a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 3 minutes until softened. Then add garlic and cook down for another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Butternut Squash

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

Step 3: Incorporate Broth

Pour in vegetable broth and add the parmesan rind. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer for about 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the rind and use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup for a creamy consistency.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Return the parmesan rind back into the pot. Add broken pasta pieces and let it simmer for another 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Turn off the heat and mix in fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, stirring well. Taste test and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (about 1/2 cup each). Enjoy your delicious bowl of comfort!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Serving butternut squash lasagna soup is all about enhancing its cozy, comforting nature. This soup pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that can elevate your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Sourdough or Baguette: A slice of freshly baked sourdough or a baguette complements the soup’s rich flavors. Use it to soak up every delicious drop.

Add a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the hearty soup. Consider adding nuts for a nice crunch.

Offer Extra Cheese

• Grated Parmesan: Provide extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who love an extra cheesy finish to their bowl.

Include a Flavorful Drizzle

• Balsamic Glaze: A drizzle of balsamic glaze over each serving adds a sweet and tangy contrast that enhances the overall flavor profile.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Perfecting this butternut squash lasagna soup involves simple tweaks that enhance its flavor and texture. Here are some tips for making it even better:

• Bold Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to adjust the Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences. Adding more herbs can deepen the flavor.
• Creamy Consistency: For a creamier soup, blend more of the mixture until smooth before adding back any chunky ingredients.
• Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh kale rather than frozen for better texture and flavor; it wilts perfectly into the hot soup.
• Flavor Boost: Adding a splash of lemon juice right before serving can brighten the dish and balance its sweetness.

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

The perfect side dishes can complement your butternut squash lasagna soup beautifully. Here are some options that pair well:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for dipping in your soup and soaking up flavors.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your meal, enhancing its wholesome appeal.
3. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad offers crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing, providing a nice contrast to the warm soup.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with olive oil create a fresh appetizer that pairs well with the richness of the soup.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for a delightful finger food option alongside your bowl of comfort.
6. Cheesy Flatbread: Warm cheesy flatbread is excellent for dipping and adds an extra layer of indulgence to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella can be rewarding, but it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring the garlic timing: Adding garlic too early can lead to burnt flavors. Instead, add it after the onions have softened for a sweeter taste.
• Underestimating butternut squash prep: Not chopping the squash into uniform pieces can cause uneven cooking. Make sure to cut it into similar-sized chunks for consistent texture.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season at each step can result in bland soup. Taste and adjust seasoning as you go along for a more flavorful dish.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can lead to mushiness. Wait until the soup is nearly done before adding it for the right bite.
• Neglecting fresh kale: Cooking kale too long can make it tough. Add it at the end to keep its vibrant color and nutrients intact.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually about 2-3 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella special?

This soup combines creamy butternut squash with healthy kale and stretchy mozzarella, creating a comforting dish perfect for fall.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute mafalda pasta with any short pasta shapes or even broken lasagna noodles, depending on your preference.

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

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes, or swap out kale for spinach or Swiss chard based on what you have on hand.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only cozy and delicious but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta shapes. Give it a try this fall; you’ll love how comforting and hearty it is!

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