Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful and hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly autumn days, this soup is not only comforting but also loaded with nutritious ingredients like kale and butternut squash. The creamy texture combined with the gooey mozzarella makes it an irresistible choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this soup brings a unique twist to traditional lasagna flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep work, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of roasted butternut squash, garlic, and Italian seasoning offers a rich and satisfying taste.
• Comforting and Cozy: Ideal for fall, this soup wraps you in warmth and comfort with every spoonful.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with kale and butternut squash, it’s a great way to sneak in those essential nutrients.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a starter or pair it with crusty bread for a hearty meal.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that simplify the cooking process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Large Soup Pot
• Immersion Blender
• Cutting Board
• Chef’s Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Large Soup Pot: Provides ample space for cooking all ingredients evenly without overcrowding.
• Immersion Blender: Allows for easy pureeing of the soup directly in the pot, saving time on cleanup.
• Cutting Board: Essential for safely chopping vegetables while keeping your countertop clean.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife ensures precise cutting, making preparation quicker and easier.

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 Soup 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 and Flavor

• 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 the Aromatics

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

Step 2: Cook the Butternut Squash

Add butternut squash chunks to the pot along with Italian seasoning and another pinch of salt.
1. Turn up the heat slightly and cook for about 5 minutes until the squash begins to caramelize.

Step 3: Add Broth and Puree

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

Step 4: Incorporate Pasta

Return the Parmesan rind to the pot once more.
1. Add broken pasta into the mixture.
2. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Step 5: Final Touches

Turn off the heat before adding fresh kale, heavy cream, and brown sugar.
1. Stir until well combined.
2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle soup into four bowls; top each bowl with a generous handful of Land O’ Lakes® Mozzarella Farmstyle Shreds (about 1/2 cup each).

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Serving Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella can elevate the dining experience. This hearty soup is not only filling but also visually appealing. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your meal even more delightful.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Fresh Baguette: A warm, crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the soup. Its texture complements the creamy consistency of the lasagna soup.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds flavor and a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top for a pop of color and an aromatic touch that brightens the dish.
• Parsley Garnish: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a mild, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the soup.

Add Extra Cheese

• Parmesan Shavings: A sprinkle of shaved Parmesan adds a nutty flavor and an elegant finish to each bowl.
• Ricotta Dollops: Adding dollops of ricotta cheese makes each serving creamier and provides a lovely contrast in texture.

Serve with Side Salads

• Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar salad complements the warmth of the soup while adding crunch and freshness.
• Mixed Green Salad: Lightly dressed mixed greens provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To ensure you achieve the best results when making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutritional value, making your soup taste vibrant.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste during cooking and adjust seasonings gradually to avoid overpowering the natural flavors.
• Blend for Texture Variety: Pureeing part of the soup creates a creamy consistency while leaving some chunks for texture—this balance is key!
• Cook Pasta Al Dente: To prevent mushiness, cook pasta just until al dente before adding it to the soup.
• Experiment with Greens: While kale is delicious, try spinach or Swiss chard for different flavors and textures.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes can enhance its flavors as they meld together.

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

Pairing side dishes with your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup can turn your meal into a feast. Here are some delightful options that complement this cozy dish.

1. Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made from tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and balsamic glaze provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
2. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These crispy sprouts add a savory element and pair beautifully with the sweetness of butternut squash.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with quinoa or rice and vegetables, these peppers offer heartiness without overshadowing your main dish.
4. Grilled Vegetable Platter: A colorful mix of grilled seasonal vegetables brings brightness and variety to your table.
5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory flavors in the soup.
6. Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried or baked zucchini fritters add crunch and are an excellent way to sneak in some extra veggies!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the Vegetables: Cooking the onions and garlic too long can lead to a bitter taste. Sauté them until they are just soft and fragrant.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Failing to season at each step can result in bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
• Using Too Much Pasta: Adding too much pasta can make the soup overly thick. Stick to the recommended amount for the best consistency.
• Skipping the Puree Step: Not pureeing part of the soup will miss out on a creamy texture. Blend about half of it for a smooth finish.
• Choosing Low-Quality Cheese: Using low-quality mozzarella can affect flavor. Opt for fresh, high-quality mozzarella for a cheesy delight.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Will keep well for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Place soup in a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a cozy, creamy soup that combines flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl.

Can I customize this recipe?

Yes! You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or substitute different types of pasta based on your preference.

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta varieties available in stores.

What cheeses work well besides mozzarella?

Other great options include ricotta or fontina cheese, which can add different flavors and textures to your soup.

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is not only delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for chilly days and can easily be customized to fit your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy its comforting flavors!

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