Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a comforting dish that perfectly captures the essence of Fall. With its creamy texture, vibrant flavors, and hearty ingredients, this soup is suitable for cozy family dinners or festive gatherings. The combination of butternut squash and kale not only makes it nutritious but also visually appealing, while the gooey mozzarella adds a delightful richness that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comfort Food at Its Best: This soup combines all the warm, comforting flavors of lasagna in a cozy bowl.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with butternut squash and kale, it’s full of vitamins and minerals.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and easily accessible ingredients, you can whip this up in no time!
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a filling main course or a starter for special occasions.
• Cheesy Goodness: The generous amount of mozzarella creates a rich and satisfying experience.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Immersion blender
• Measuring cups
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Ideal for cooking large quantities, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
• Immersion blender: Makes pureeing the soup easy without transferring hot liquid to another container.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accuracy for each ingredient, which is key to achieving the best flavor.

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 Onions and Garlic

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

Step 2: Add Butternut Squash

Incorporate butternut squash into the pot along with Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in another pinch of salt. Increase heat slightly and cook for 5 minutes until squash begins to caramelize.

Step 3: Pour in Vegetable Stock

Add vegetable broth along with the parmesan rind. Bring everything back to a boil for about 10 minutes. Once done, remove the rind, then use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup for a creamy texture.

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Return the parmesan rind back into the pot and add broken pasta pieces. Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until pasta is fully cooked.

Step 5: Stir in Greens and Cream

After turning off the heat, mix in fresh kale, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Stir well to combine everything. Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper if desired.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your warm soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous handful of Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (about 1/2 cup each) before enjoying!

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is sure to become a favorite in your fall repertoire!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This comforting butternut squash lasagna soup is perfect for chilly evenings. It’s creamy, cheesy, and pairs beautifully with various toppings and accompaniments.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or parsley can add a burst of freshness and color to your soup. Simply chop and sprinkle on top just before serving.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• A slice of warm, crusty bread makes for a great dipper. Consider sourdough or a rustic Italian loaf to complement the flavors.

Add Extra Cheese

• If you’re a cheese lover, consider adding more mozzarella on top before serving. Broil for a minute to melt it into a delicious layer.

Pair with Salad

• A light salad, like arugula with lemon vinaigrette, can balance the richness of the soup. The acidity from the dressing cuts through the creaminess nicely.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To ensure your butternut squash lasagna soup turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and kale provide better flavor and nutrition than canned options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! You can always add more salt or pepper to enhance the dish’s flavor.
• Blend carefully: When pureeing the soup, don’t over-blend; leaving some chunks of squash adds texture.
• Cook pasta al dente: This helps prevent the pasta from becoming mushy in the soup since it will continue cooking as it sits.
• Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or cinnamon for an extra layer of warmth in your soup.
• Let it sit: Allowing the soup to rest for a few minutes after cooking lets the flavors meld together beautifully.

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

Pairing side dishes with this hearty soup enhances your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy and buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and creamy dressing provide a nice contrast to the warm soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots bring added flavor and nutrition.
4. Cheese-Stuffed Breadsticks: These cheesy delights offer an excellent dippable option alongside your soup.
5. Antipasto Platter: A selection of olives, marinated artichokes, and roasted peppers can be a flavorful side that complements the main dish well.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes and herbs adds texture and freshness to your meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the final dish.

• Rushing the onion: Cooking the onion for too short a time can lead to a raw taste. Sauté until softened and fragrant for better flavor.
• Overcooking the squash: If you cook the squash for too long before adding broth, it may become mushy. Aim for just caramelization to maintain texture.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not tasting as you go can result in bland soup. Adjust salt and pepper after each step for optimal flavor.
• Skipping the immersion blender: Failing to puree part of the soup will result in a less creamy consistency. Blend half to achieve a comforting texture.
• Using low-quality mozzarella: An inferior mozzarella can lead to clumping or rubbery cheese. Opt for high-quality mozzarella for that gooey finish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze soup in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It is best consumed within 2–3 months for optimal flavor and texture.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered until heated through, about 20–30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowls, covering loosely. Reheat in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Use medium heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently until warmed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella.

Can I use other cheeses besides mozzarella?

Yes! You can experiment with cheeses like ricotta or Gouda for different flavors and textures.

How can I make this soup vegan?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream and omit any dairy cheese or use vegan alternatives.

What other greens can I add to the soup?

In addition to kale, spinach or Swiss chard work wonderfully and add extra nutrients.

How spicy is this soup?

The heat level is mild due to red pepper flakes. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only cozy but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins as per your taste. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall!