Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful twist on classic lasagna, perfect for cozy evenings. Packed with the flavors of autumn, this soup combines creamy butternut squash and fresh kale with gooey mozzarella. It’s a comforting dish that suits gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Enjoy its creamy texture and rich flavor while nourishing your body with wholesome ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of butternut squash and mozzarella creates a rich, creamy taste that warms you up from the inside out.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and quick prep time, this soup can be on your table in under an hour.
• Healthy Ingredients: Loaded with vegetables like kale and butternut squash, this soup is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or a main course, it’s great for any occasion—family dinners, lunch, or meal prep.
• Make Ahead Friendly: This soup stores well in the refrigerator and tastes even better the next day!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential kitchen tools to make the cooking process smooth.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large Soup Pot
• Immersion Blender
• Measuring Cups
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows for even cooking and easy stirring of all ingredients.
• Immersion Blender: This tool helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency without transferring hot soup to a blender.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures precise measurements for balanced flavors in your soup.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and efficient.

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

For the Pasta & Greens

• 1 chunk Parmesan Rind
• 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
• 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 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: Incorporate Squash

Add butternut squash chunks, Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt. Increase the heat slightly and sauté for about 5 minutes until the squash starts to caramelize.

Step 3: Add Broth & Blend

Pour in vegetable broth and add the parmesan rind. Bring the mixture back to a boil and then simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Remove the rind afterward. Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup for creaminess.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Return the parmesan rind to 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. Stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, and mix well. Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the warm soup into four bowls. Top each serving generously with about half a cup of Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds.

Now you have a delightful bowl of Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella! Enjoy this comforting dish any day of the week!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Serving Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful experience. This cozy soup is perfect for sharing and can be enhanced with various toppings and accompaniments that complement its creamy, rich flavor.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Oregano: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top for an aromatic touch.
• Chopped Parsley: Add fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

With Extra Cheese

• Mozzarella Garnish: Top each bowl with additional mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Parmesan Shavings: Add shavings of Parmesan cheese for a salty kick.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm garlic bread to soak up the delicious broth.
• Sourdough: A slice of sourdough bread pairs beautifully and adds texture.

With a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: A simple Caesar salad adds a nice crunch and balances the soup’s richness.
• Mixed Greens: A light mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette refreshes the palate.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

For the best results, here are some tips to ensure your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavor.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, puree more of the mixture or reduce the broth slightly.
• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While mafalda is great, feel free to try other pasta shapes like shells or bowties for fun textures.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasoning at every step for balanced flavors.
• Add Spice: For an extra kick, consider adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge; make it ahead of time and reheat for busy nights.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup enhances your meal. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Crusty Artisan Bread: Perfect for dipping, this bread adds a hearty element to your meal.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal roasted veggies complements the soup’s flavors nicely.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a light, refreshing side dish.
4. Stuffed Peppers: These can add substance while keeping the meal balanced and colorful.
5. Bruschetta: Topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil, it’s an excellent appetizer before diving into your soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad adds protein and texture without overpowering the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cooking too quickly: Don’t rush the sautéing. Take your time when cooking the onion and garlic to develop their flavors fully.
• Skipping seasoning: Neglecting to season properly can lead to bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process.
• Overcooking pasta: Be cautious with pasta timing. Ensure the pasta is cooked through but not mushy; it should have a slight bite.
• Forgetting to puree: Skipping the pureeing step means missing out on that creamy texture. Blend part of the soup for a better consistency.
• Not adding enough greens: Underestimating kale’s flavor can be a mistake. Add plenty for both nutrition and taste.
• Ignoring storage tips: Failing to store correctly can affect freshness. Follow proper guidelines for storing leftovers.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keeps well for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer soup to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based alternative, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

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

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or carrots. You can also switch out the pasta for gluten-free options.

What type of cheese works best in this soup?

Low moisture mozzarella provides great melting quality, but you can try other cheeses like ricotta or gouda for different flavors.

Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh butternut squash will yield better flavor and texture; just peel and cube it before cooking.

How do I ensure my soup has the right texture?

Make sure to puree just half of the soup, which gives it a creamy base while maintaining some chunky texture.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only cozy but also packed with flavors. It’s perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or pasta types!