Description
Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
For the Soup:
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
4 cups chicken or beef broth
6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
For the Cheese Topping:
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Ricotta cheese for dolloping
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add diced onion and sauté until softened.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add ground beef or sausage, cooking until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Build the Soup
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir to combine.
Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add broken lasagna noodles to the soup and simmer until tender (8-10 minutes).
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Stir in heavy cream and reduce heat to low. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 4: Serve with Cheese
Ladle soup into bowls.
Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Top with a dollop of ricotta cheese and garnish with fresh parsley.
Pro Tip:
Serve with crusty garlic bread
for the ultimate comfort meal!
Enjoy your cozy and cheesy lasagna soup!
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect soup. First, ensure your onion is finely diced to melt into the broth. Brown the meat thoroughly for maximum flavor. When adding the broth, scrape the bottom of the pot to incorporate the flavorful browned bits. As the lasagna noodles simmer, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Finally, add the cream off the heat or on very low heat to prevent curdling, stirring gently to create a velvety texture.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a complete meal but pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad with Italian dressing. For the ultimate experience, serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping. A light, sparkling red wine can cut through the richness beautifully.
How-to Summary
Sauté onion, garlic, and meat. Add tomatoes, paste, herbs, and broth. Boil, add broken noodles, and simmer until tender. Finish by stirring in cream and topping with a generous mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and a dollop of ricotta cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, but omit the noodles and cream. Store the base soup in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat, cook the noodles separately, then stir into the hot soup with the cream.
How can I make this soup vegetarian? Substitute the ground meat with a plant-based ground alternative or a cup of cooked lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef.
My soup seems too thick. What should I do? The noodles will continue to absorb liquid. Simply thin the soup with additional broth or water when reheating until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely. Mafalda, campanelle, or medium shell pasta are excellent substitutes. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta package directions.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creamy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Add them only for the time specified. They will soften further in the hot soup after cooking.
- Boiling After Adding Cream: This can cause the cream to curdle. Always add cream at the end and keep the soup below a simmer.
- Using Fresh Lasagna Sheets: Use dry, oven-ready, or no-boil lasagna noodles. Fresh pasta sheets will turn to mush.
- Skipping the Tomato Paste: This ingredient is crucial for a deep, rich, concentrated tomato flavor. Don’t omit it.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lasagna Soup masterfully captures the heartwarming essence of traditional lasagna in a comforting, spoonable bowl. It’s a versatile, family-friendly recipe that simplifies the classic dish without sacrificing any of its cheesy, savory appeal. Perfect for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, this soup is sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Enjoy the cozy, delicious results of your easy kitchen efforts.