This Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of tomatoes, cheesy goodness, and fresh basil in a cozy bowl. It’s like a hug from your kitchen on a chilly day!
Who wouldn’t love digging into a soup that tastes like lasagna, minus the messy layering? I make it often when I want something warm and comforting, and it’s so easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great base for sautéing. You can use any other cooking oil like canola or avocado oil if you prefer. Just remember, olive oil gives a distinct flavor that pairs well with Italian dishes.
Italian Sausage: This adds depth, but you can easily leave it out for a vegetarian version. Try using mushrooms or lentils for an earthy flavor instead! If you want spice, choose hot Italian sausage.
Chicken Broth: If you’re vegetarian or vegan, vegetable broth works perfectly. I like making homemade broth when I can—it really adds to the flavor!
Lasagna Noodles: No-boil noodles make things simpler. You can substitute with regular noodles but cook them separately to avoid mushiness in the soup.
Cheeses: Ricotta is essential for that creamy texture, but cottage cheese is a lighter substitute. For mozzarella, try provolone or even vegan cheese for a dairy-free option!
What’s the Best Way to Layer Flavors in Soup?
Layering flavors is key to making this soup delicious. Start with cooking your aromatics like onions and garlic in the oil. This builds the base flavor. Then, add your broth and tomatoes, and let it simmer! Here’s how:
- Cook sausage first to infuse the oil with flavor, then remove before adding onions.
- Keep heat at medium when cooking onions; you want them soft, not browned.
- Let the soup simmer enough to blend all the flavors together before adding the noodles.
Using the right timing and techniques can turn a simple soup into a stunning dish! Enjoy your cooking!
Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (optional), casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 6 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and about 30 minutes to cook, making a total of about 45 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage (if using), and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it brown for about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked through, remove the sausage from the pot, but keep those flavorful drippings in there!
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Now, add the diced onion to the pot. Cook it until it’s softened—around 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point!
3. Build the Base of the Soup:
Pour in the chicken broth and the can of crushed tomatoes. Add the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir it all together and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Let it Simmer:
Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all those lovely flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Add the Noodles:
Next, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Let them cook until they’re tender—this should take about 8-10 minutes. Just keep an eye on them!
6. Combine it All:
Take the cooked sausage and add it back into the pot. Stir everything to combine and heat through. It’s almost time to eat!
7. Serve It Up:
To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese right on top, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil ribbons. It looks and smells divine!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup hot, with extra basil for garnish and some crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy each comforting bite!
This soup has all the layered flavors of classic lasagna—perfectly combined for a delightful, easy-to-eat dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative to Italian sausage. Just season it with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper while cooking to replicate that classic flavor!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, just omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You could add more vegetables, like bell peppers or spinach, for added flavor and nutrition!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little extra broth to prevent it from getting too thick.
Can I Freeze Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well! Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
