This Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil, it’s packed with comforting flavors that will make you smile.
Honestly, who wouldn’t love a twist on lasagna that’s both cozy and easy? I like to top mine with gooey cheese for that extra yum factor. Perfect for chilly nights! 🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great choice for sautéing! If you’re in a pinch, you can use canola or vegetable oil instead. I love olive oil for its flavor.
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds a wonderful flavor, but you can swap it for ground beef, turkey, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you’re vegetarian.
Chicken Broth: While chicken broth is tasty, vegetable broth is Perfect for a vegetarian option. You can also use water, but the soup will lack depth.
Lasagna Noodles: I break the noodles to fit the soup. If you’re gluten-free, you can use gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a fresh twist.
Ricotta Cheese: This is key for that creamy finish. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or cream cheese could work well as a substitute.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Ingredients?
To really enhance flavors, sauté the onions and garlic until they are fragrant and golden before adding any meat. This step builds a great flavor base!
- Keep the heat medium; you want to cook slowly to develop sweetness.
- When adding the ground meat, make sure to break it up well. This means even distribution and avoids clumps.
- Simmering the broth with tomatoes and spices lets all those wonderful flavors meld together. Don’t rush this!
Remember to check for seasoning before you serve the soup — a little extra salt can really make a difference.
Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef/turkey)
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for a weeknight dinner, and it’s sure to please everyone at the table!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it is softened, which should take about 3-4 minutes. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant. This forms a wonderful flavor base for your soup!
2. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot. Cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through, making sure to break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This helps to create a nice texture throughout the soup.
3. Combine the Broth and Tomatoes:
Now, pour in the chicken broth along with the crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes (with their juices!). Give everything a good stir to mix.
4. Season the Soup:
Add the salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir well to combine all the flavors. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows all the wonderful flavors to blend together.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook them until they are tender, which will take about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together!
6. Add Fresh Basil:
When the noodles are tender, stir in the chopped fresh basil. This will add a vibrant, fresh flavor to your soup.
7. Serve with Toppings:
Remove the pot from heat. To serve, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. Then, sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Don’t forget to garnish with more fresh basil leaves!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup hot, ideally accompanied by some crusty bread for a perfect meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors of lasagna in an easy-to-scoop bowl!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground Italian sausage adds a delicious flavor, you can easily substitute it with ground beef, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like lentils or a plant-based meat substitute.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat and add the lasagna noodles, cooking them until tender.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, you can use cottage cheese for a similar texture, or cream cheese for a richer flavor. Just remember to mix well to avoid clumps!
