Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it the perfect cozy dish for any occasion. Bursting with the richness of butternut squash and the creaminess of mozzarella, this soup is both hearty and satisfying. It’s ideal for a family dinner or a gathering with friends during the chilly fall months. With its vibrant colors and comforting aroma, this recipe stands out as a must-try in your seasonal repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting Flavor: The combination of butternut squash and creamy mozzarella creates a warm, comforting dish perfect for fall.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with kale and wholesome vegetables, this soup is not only delicious but also nutritious.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a main course or serve as an appetizer; it fits perfectly into any meal plan.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it great for weekly meal prep or leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some kitchen tools you’ll need to create this delightful soup.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Soup Pot
• Immersion Blender
• Cutting Board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Soup Pot: A spacious pot ensures you have enough room for all your ingredients to cook evenly.
• Immersion Blender: This handy tool makes pureeing the soup quick and easy without transferring it to another container.
• Cutting Board & Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables efficiently, ensuring safety and precision in your preparation.

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 Vegetables

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

Step 2: Cook Butternut Squash

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

Step 3: Add Broth

Pour in vegetable broth along with the parmesan rind. Bring the mixture back to a boil and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. Remove the rind afterward. Use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup for a creamy texture while leaving some chunks.

Step 4: Add Pasta

Return the parmesan rind back into the pot, then add broken pasta. Simmer again for another 10 minutes or until pasta is fully cooked through.

Step 5: Incorporate Greens & Cream

Turn off the heat, then stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, and brown sugar. Mix well and taste; season with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle the hot soup into bowls and generously top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese (about 1/2 cup each). Enjoy your warm bowl of comfort!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This delightful butternut squash lasagna soup is not only perfect for cozy nights but also offers a variety of serving options. Elevate your dining experience with these creative suggestions.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds color and enhances the flavor profile of the soup.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Artisan Bread: Serve the soup alongside slices of crusty artisan bread for dipping. It complements the creamy texture nicely.

Top with Extra Cheese

• Mozzarella or Parmesan: Add an extra layer of melted mozzarella or a sprinkle of parmesan on top for a rich, cheesy finish.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Personalized Portions: Ladle the soup into individual bowls for an elegant presentation at dinner parties or gatherings.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Toasted Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs on top for added texture and a delightful crunch with every bite.

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.

• Bold Flavor Boost: Use fresh herbs instead of dried ones to elevate the flavor profile significantly.
• Creaminess Factor: For extra creaminess, replace some of the heavy cream with ricotta cheese, stirring it in just before serving.
• Proper Pasta Cooking: Cook the pasta separately if you prefer it al dente; then add it to the soup just before serving to avoid mushiness.
• Kale Variations: Experiment with different greens like spinach or Swiss chard for a unique twist on this comforting dish.
• Seasoning Check: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for balanced flavors.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to three days, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

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

Enhance your meal by pairing this delicious soup with complementary side dishes. Here are some great options:

1. Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor pairs perfectly with the rich soup, making it irresistible.
2. Caesar Salad: A light Caesar salad provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables add a hearty element and vibrant colors to your meal.
4. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for an elegant appetizer that complements the main dish well.
5. Caprese Salad: The freshness of tomatoes and mozzarella drizzled with balsamic glaze balances out the warm flavors of the soup.
6. Quinoa Salad: A nutty quinoa salad brings additional protein and textures while staying light and healthy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you perfect your recipe.

• Ignoring the onion: Failing to sauté the sweet onion properly can lead to a raw flavor in your soup. Always cook it until it’s soft and translucent.
• Overcooking the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and can add bitterness to your dish. Cook it just until fragrant to enhance the flavor without ruining your soup.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and add salt or pepper as needed.
• Using old pasta: Dried pasta can lose its texture over time. Ensure you’re using fresh pasta for the best results.
• Neglecting the puree step: Forgetting to puree part of the soup can prevent you from achieving a creamy consistency. Blend only half for a delightful texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
• Leave space at the top of containers as the soup will expand when frozen.

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 minutes, covered with foil.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other greens instead of kale?

Yes! Spinach or Swiss chard can be great alternatives if preferred.

How do I make this soup vegan?

You can omit heavy cream and use coconut milk or cashew cream instead. Substitute mozzarella with vegan cheese.

What type of pasta works best?

Mafalda pasta is ideal, but any small pasta shape works well too, such as shells or bowties.

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

The spice level is mild due to red pepper flakes. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less.

Can I add protein to this soup?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken or turkey would be delicious additions if you’re looking for extra protein.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a cozy dish perfect for fall. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it a delightful meal any time of year. Feel free to customize with different greens, pasta shapes, or proteins to suit your tastes!

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