Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

This Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna. With rich flavors of butternut squash and creamy mozzarella, it’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. This soup combines the heartiness of lasagna with the warmth of a comforting soup, making it an exceptional dish for chilly fall evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Cozy: This soup warms you up from the inside out, making it ideal for chilly days.
• Flavorful: The combination of butternut squash and mozzarella creates a rich and creamy taste that everyone will love.
• Nutritious: Packed with kale and nutritious ingredients, this soup is not only delicious but also good for you.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and easily available ingredients, you’ll have this meal ready in no time.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or a starter, it’s perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to casual gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather your tools ahead of time. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in preparing your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large soup pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large soup pot: Essential for cooking large quantities, allowing even heat distribution for better flavor.
• Immersion blender: Perfect for pureeing the soup smoothly without transferring it to another container, saving time and mess.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

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 Sweetness

• 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

Start by adding olive oil to a large soup pot over medium heat. Then:
1. Add the finely diced onion along with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes.
2. Cook down for about 3 minutes until the onion is translucent.
3. Next, add the roughly chopped garlic and cook down for another 3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Butternut Squash

Now it’s time to introduce the star ingredient:
1. Add in the cubed butternut squash along with Italian seasoning and another pinch of salt.
2. Increase the heat slightly and cook for about 5 minutes until the squash begins to caramelize.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Blend

Bring in more flavor:
1. Pour in the vegetable broth and toss in the Parmesan rind.
2. Bring back to a boil for around 10 minutes.
3. After boiling, remove the rind, then use an immersion blender to puree about half of the soup until smooth.

Step 4: Add Pasta & Simmer

Complete your base:
1. Add the Parmesan rind back into the pot along with broken-up pasta.
2. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until pasta is cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Cream

Final touches:
1. Turn off heat, then stir in fresh kale, heavy cream, brown sugar, mixing well.
2. Taste your soup; season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve

It’s time to enjoy!
1. Ladle portions into bowls.
2. Top each bowl with a generous handful of mozzarella shreds (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 delicious butternut squash lasagna soup with kale and mozzarella is perfect for cozy meals. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• A warm, crusty baguette or ciabatta is perfect for dipping into the soup. The bread’s texture complements the creamy soup beautifully.

Top with Fresh Herbs

• Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for added flavor and a pop of color. This simple touch elevates the dish visually and taste-wise.

Serve with a Side Salad

• A light mixed greens salad drizzled with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup. Consider adding nuts or seeds for extra crunch.

Include a Cheese Plate

• A small cheese platter featuring a variety of cheeses can be a delightful addition. Pair it with some seasonal fruits like apples or pears for balance.

Enjoy with Garlic Breadsticks

• Garlic breadsticks are an excellent side that adds extra flavor. They’re perfect for soaking up every last drop of the soup.

Drizzle with Balsamic Reduction

• A drizzle of balsamic reduction over the soup enhances its flavors with a sweet and tangy finish. It’s an easy way to make your dish gourmet!

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

To make your butternut squash lasagna soup even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables will enhance the overall flavor of the soup. Avoid using dried alternatives when possible.

• Blend Half the Soup: Pureeing half the soup creates a creamy texture without needing too much cream. This adds richness while keeping it healthy.

• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you cook! Adjust salt, pepper, or spices according to your preference during cooking to achieve your desired flavor profile.

• Experiment with Pasta Shapes: While mafalda is lovely, feel free to use other pasta shapes like shells or even gluten-free options if preferred.

• Make Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it great for meal prep. Just reheat gently before serving.

• Add Protein: For extra heartiness, consider adding shredded chicken or turkey to make it more filling while still keeping it delicious.

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

Complement your hearty butternut squash lasagna soup with these tasty side dishes that pair perfectly for any meal.

1. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted in garlic and olive oil brings out their natural sweetness and adds color to your plate.

2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with crunchy croutons and creamy dressing makes a refreshing counterpart to the warm soup.

3. Caprese Skewers: Alternating cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers provides an easy-to-eat appetizer that balances flavors well.

4. Cheesy Quesadillas: Simple cheese quesadillas cut into wedges add a satisfying crunch alongside the smoothness of the soup.

5. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful contrast in texture and sweetness that pairs nicely with savory flavors.

6. Stuffed Peppers: Peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice and spices can serve as a hearty side dish that complements your soup while being nutritious.

7. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries give you that crispy comfort food feel while staying healthy and delicious.

8. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, garlic, and basil offers a fresh bite that pairs beautifully with each spoonful of soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using too much salt: Adding too much salt can overpower the flavors. Start with a pinch and adjust as needed.
• Not measuring ingredients: Accurately measuring ingredients is key for balance. Use a kitchen scale for precision, especially for the butternut squash and pasta.
• Skipping the puree step: Pureeing half of the soup adds creaminess. Don’t skip this step; it enhances the texture significantly.
• Overcooking the kale: Kale should be added at the end to maintain its color and nutrients. Stir it in just before serving for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• The soup will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 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 about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Pour into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella special?
This soup combines creamy butternut squash with fresh kale and melted mozzarella, creating a comforting dish perfect for fall.

Can I make this soup vegan?
Yes! Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a delicious dairy-free version.

How can I customize my Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella?
Feel free to add other veggies like spinach or zucchini or swap in different pasta shapes based on your preference.

What if I don’t have Mafalda pasta?
You can substitute any small pasta shape or broken lasagna noodles that you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella is a delightful blend of creamy textures and vibrant flavors. It’s versatile enough to accommodate various ingredient swaps, allowing you to tailor it to your taste. Whether served as an appetizer or a main dish, this cozy recipe is sure to warm your heart!