Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna, combining the creamy richness of squash with the heartiness of kale and the gooey delight of mozzarella. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup brings comfort and warmth to any occasion. The rich flavors and creamy texture make it an instant favorite for fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: This soup offers a delicious blend of butternut squash and mozzarella that warms you up from the inside out.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, this recipe can be whipped up quickly, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with kale and butternut squash, this dish is not only tasty but also loaded with vitamins and minerals.
• Versatile Meal: Great as a main dish or appetizer, this soup fits perfectly into various meal plans, whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet night in.
• Seasonal Appeal: Embrace the flavors of fall with this seasonal recipe that highlights fresh ingredients and comforting tastes.

Tools and Preparation

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

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows all the ingredients to cook evenly and provides enough room for simmering without spilling.
• Immersion Blender: This handy tool makes it easy to puree part of your soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
• Wooden Spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot, ensuring even cooking of ingredients.
• Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

Ingredients

For the Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, gather these fresh ingredients:

Vegetables

• 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

Broth & Dairy

• 2 quarts Vegetable Broth
• 1 chunk Parmesan Rind
• 1/2 lb Mafalda Pasta (or dried lasagna noodles) (broken up)
• 2 cups Fresh Kale
• 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 Aromatics

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 3 minutes. Then add garlic and cook for another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Butternut Squash

Add butternut squash, Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt. Increase heat and cook for about 5 minutes or until squash begin to caramelize.

Step 3: Add Broth

Pour in vegetable broth along with the Parmesan rind. Bring back to a boil for 10 minutes. Afterward, remove the rind and use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth.

Step 4: Simmer Pasta

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

Step 5: Mix in Kale & Cream

Turn off the heat. Stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, mixing well. Taste your soup and season with additional salt and pepper if necessary.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into four bowls. Top each serving generously with Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (about 1/2 cup each) for that extra cheesy goodness!

Enjoy your warm bowl of Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella that embodies all things cozy!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Serving Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella can elevate your dining experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this cozy soup that highlights its rich flavors and textures.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for an aromatic finish.
• Thyme Leaves: Add a few thyme leaves to enhance the earthy notes of the soup.

With Crusty Bread

• Sourdough Bread: Serve with a slice of toasted sourdough for a delightful crunch.
• Garlic Bread: Pair with garlic bread for a comforting and flavorful side.

With Cheese Garnish

• Extra Mozzarella: Top each bowl with more mozzarella for an extra cheesy experience.
• Parmesan Shavings: Add fresh parmesan shavings for a salty, nutty flavor contrast.

As a Main Dish

• Hearty Meal: Enjoy this soup as a filling main dish, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Family Style Serving: Place the pot at the center of the table for everyone to serve themselves.

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How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To make your butternut squash lasagna soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh butternut squash and kale to enhance flavor and nutrition.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook. Adjust salt, pepper, or spices based on your preference.
• Blend to Preference: Blend the soup until it reaches your desired consistency; leave it chunky for added texture.
• Experiment with Pasta: Try different pasta shapes like shells or orecchiette for varied mouthfeel.

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

Pairing sides with Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup can enhance your meal’s appeal. Here are some excellent side dishes to consider.

1. Arugula Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup.
2. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits filled with cheese and garlic provide a delicious dipping option.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add extra fiber and color to your meal.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil on skewers offer a refreshing bite.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms bring an earthy twist that pairs nicely.
6. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil creates a bright contrast to the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making butternut squash lasagna soup can be delightful, but there are some common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Using too much salt: Adding too much salt can overpower the flavors. Always start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
• Skipping the immersion blender: Not blending part of the soup leaves a chunky texture. Pureeing half creates a creamy consistency that enhances the taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooked pasta can become mushy in soup. Add it during the last 10 minutes of cooking for perfect texture.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using wilted kale or old squash will impact flavor. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best results.
• Not tasting before serving: Failing to taste means missing out on seasoning adjustments. Always check for flavor balance before ladling into bowls.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers for expansion when freezing.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! You can substitute mafalda pasta with any pasta you prefer, including broken lasagna sheets.

Is this soup gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether and serve it as a hearty vegetable soup.

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

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or even swap mozzarella for another cheese variety!

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day once the flavors meld together.

Final Thoughts

Butternut squash lasagna soup with kale and mozzarella is a delicious, cozy dish perfect for fall. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it versatile enough for various occasions. Customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting spices to suit your taste. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!