Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful twist on traditional comfort food. Packed with seasonal flavors and creamy mozzarella, it’s perfect for cozy nights in or as a crowd-pleasing dish at gatherings. This soup warms you from the inside out, making it an ideal choice for fall festivities or a simple weeknight dinner. Its unique blend of ingredients creates a rich, hearty experience that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy – This soup offers all the warmth of lasagna but in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
• Packed with Nutrients – Butternut squash and kale provide essential vitamins and minerals, making this dish both delicious and healthy.
• Easy to Make – With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this comforting soup in about 50 minutes.
• Customizable – Feel free to adjust the spices or add more vegetables based on your preferences!
• Cheesy Goodness – The addition of mozzarella creates a creamy texture that elevates the whole dish.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large Soup Pot – Essential for cooking the soup evenly and allowing ample space for ingredients to blend perfectly.
• Immersion Blender – This tool helps puree the soup easily without transferring it to another container—saving time and reducing mess.

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
• 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
• 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

Start by adding olive oil to a large soup pot over medium heat.
* Add finely diced onion along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.
* Cook for about 3 minutes until softened.
* Stir in roughly chopped garlic and continue cooking for another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Caramelize Squash

Next, incorporate your butternut squash into the pot.
* Sprinkle in Italian seasoning along with another pinch of salt.
* Increase the heat slightly, cooking for about 5 minutes until some pieces start caramelizing.

Step 3: Simmer the Base

Pour in vegetable broth along with the parmesan rind.
* Bring everything back to a boil.
* Let it cook for about 10 minutes.
* Remove the rind then use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup for a creamier texture.

Step 4: Cook The Pasta

Return the parmesan rind back into the pot.
* Add broken mafalda pasta or lasagna noodles.
* Let it simmer for an additional 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Once your pasta is ready, turn off the heat.
* Stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, and brown sugar.
* Taste your soup; season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Ladle your delicious butternut squash lasagna soup into bowls.
* Top each serving with a generous handful of low moisture mozzarella (about 1/2 cup).

Enjoy this hearty soup as an appetizer or main course!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This butternut squash lasagna soup is a delightful dish that warms you up on a chilly day. Here are some fun serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Serve with Fresh Bread

• A crusty loaf of Italian or sourdough bread pairs perfectly with the soup, allowing you to soak up every delicious drop.

Add a Side Salad

• A simple mixed greens salad dressed with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the soup.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley on top before serving for an added burst of flavor and color.

Include a Cheese Platter

• Offer a selection of cheeses like parmesan or gouda alongside crackers for a gourmet touch that complements the cheesy goodness of the soup.

Pair with a Light White Wine Substitute

• Serve sparkling water or herbal tea as refreshing beverage options that won’t overshadow the flavors of the soup.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Perfecting this comforting soup can elevate your cooking game. Here are some tips to make it even better.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and seasonal vegetables enhance flavors significantly, making your soup taste vibrant and wholesome.
• Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and spices to ensure it meets your flavor preference.
• Experiment with Pasta: Try different types of pasta like shells or orecchiette for varied textures in your soup.
• Blend for Creaminess: Pureeing part of the soup creates a creamy consistency without needing excessive cream.
• Make Ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers in the fridge to allow flavors to meld overnight.
• Store Properly: Use airtight containers for storage. The soup can last up to 3 days in the refrigerator or be frozen for later use.

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

Complement your butternut squash lasagna soup with these delicious side dishes. They add variety and enhance your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread offers crunch and flavor, perfect for dipping into the soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts bring out natural sweetness and add color to your table.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon dressing adds protein and texture.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, and spices make for hearty accompaniments that match well with the soup’s creamy nature.
6. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet crunch that pairs nicely with savory flavors in the soup.
7. Cheesy Polenta Cakes: Creamy polenta cakes topped with cheese create an indulgent side that’s hard to resist.
8. Spinach Artichoke Dip: A warm dip served with tortilla chips or pita bread brings out cheesy goodness similar to what you’ll find in your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Avoid overcooking the vegetables. Cooking too long can make your onions and garlic bitter. Keep a close eye on them to achieve the right balance of flavor.
• Don’t skip the immersion blending. A smooth base enhances the soup’s texture. Blend just half for a creamy consistency while keeping some chunks for heartiness.
• Watch out for too much salt. Adding salt gradually helps you control flavor better. Always taste before adding more salt or pepper.
• Never forget to include the parmesan rind. This ingredient adds depth to your broth. If you don’t have any, consider using nutritional yeast for a similar effect.
• Avoid using low-quality mozzarella. The cheese is key in this recipe; opt for fresh or high-quality mozzarella for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as the soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until hot, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella so special?
This soup combines comforting ingredients like butternut squash and mozzarella, making it perfect for cozy fall nights while being nutritious.

Can I customize the Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?
Absolutely! You can add other seasonal vegetables or swap kale for spinach based on your preference.

Is it possible to make Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella ahead of time?
Yes, this soup stores well and can be made in advance, making it a great option for meal prep!

How should I serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?
Serve hot with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal that everyone will enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful mix of flavors that captures the essence of fall. Its rich texture and cheesy goodness invite customization, allowing you to adapt it to your taste preferences easily. Give this recipe a try for a comforting meal that warms both body and soul!