Lasagna soup

Description:

Lasagna Soup is a delicious, hearty dish that captures all the classic flavors of lasagna in a cozy, one-pot soup. Loaded with Italian sausage, lasagna noodles, a rich tomato broth, and topped with creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella, this soup is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Equipment:

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Ladle
• Wooden spoon

Instructions:

Cooking the Sausage and Aromatics (10-12 minutes):

1. Brown the Sausage:
   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, drain it from the pan.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
   • Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Building the Soup Base (15 minutes):

1. Add Tomatoes and Broth:
   • Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, water, and tomato paste. Add the dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
2. Simmer the Soup:
   • Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Cooking the Noodles (8-10 minutes):

1. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
   • Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender. If the soup gets too thick, add extra water or broth as needed to maintain a soupy consistency.

Finishing the Soup (5 minutes):

1. Prepare the Cheeses:
   • In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Set this aside for serving.
2. Adjust Seasoning:
   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Serving the Soup (5 minutes):

1. Serve with Cheese:
   • Ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture to each bowl and top with shredded mozzarella. Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley for garnish.
2. Optional:
   • For extra cheesiness, place bowls under a broiler for 1-2 minutes to melt the mozzarella to a golden-brown bubbly finish.

Total Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 500-550
• Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 1200mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 10g
• Protein: 28g

Notes:

• Sausage: You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the sausage if you prefer a leaner option.
• Noodles: Broken lasagna noodles give this soup a lasagna feel, but you can also use other pasta shapes like bowtie, fusilli, or even elbow noodles.

Tips:

• Make Ahead: The soup base can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and cook the noodles directly in the soup.
• Freezing: To freeze, leave out the noodles and freeze the soup base for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and cook fresh noodles.

This comforting Lasagna Soup brings all the flavors of a classic lasagna dish into a quick, easy-to-make soup, perfect for chilly evenings!