This Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With hearty noodles, rich tomato sauce, and a cheesy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, it’s comfort food at its best.
Making this soup is a breeze! I love how it captures all the lasagna goodness without the fuss. Plus, who can resist a scoop topped with extra cheese? It’s a cozy meal perfect for any day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds a nice flavor base, but ground beef or turkey works too. If you want a lighter option, consider using chicken sausage or even a plant-based sausage.
Lasagna Noodles: You can use traditional lasagna noodles, but broken fettuccine or pappardelle can be great substitutes. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta brands available in stores.
Ricotta Cheese: I love the creaminess ricotta brings, but cottage cheese is a suitable alternative for a lighter version. You can also skip it altogether for a dairy-free option and just use a bit more mozzarella.
Cheeses: The original recipe calls for mozzarella and Parmesan, which I consider essential for that cheesy goodness. If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano is a similar substitute. For a lighter option, reduced-fat cheeses can work, but they might not melt as well.
How Do I Ensure Perfectly Cooked Noodles in Soup?
Cooking noodles in soup can be tricky. Unlike boiling them separately, they can turn mushy if overcooked. Here’s a simple method for success:
- Add the noodles to the simmering soup only after the broth and tomatoes have come to a boil.
- Cook them just until tender (10-12 minutes). Keep tasting them to check for doneness.
- To avoid mushy noodles, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them to each bowl before serving. This way, they stay firm and absorb less liquid.
Enjoy your warm and cheesy lasagna soup, it’s a bowl of happiness!
How to Make Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook, totaling about 30 minutes. It’s quick and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage (or beef) and cook until it’s nicely browned, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat for a cleaner taste.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Sauté it for about 3-4 minutes until it softens. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
3. Combine the Broth and Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to add some liquid! Pour in the chicken broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and season everything with a little salt and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil.
4. Add the Noodles:
Once it reaches a rolling boil, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are tender, which should take about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them and taste a noodle to check if they’re done!
5. Mix the Cheeses:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a bowl and combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. This cheesy mixture will make your soup even more delicious!
6. Serve the Soup:
Once the noodles are tender, it’s time to serve! Ladle the hot soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Don’t forget to sprinkle a bit of extra Parmesan and your freshly chopped parsley or basil on top!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot, and if you like, pair it with some crusty bread on the side. It’s the perfect comfort food to warm you up and delight your taste buds!
Enjoy this comforting, cheesy soup that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna without all the prep!
Can I Use Any Type of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground Italian sausage gives a nice flavor, you can substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based meat alternative for a lighter or vegetarian option.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re out of ricotta, cottage cheese is a great alternative that will still add creaminess. You can also skip it entirely if you’re looking for a dairy-free option, and just use a bit more mozzarella for cheeseiness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, to maintain the soup’s consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup base and cook it ahead of time. Just remember to add the noodles shortly before serving to keep them from getting too soft. The flavors will deepen if you let it sit for a bit!
