Description
A hearty and comforting lasagna soup that combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese topping. This one-pot soup is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave the taste of traditional lasagna in a warm, easy-to-make dish.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Tomato and Broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
Pasta
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or other short pasta)
Cheeses
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until nicely browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasy soup.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor and help it incorporate well into the mixture.
- Simmer the soup: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
- Season and remove bay leaf: Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Remove and discard the bay leaf from the pot.
- Prepare cheese topping: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese to make a creamy cheese mixture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topping each with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir some of the cheese mixture directly into the soup just before serving, allowing it to melt into the broth.
- To make ahead, cook the soup without the pasta. Add the broken lasagna noodles when reheating to prevent them from becoming overcooked and mushy.
- To make a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with cooked lentils or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
