Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup offers a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, transforming the traditional layered pasta into a hearty, comforting soup. This one-pot meal combines rich tomato broth, savory ground meat, tender lasagna noodles, and a medley of cheeses, delivering all the beloved flavors of lasagna in a warm, spoonable form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplified Preparation: Enjoy the essence of lasagna without the need for layering or baking.
• One-Pot Convenience: Minimal cleanup with all ingredients cooked in a single pot.
• Customizable: Easily adaptable to dietary preferences, including vegetarian or gluten-free options.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Flavors deepen over time, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Family Favorite: A satisfying dish that appeals to both adults and children alike.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Olive oil
• Ground Italian sausage
• Yellow onion, diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Dry white wine
• Chicken broth
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• Crushed tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Bay leaf
• Uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• Ricotta cheese
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook until translucent. Stir in minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes; cook for an additional minute.
2. Brown the Meat: Add ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Deglaze and Simmer: Pour in dry white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits. Add chicken broth, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until noodles are tender, approximately 10-12 minutes.
5. Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix until well blended.
6. Season and Serve: Remove bay leaf from the soup. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with chopped fresh basil.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6 to 8
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for added heat.
• Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer consistency.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the cheese mixture separate until ready to serve.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and cheese. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until heated through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to reach desired consistency. Cook fresh pasta separately and add to the reheated soup. Top with cheese mixture before serving.

FAQs

How can I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy in leftovers?

To avoid overcooked noodles in leftovers, cook and store the pasta separately from the soup. Add freshly cooked noodles to each serving when reheating.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute lasagna noodles with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowtie. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the pasta used.

Is it necessary to use wine in the recipe?

No, the wine can be omitted. Replace it with an equal amount of broth or a splash of red wine vinegar for acidity.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely. Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics before adding them to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients, except for the pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add pasta during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Serve with cheese mixture on top.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and sour cream can be used as alternatives to ricotta cheese.

How do I make the soup spicier?

Increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to the soup for added heat.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Yes, incorporating vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms can enhance the nutritional value and flavor of the soup.

Is this soup suitable for freezing?

Yes, the soup freezes well without the pasta and cheese. Add freshly cooked pasta and cheese when reheating.

How long does the soup last in the refrigerator?

Properly stored in an airtight container, the soup will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, pre-cooked pasta can be added to the soup just before serving. This method is especially useful when preparing the soup in advance.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup encapsulates the essence of traditional lasagna in a convenient, one-pot meal. Its rich flavors and comforting warmth make it an ideal dish for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep. With its versatility and ease of preparation, this soup is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

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