Description
A hearty and comforting lasagna-inspired soup featuring savory Italian sausage, rich tomato broth, tender pasta pieces, and a creamy three-cheese topping. This easy one-pot dish perfectly captures the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, satisfying soup, ideal for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef, or a mix)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
- 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)
Tomato Base and Broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or other short pasta)
Cheese Mixture and Garnish
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat if needed to prevent greasiness in the soup.
- Sauté Aromatics and Herbs: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional minute to release the herbs’ flavors.
- Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor and blend it well with the aromatics.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken or beef broth, and add the bay leaf. Then add the broken lasagna noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and the flavors have melded together.
- Season and Finish: Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Remove and discard the bay leaf before serving.
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into individual bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For extra cheesy flavor, stir some of the cheese mixture directly into the hot soup before serving to melt it throughout.
- To make ahead: Prepare the soup without adding the pasta. When ready to eat, reheat the soup and add pasta to avoid mushy noodles.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the sausage with cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup / Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
