Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a warm and comforting dish perfect for the Fall season. Loaded with nutritious kale and topped with melted mozzarella, it’s not just a soup; it’s a celebration of flavors! Ideal for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup brings a unique twist to traditional lasagna, making it both hearty and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: This soup is the ultimate comfort food, providing warmth during chilly days.
• Nutritious Ingredients: With butternut squash and kale, you get a healthy dose of vitamins in every bowl.
• Easy to Prepare: Quick prep and straightforward cooking make this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as an appetizer or main dish; it fits any occasion beautifully.
• Cheesy Goodness: The ooey-gooey mozzarella adds a delicious creaminess that everyone will love.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delightful soup, having the right kitchen tools can make all the difference in your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Soup Pot: Provides ample space for ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
• Immersion Blender: Allows for easy pureeing of the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure precise measurements for perfect flavor balance in your soup.
• Wooden Spoon: Gentle on cookware and ideal for stirring without scratching your pots.

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

For Flavor Enhancement

• 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 large soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes. Cook down for about 3 minutes until softened. Then, add the roughly chopped garlic and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Butternut Squash

Incorporate the butternut squash, Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt into the pot. Increase the heat slightly and sauté for about 5 minutes or until the squash begins to caramelize.

Step 3: Add Broth and Puree

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

Step 4: Cook Pasta

Return the parmesan rind back into the pot, add in your broken-up pasta, and let it simmer for another 10 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cream

Turn off the heat, then stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Taste your soup and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your delicious soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous handful of shredded mozzarella (about 1/2 cup each). Enjoy your comforting bowl of butternut squash lasagna soup!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This comforting butternut squash lasagna soup is perfect for chilly days. Serving it right can elevate your dining experience and warm your guests’ hearts.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Freshly baked baguette or sourdough is ideal for dipping into the creamy soup, adding texture and flavor.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and enhances the aromatic experience of the dish.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup, providing a refreshing crunch.

Add Parmesan Cheese

• Grating fresh Parmesan on top elevates the soup’s flavor profile, making it even more indulgent.

Offer a Variety of Toppings

• Consider providing toppings like chopped nuts, seeds, or additional mozzarella for guests to customize their bowls.

Present in Individual Bowls

• Serving the soup in individual bowls allows each guest to enjoy their portion without needing to share, making it feel special.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

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

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh produce enhances flavor and nutrition. Opt for seasonal vegetables whenever possible.
• Adjust Spice Levels – If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the red pepper flakes. For more heat, consider adding extra spices.
• Incorporate Different Greens – While kale is delicious, you can also use spinach or Swiss chard for variety and added nutrients.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – To prevent mushy pasta in your soup, cook it just until al dente before adding it to the mix.
• Blend to Desired Consistency – If you prefer a chunkier texture, only puree half of the soup as instructed. Adjust based on your taste.
• Let It Simmer – Allowing the soup to simmer longer develops deeper flavors. A longer cooking time can enhance overall taste.

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

Complementing this cozy soup with the right sides can create a delightful meal. Here are some great side options.

1. Garlic Bread – Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, garlic bread pairs perfectly with any soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies add color and additional nutrients to balance your meal beautifully.
3. Caprese Salad – The fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil offer a vibrant contrast that brightens up your plate.
4. Cheesy Biscuit Bites – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese provide a satisfying bite that goes wonderfully with warm soup.
5. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa and veggies make for an enticing side option that’s packed with nutrients.
6. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins bring a touch of sweetness that complements savory flavors in the soup nicely.
7. Zucchini Fritters – Crispy zucchini fritters offer a flavorful crunch that adds an enjoyable texture alongside your hearty bowl.
8. Fruit Salad – A light fruit salad serves as a refreshing palate cleanser after enjoying rich soup flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making butternut squash lasagna soup can be simple, but some common mistakes can impact your dish.

• Skipping the sauté step: Neglecting to sauté the onion and garlic can lead to a bland flavor. Always take the time to cook these ingredients properly for a more robust taste.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you add the pasta too early, it may become mushy. Follow the recipe and add it at the right time to ensure perfect texture.
• Not seasoning adequately: Insufficient seasoning can make your soup dull. Taste as you cook and adjust salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
• Using low-quality cheese: The type of mozzarella cheese affects the creaminess. Choose high-quality mozzarella for a richer and gooier result.
• Ignoring fresh ingredients: Using wilted or old kale can ruin your soup’s freshness. Always choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool before sealing for storage.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• Leave space in containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring every minute until warmed thoroughly.
• Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

This dish combines creamy butternut squash, hearty kale, and melted mozzarella into a comforting soup that captures the essence of lasagna.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute any short pasta or broken lasagna noodles based on your preference.

How spicy is this Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat. Feel free to adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to include other veggies like carrots or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Is this soup suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella stores well and can be made ahead of time for convenient meals throughout the week.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only cozy but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy its comforting warmth this Fall!

---