Lasagna soup is a delicious and heartwarming dish that combines the classic flavors of lasagna in a more convenient and soup – like form. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy dinner, especially during the colder months when you crave something rich and satisfying.

The Broth Base

To start making lasagna soup, we first need to prepare the broth base. In a large pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium – high heat. Add one chopped onion, two minced cloves of garlic, and a diced carrot. Sauté these vegetables until the onion is translucent and fragrant. This usually takes about 5 – 7 minutes. The aroma that fills the kitchen at this point is a preview of the deliciousness to come.

Next, pour in about 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can use homemade broth. You can also add a 14 – ounce can of crushed tomatoes. The tomatoes add a nice acidity and thickness to the broth. Season the mixture with salt, freshly ground black pepper, a teaspoon of dried oregano, and a teaspoon of dried basil. These Italian seasonings are essential for that lasagna – like flavor. Stir well to combine all the ingredients and bring the broth to a boil.

Adding the Pasta and Proteins

Once the broth is boiling, it’s time to add the pasta. You can use any small – shaped pasta like penne, macaroni, or even broken lasagna noodles. Add about 2 cups of pasta to the pot. Let the pasta cook in the boiling broth. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be a bit shorter than usual as the pasta will continue to absorb the liquid even after you turn off the heat.

For the protein element, you have several options. You can add 1 pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or Italian sausage. If you’re using ground meat, break it up into small pieces as it cooks in the pot. Brown the meat thoroughly until it’s no longer pink. Another great option is to use cooked and shredded chicken. This gives the soup a lighter feel while still providing plenty of substance.

The Cheesy Goodness

Lasagna isn’t complete without cheese, and the same goes for lasagna soup. Once the pasta is almost cooked and the meat (if using) is done, reduce the heat to low. Add about 1 cup of ricotta cheese to the pot. The ricotta will melt slightly and add a creamy texture. Stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup.

You can also add some shredded mozzarella cheese. About 1 cup of shredded mozzarella will do. The mozzarella will get nice and gooey, creating those delicious cheese strings when you spoon out the soup. To make the soup even more indulgent, you can add a dollop of cream or half – and – half. This will give it an extra creamy and luxurious feel.

Garnishing and Serving

Before serving, give the lasagna soup a final stir to make sure all the ingredients are well combined. Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with some additional grated Parmesan cheese, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, and a few more pieces of mozzarella if you like. The fresh basil adds a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the soup.

Lasagna soup can be served with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. It’s a filling and flavorful meal that will please the whole family. The combination of the savory broth, cooked pasta, cheesy goodness, and your choice of protein makes it a versatile dish that you can customize to your liking. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat, lasagna soup is sure to hit the spot.