Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is the ultimate cozy dish for fall. This comforting soup combines the sweet earthiness of butternut squash with the nutritious crunch of kale and melty mozzarella cheese, creating a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or a simple night in, this soup stands out as both hearty and satisfying. Its unique twist on traditional lasagna makes it an irresistible option for anyone looking to enjoy a warm bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: The rich flavors of butternut squash and creamy mozzarella make this soup incredibly satisfying.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip this dish together quickly.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with kale and butternut squash, this recipe offers great health benefits while still being delicious.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even a side dish; it’s perfect for any occasion.
• Kid-Friendly: The cheesy goodness will appeal to kids while sneaking in some veggies they might not normally eat.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Soup Pot: Ideal for cooking large batches of soup evenly without splattering.
• Immersion Blender: Allows you to blend the soup directly in the pot for easy clean-up and smooth texture.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring without scratching your pots; it helps combine ingredients well.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements 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

• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar

For 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: Prepare the Base

Add olive oil to a soup pot over medium heat. Include the diced onion, a pinch of salt, and red pepper flakes. Cook down for about 3 minutes until softened. Add chopped garlic and continue to cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Butternut Squash

Incorporate the butternut squash along with Italian seasoning and another pinch of salt. Increase the heat slightly and cook for around 5 minutes or until you notice some caramelization on the squash pieces.

Step 3: Pour in Vegetable Broth

Add vegetable broth along with the parmesan rind. Bring the mixture back to a boil for approximately 10 minutes. After boiling, remove the rind and use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup until you achieve your desired consistency.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Return the parmesan rind back into the pot. Stir in your chosen pasta and allow it to simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Add Kale and Cream

Turn off the heat. Fold in fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, and stir everything together gently. Taste your soup before serving; season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top each one generously with Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (about 1/2 cup each). Enjoy your comforting bowl of Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread pairs perfectly with the creamy soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up flavors.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish the soup with chopped fresh basil or parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.

Add a Dollop of Pesto

• A spoonful of pesto can elevate the taste, adding a herby richness that complements the squash.

Include a Side Salad

• A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds freshness to your meal.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To achieve the best version of this cozy soup, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and kale bring vibrant flavors compared to canned or frozen options.
• Adjust Spice Level: Control the heat by modifying the red pepper flakes according to your preference for spice in this comforting dish.
• Blend for Creaminess: Pureeing part of the soup creates a creamy texture without needing excessive cream, enhancing its richness naturally.
• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While mafalda pasta works well, feel free to substitute other shapes like shells or elbows for fun variations.
• Store Properly: To maintain freshness, store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove for best results.
• Serve Hot: Ensure the soup is piping hot when serving to enjoy its full flavor and comforting warmth.

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

Complement your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with these delightful side dishes that enhance your meal experience.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread makes for an irresistible side that pairs beautifully with any soup.
2. Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds a crunchy texture and tangy flavor that contrasts nicely with the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide an earthy balance and extra nutrients alongside your meal.
4. Cheese Quesadillas: These cheesy delights are easy to prepare and make for a great dipping option.
5. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a refreshing bite.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms add an elegant touch and umami flavor that complements the soup.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast to the savory flavors of the soup.
8. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic choice that never fails; melt some cheese between two slices of bread for ultimate comfort food.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, it’s easy to make simple mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

• Ignoring the onion: Sautéing the onion properly builds a flavor base. Skipping this step can lead to a bland soup.
• Overcooking the pasta: Adding pasta too early can cause it to become mushy. Cook it just until al dente for the best texture.
• Neglecting seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can result in a flat dish. Always season gradually and taste as you go.
• Using stale ingredients: Fresh kale and quality mozzarella make a difference. Stale or low-quality ingredients will affect the soup’s overall taste.
• Not blending enough: If you don’t puree enough of the soup, it may lack creaminess. Aim for a smooth texture that combines well with the pasta.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the soup fresh.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.
• Containers: Use freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving space for expansion.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), then heat soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a comforting and creamy soup packed with wholesome ingredients like butternut squash, kale, and cheese.

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Yes! You can substitute spinach or Swiss chard as other nutritious options that will work beautifully in this soup.

How do I customize my Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup?

Feel free to add more vegetables like carrots or bell peppers, or even swap out the pasta for your favorite type.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe stores well and can be made ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only cozy but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!