Easy Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage

Introduction to Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup combines the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the heartiness of a warm soup, making it a perfect dish for any time of the year. This one-pot wonder is filled with savory Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, tomatoes, and herbs, all simmered to perfection. Topped with dollops of creamy ricotta and shredded mozzarella, each spoonful of lasagna soup brings the classic lasagna experience to your bowl, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and cozy weekend gatherings.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian Sausage (Preferably sweet or spicy, casing removed)
• 1 Onion (Chopped)
• 3 cloves Garlic (Minced)
• 1 can Crushed Tomatoes (28 oz)
• 4 cups Chicken Broth
• 2 tsp Italian Seasoning
• 1/2 tsp Salt (Adjust to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
• 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (Broken into pieces)
• 1 cup Ricotta Cheese (For dolloping on top)
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (For melting into the soup)
• 1/2 cup Fresh Basil (Chopped, for garnish)

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Tools & Equipment

• Large Pot: Essential for making the soup, allowing enough space for all the ingredients to simmer together.
• Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the soup and breaking up the sausage while cooking.
• Ladle: For serving the soup into bowls.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Necessary for measuring broth, spices, and cheeses.
• Cheese Grater: Ideal for grating fresh mozzarella cheese.

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Instructions

Brown the Sausage

1. In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the sausage, sautéing until the onion is translucent and fragrant.

Simmer the Soup

1. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil.
2. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, reduce heat, and simmer until the noodles are tender.

Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, a portion of the shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of salt for added flavor.

Serve

1. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
2. Dollop each serving with the ricotta cheese mixture, sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella, and garnish with fresh basil.

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Serving Size, Prep, and Cook Time

• Serving Size: Serves 4-6, each bowl topped with a generous dollop of ricotta and shredded mozzarella.
• Prep Time: About 10 minutes to brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables.
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes on the stovetop, until the noodles are fully cooked.

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Additional Tips for the Making Best Lasagna Soup

Cooking Tips

• Sausage Choice: Use sweet or spicy Italian sausage according to your preference.
• Al Dente Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the noodles; they should be just tender to maintain texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil for a burst of flavor and color.
• Cheese Topping: Adjust the amount of ricotta and mozzarella to your liking for a creamier or cheesier soup.

Presentation Tips

• Bread Basket: If serving garlic bread or Italian grilled cheese, consider offering them in a warm bread basket lined with a napkin to keep them crispy and warm. Add some additional style to your presentation by cutting the bread into heart shapes.
• Garnishes and Toppings: Offer extra grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil on the side, allowing guests to customize their soup to their liking.

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Complementary Dishes that Pair with Lasagna Soup

When serving lasagna soup, consider including one or more of these complementary dishes to round out your meal, making it even more memorable and satisfying.

• Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment to Italian dishes and goes well as a side with lasagna soup. The crispy, buttery texture and aromatic garlic flavor make it perfect for dipping into the soup, enhancing each bite.
• Caesar Salad: The salad’s crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese helps balance the richness of the soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Veggies such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, seasoned with olive oil, salt, and Italian herbs, can add a healthy and colorful side to the meal.
• Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables serves as a great starter.
• Italian Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Filled with mozzarella and a touch of pesto or sun-dried tomato, these sandwiches offer a gooey, melty contrast to the soup, making for a more indulgent meal.

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Print

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Commonly Asked Questions about Lasagna Soup

Can I make lasagna soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! To make lasagna soup vegetarian, simply omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to enhance the soup’s texture and flavor.

How can I store leftover lasagna soup?

Lasagna soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be mindful that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a bit more broth when reheating.

Can lasagna soup be frozen?

It’s best to freeze lasagna soup without the noodles, as they can become mushy upon thawing. Prepare the soup base and freeze it in airtight containers. When ready to serve, thaw the soup, reheat, and cook fresh noodles in it before serving.

How can I thicken lasagna soup?

If your lasagna soup is too thin for your liking, you can thicken it by simmering it longer to reduce the liquid or by adding a small amount of tomato paste. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked vegetables and stir them back into the soup to naturally thicken it.

What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?

If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Break them into smaller pieces if necessary to mimic the lasagna noodle texture.

Can I add cheese directly into the soup?

While the traditional serving suggestion is to dollop ricotta and sprinkle mozzarella on top, you can also stir some directly into the soup for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that it will alter the soup’s consistency.

How do I ensure the pasta doesn’t overcook?

To prevent overcooked pasta, add the broken lasagna noodles towards the end of the cooking process, ensuring they have enough time to cook through but not so long that they become too soft. Alternatively, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual servings.

Can I make lasagna soup in a slow cooker?

Lasagna soup can easily be adapted for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables beforehand, then add all the ingredients except the noodles to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles in the last 30 minutes of cooking.