This Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors that make you smile after the first spoonful.
Honestly, who doesn’t love a soup that tastes like lasagna? I often top it with crunchy bread for a fun twist. It’s an easy dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A staple for sautéing, it adds a nice flavor. You can always use other oils like canola or vegetable oil if olive oil isn’t on hand. Some people prefer butter for a richer taste!
Ground Italian Sausage: This gives the soup great flavor! If you’re looking for a leaner option, turkey or chicken sausage works well, too. For a vegetarian twist, try using mushrooms or lentils instead.
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles work perfectly, but you can use other types such as broken spaghetti or even gluten-free pasta if needed! Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta used.
Cheeses: A mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan makes it rich and creamy. If you’re watching fat, you can use low-fat versions. Cottage cheese can substitute ricotta for a lower-calorie option, though the flavor will differ slightly.
How Do I Make the Perfect Soup Base?
Creating a flavorful soup base is key to this recipe. Start with sautéing onions and garlic; this builds a strong foundation of flavor. Cook them gently to avoid burning, which can turn them bitter.
- Heat oil over medium heat before adding onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
- Add garlic last to ensure it gets fragrant without cooking too long.
- Once the sausage is browned, remember to drain any excess fat if you prefer a lighter soup.
This step really enhances the flavor and sets the tone for your delicious lasagna soup!
How to Make Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup will take about 30-40 minutes total, including prep and cooking time. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes chopping and preparing the ingredients, and the rest will be spent cooking everything together. You won’t believe how quickly it comes together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes softened and translucent. This adds a wonderful base flavor to your soup!
2. Cooking the Garlic:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can develop a bitter taste.
3. Browning the Sausage:
Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain it off at this point to keep the soup lighter.
4. Building the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you enjoy a little heat. Bring the mixture to a boil, and watch that flavor develop!
5. Cooking the Noodles:
Once it reaches a boil, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for about 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Mixing the Cheeses:
While the soup simmers, take a small bowl and mix together the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until fully combined. This cheesy goodness is what will take your soup to the next level!
7. Serving the Soup:
Once the noodles are tender, ladle the soup into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the three-cheese mixture. As it sits on the hot soup, the cheese will melt beautifully and create a creamy layer!
8. Garnishing:
Finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley and a nice crack of black pepper for extra flavor.
9. Enjoying Your Creation:
Serve the soup hot, and for an added treat, pair it with some toasted garlic bread or a fresh side salad. Dive in and savor the comforting flavors of your homemade Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup!
This comforting soup captures the classic flavors of lasagna with tender sausage, rich tomato broth, noodles, and the creamy meld of three Italian cheeses. Enjoy!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives for a hearty flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, it freezes well for up to 3 months! Just ensure to let it cool completely before freezing.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Soup?
Yes! Feel free to add veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutritional value. Just chop them small and add them in after browning the sausage, cooking them until they’re tender before continuing with the recipe.
What Can I Do if My Noodles Are Overcooked?
If your noodles end up overcooked and mushy, try adding a splash more broth and some fresh herbs to brighten the flavors. It won’t be quite the same, but it will still be delicious!
