Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful and hearty dish perfect for cozy evenings. Packed with creamy textures and vibrant flavors, this soup offers a unique twist on traditional lasagna. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or a comforting meal after a long day, it stands out with its wholesome ingredients and cheesy goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavors: The combination of butternut squash and mozzarella creates a rich and satisfying taste that warms the soul.
• Loaded with Nutrition: Fresh kale adds essential vitamins and minerals, making this soup both delicious and nutritious.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps, you can whip up this hearty soup in less than an hour, perfect for weeknight meals.
• Versatile Dish: This soup can be served as an appetizer or a main course, making it suitable for any occasion.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the cheesy goodness while parents appreciate the healthy ingredients.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, having the right kitchen tools will make the process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Soup Pot
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board
• Immersion Blender
• Measuring Cups and Spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot allows all ingredients to cook evenly without overcrowding.
• Immersion Blender: This tool makes it easy to puree part of the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleaning up separate blenders.

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

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

Step 2: Add Squash and Spices

Include butternut squash, Italian seasoning, and another pinch of salt. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook for about 5 minutes until the squash starts to caramelize.

Step 3: Incorporate Broth

Pour in vegetable broth along with the parmesan rind. Bring back to a boil for approximately 10 minutes. Remove the rind afterward and 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 broken mafalda pasta (or lasagna noodles) into the mixture. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Step 5: Add Final Ingredients

Turn off the heat and stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Taste your soup; season with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into bowls and generously top each serving with Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (about 1/2 cup each). Enjoy your warming bowl of butternut squash lasagna soup!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This hearty butternut squash lasagna soup is perfect for cozy nights. It can be served in various delightful ways to enhance your dining experience.

Bowl Presentation

• Use deep, wide bowls for serving to allow for ample toppings and a beautiful display of colors.
• Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor.

Bread Pairing

• Serve with crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious broth.
• Pair with warm breadsticks brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with Italian seasoning for an added touch.

Cheese Topping

• Top each bowl generously with mozzarella for that melty, cheesy goodness.
• Consider adding grated Parmesan on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor.

Fresh Greens

• Add a side salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
• Consider a kale salad tossed with lemon dressing to complement the kale in the soup.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your butternut squash lasagna soup, follow these simple tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and kale will provide better flavor compared to frozen options.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your soup before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.
• Blend wisely: Puree only half of the soup to maintain some chunky texture that adds heartiness.
• Cook pasta al dente: To prevent mushy pasta, cook it just until it’s slightly firm before adding it to the soup.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth and depth that complements the squash.
• Store leftovers properly: Refrigerate any leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove.

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

Complement your butternut squash lasagna soup with delicious sides that enhance its flavors. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy bread slathered in garlic butter pairs perfectly with this creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crispness and a tangy kick that contrasts nicely with the soup’s richness.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or carrots provide a nice crunch and wholesome flavor.
4. Caprese Skewers: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze offer a refreshing bite alongside your meal.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs create an indulgent appetizer option.
6. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, tomatoes, and feta adds a nutritious touch to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Skipping the onion: Onions add flavor and depth. Don’t skip them; sauté until soft for the best results.
• Ignoring the seasoning: Proper seasoning is crucial. Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning throughout cooking.
• Overcooking the pasta: If you cook your pasta too long, it can become mushy. Add it towards the end of cooking to maintain its texture.
• Not blending enough: For a creamy soup base, blend half of the soup well. This adds richness without needing too much cream.
• Using low-quality cheese: Cheese enhances flavor. Use high-quality mozzarella for a gooey texture that elevates the dish.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers.
• Can keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Allow soup to cool before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Will last for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a hearty soup combining flavors of lasagna with creamy butternut squash and nutritious kale.

Can I substitute other greens for kale?

Yes! You can use spinach or Swiss chard as alternatives, depending on your preference.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and omit cheese or use a plant-based alternative.

What pasta can I use besides Mafalda?

You can use any small pasta like rotini or broken lasagna noodles for a similar texture in this soup.

How do I store leftovers of Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding different vegetables or proteins according to your taste. Try this comforting recipe today!

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