Craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but short on time? This easy lasagna soup recipe is your answer! Packed with rich tomato flavor, tender noodles, and gooey cheese, it’s perfect for cozy dinners. Quick to prepare and even quicker to devour, this soup brings all the beloved lasagna elements together in one pot. Let’s dive into this simple yet satisfying dish that will warm your heart and fill your belly!
Ingredients
– 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground beef)
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh basil, for garnish
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves about 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes, making it a quick and delightful meal.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 bowl) contains approximately:
– Calories: 350
– Protein: 20g
– Carbohydrates: 40g
– Fat: 15g
– Fiber: 3g
This nutritional value is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked through.
2. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
3. Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
4. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
5. Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for 10-12 minutes, until tender.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt.
8. Ladle soup into bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta.
9. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
10. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
You can easily substitute ground turkey for the sausage to make it lighter. For a vegetarian option, replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms or lentils. Whole wheat lasagna noodles can be used for a healthier twist, and you can swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred.
Serving and Pairings
This lasagna soup pairs wonderfully with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top enhances the flavor, and a glass of red wine can complement the meal perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through. This soup can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip browning the meat for extra flavor.
– Avoid overcooking the lasagna noodles; they should be al dente.
– For a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth.
– Use fresh herbs for more vibrant flavors.
– Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Helpful Tips
– Make it ahead of time for easy weeknight meals.
– Experiment with different cheeses for added flavor.
– Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition.
– Serve with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a kick.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just remember to add the noodles right before serving to keep them from getting mushy.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese works as a great alternative to ricotta. You can also blend cream cheese with a bit of milk for a similar texture.
Is this soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check your broth for gluten content.
Can I freeze leftover lasagna soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Just ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
What meat can I use in this recipe?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even omit meat for a vegetarian version. Sautéed mushrooms or lentils can make a delicious substitute.
Conclusion
This easy lasagna soup recipe combines all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting, one-pot meal. Quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying, it’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in. Enjoy this delicious dish any night of the week!
Easy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until cooked through.
- Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until softened.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for 10-12 minutes, until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
