Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

Cooking often takes me down memory lane, reminding me of warm kitchen moments filled with laughter and the aroma of simmering ingredients. Butternut squash lasagna soup embodies that nostalgia. Combining creamy textures with the hearty flavors of fresh vegetables, it transports me back to cozy family dinners where everyone gathered to share stories over a bowl of comfort.

This lasagna soup brings the essence of traditional lasagna into a vibrant, nutritious dish. The sweetness of butternut squash harmonizes beautifully with the richness of heavy cream, while fresh kale adds a delightful crunch. Topping it all off with gooey mozzarella elevates the experience, ensuring that every bite offers a satisfying blend of flavors.

It’s not just the ingredients that make this dish special; it’s about the moments shared while cooking and enjoying it with loved ones. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to transform simple ingredients into a warm, inviting bowl of deliciousness that will delight everyone at your table, making it a staple in your home cooking repertoire.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup Essentials

Fundamentals

Creating a dish as delightful as butternut squash lasagna soup begins with understanding its essential elements. The key ingredients—notably butternut squash, fresh kale, and mozzarella—work together to create layers of flavor. Selecting high-quality produce elevates the dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Butternut squash offers a natural sweetness and creamy texture that forms the soup’s base. Pairing it with a sweet onion adds depth and richness. The perfect balance of savory garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes provides a delightful kick. Using Italian seasoning infuses the soup with aromatic herbs that enhance its comforting appeal.

Don’t overlook the importance of the Parmesan rind. It adds a depth of flavor that enhances the soup as it simmers. Making the switch to homemade vegetable broth takes this dish to the next level, ensuring a robust and flavorful foundation.

Preparation/Setup

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your ingredients and tools. Start by finely dicing the sweet onion, as it will need to cook down quickly to achieve that desired caramelization. Roughly chop the garlic to infuse its flavor without overpowering the dish.

Once your ingredients are prepped, heat the olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Begin cooking the onion with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Keep an eye on the clock; three minutes later, the onions will become translucent and fragrant.

Next, introduce the garlic and continue to sauté for an additional three minutes. This step releases the aromatic oils and sets the stage for adding the butternut squash and the Italian seasoning. As you turn up the heat for five more minutes, the squash will begin to caramelize beautifully, transforming the dish.

Now you’re ready to add the broth and Parmesan rind. Bringing everything to a boil takes just moments, but the 10-minute simmering ensures the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a rich foundation for your soup.

Techniques for Soup Perfection

Technique

Perfecting butternut squash lasagna soup involves mastering a few key techniques. The immersion blender is your best friend here. After simmering, use it to puree half the soup. This creates a creamy base while still retaining chunks of squash for texture, balancing richness and heartiness.

Once you’ve pureed the soup, don’t forget to return the Parmesan rind to the pot. It continues to impart its flavors as the soup simmers with the pasta. The choice between mafalda pasta and broken lasagna noodles allows for creativity, but always ensure they cook fully to achieve the ideal texture.

Simmering with fresh kale at the end offers a nutritious touch. Make sure to stir it in just before serving, as this preserves its vibrant color and delightful crunch. The finishing touch of heavy cream and brown sugar transforms the flavor profile, bringing everything together harmoniously.

Tips/Tricks

To enhance your cooking experience, keep some handy tips in mind. Always taste your soup as you go. This lets you adjust flavors to fit your preferences, whether that means adding a little more salt, pepper, or even an extra sprinkle of Italian seasoning.

Stirring in a bit of brown sugar balances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash, making the final soup taste rounded and satisfying. Don’t be afraid to experiment with varying amounts until you find that perfect flavor.

If you’re in a time crunch, consider prepping your vegetables in advance. Having your onion diced and garlic chopped ahead of time streamlines the cooking process. You can even chop the butternut squash ahead and toss it in the pot when you’re ready to cook, speeding up your meal prep.

Enhancing Your Lasagna Soup Experience

Perfecting Results

Achieving that perfect bowl of butternut squash lasagna soup comes down to attention to detail. Serve it steaming hot, with the mozzarella sprinkled generously on top for that gooey, melty finish. A big handful per bowl ensures each serving offers that delightful cheese pull characteristic of classic lasagna.

Monitoring the consistency is vital too. If your soup is too thick, add a splash more vegetable broth during the simmering process. Conversely, if it seems too thin, let it simmer a bit longer. This allows the flavors to fully develop while achieving the right consistency.

Always keep in mind that freshly prepared meals taste better. If you’re making this dish ahead of time, store the soup without the pasta added. Cooked pasta can become mushy when stored in soup, and adding it fresh during reheating will maintain the perfect texture.

Troubleshooting/Variations

Encounters with unexpected cooking issues happen; actively resolving them can save the day. If you find your soup is too sweet, a splash of lemon juice can cut through the sweetness and refresh each spoonful. Additionally, if the soup needs more depth, a dash of balsamic vinegar can amplify flavors in surprising ways.

Variations can keep this recipe exciting. Consider adding different vegetables like carrots or zucchini. This introduces new textures and flavors while enriching the nutritional content of your meal.

For a heartier version, include additional protein such as white beans or shredded chicken. These can integrate seamlessly into your soup, making it a one-pot meal that satisfies everyone at the table.

Presenting Your Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup

Serving/Presentation

Presentation can transform a simple dish into an elegant masterpiece. Ladle generous portions of hot soup into your favorite bowls, highlighting the vibrant colors of kale and butternut squash in the mix.

Top each serving with a lavish handful of mozzarella, allowing it to melt slightly from the warmth of the soup. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a light drizzle of olive oil for extra flair. The vibrant green of the kale against the bright orange of the butternut squash creates an eye-catching dish that everyone will want to dive into.

Think about your table setting, too. Pairing this comforting soup with crusty bread or a light salad enhances the whole dining experience. Guests will appreciate the attention to detail, which elevates the meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Pairings/Storage

Although wine pairing is off the table, consider serving this soup alongside a crisp salad or warm, crusty bread. As a complement to the savory flavors, a fresh garden salad with a lemon vinaigrette offers a bright contrast.

For storage, allow any leftover soup to cool before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for three to four days. If you plan to freeze any, leave out the pasta and kale. These ingredients can be added fresh when reheating, maintaining their texture and flavor.

When you reheat your soup, do it gently over medium heat, stirring frequently. This method preserves the richness without it becoming overly thick or losing flavor.

Conclusion

Butternut squash lasagna soup offers a warm embrace through its rich flavors and comforting textures. By combining the sweetness of butternut squash with fresh ingredients like kale and mozzarella, you create a dish that is both satisfying and delightful. This recipe is about more than just food; it’s about the joy of sharing, connecting, and creating lasting memories with loved ones around the table. Cherish these moments as you bring this delightful dish to life in your own kitchen.

Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup with Kale & Mozzarella

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• Author: cov3
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting lasagna soup infused with the sweetness of butternut squash, nutty mozzarella, and crisp kale.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 sweet onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups homemade vegetable broth
• 1 Parmesan rind
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 cups fresh kale, chopped
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 8 oz mafalda pasta or broken lasagna noodles

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced sweet onion and sauté with a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes for about 3 minutes until translucent.
2. Add minced garlic and continue to sauté for an additional 3 minutes.
3. Introduce the butternut squash and Italian seasoning, increasing the heat and cooking for 5 minutes until caramelized.
4. Add vegetable broth and the Parmesan rind, bringing to a boil.
5. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Using an immersion blender, puree half of the soup to create a creamy base while retaining some chunks of squash.
7. Return the Parmesan rind to the pot and add the pasta. Cook until pasta is al dente.
8. Stir in chopped kale just before serving to keep its vibrant color.
9. Finish with heavy cream and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and brown sugar as needed.

Notes

Serve hot and garnish with additional mozzarella and fresh herbs for a delightful finish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Keywords: soup, lasagna, butternut squash, vegetarian, comfort food