This Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with gooey ricotta, tender spinach, and comforting pasta in a rich tomato broth.
The best part? You get all the flavors of lasagna without the fuss! I love to sprinkle extra cheese on top because, let’s face it, you can never have too much cheese! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is essential for sautéing the onion and garlic. If you’re out, vegetable oil or butter can work too, but olive oil brings a nice flavor.
Ground Italian Sausage: This gives the soup a hearty flavor. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or make it vegetarian with lentils or mushrooms!
Crushed Tomatoes: They form the base of the soup. If you prefer a fresher taste, use diced fresh tomatoes or even tomato puree. Canned whole tomatoes can be crushed by hand in the pot too!
Lasagna Noodles: I use traditional lasagna noodles here, but you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape.
Ricotta Cheese: For a creamier texture, you could substitute with cottage cheese or mascarpone. I love using ricotta for its nice, mild flavor!
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Lasagna Noodles in Soup?
Cooking lasagna noodles in a soup can be tricky. You want them perfectly al dente so they don’t get mushy. Here’s how:
- Once the broth is boiling, add the broken noodles directly to the pot.
- Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
- Cook according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes, until just tender.
- Remember the noodles will absorb some of the broth, so adding more liquid may be needed if cooking longer.
Enjoy your delicious Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup—it’s a bowl of comfort you won’t forget!
Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to cook, so you’ll have it ready in about 30-35 minutes. Perfect for a quick weekday dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until it becomes soft and slightly translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, until you can smell that delicious garlic aroma!
2. Cook the Sausage:
Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot. Use your spoon to break it up as it cooks. You’ll want to stir it frequently and cook until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
3. Add Broth and Tomatoes:
Pour in the chicken broth and add the can of crushed tomatoes. Mix in the dried basil, oregano, and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a nice boil—this will get all those flavors bubbling together!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Lower the heat and allow it to simmer, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on the noodles! They should be perfectly al dente within about 10 minutes, just the way we like them.
5. Add Spinach:
Stir in the fresh chopped spinach and let it cook for about 2 minutes, or just until it wilts down and brightens the soup with its vibrant green color.
6. Serve with Ricotta:
Take the pot off the heat. In each bowl, add a nice spoonful of ricotta cheese. Then, ladle the hot soup over it, allowing the cheese to get warm and creamy as it mixes in. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
If you’d like, add some fresh basil leaves on top for a lovely finishing touch. Serve immediately and enjoy the cozy flavors of lasagna in this hearty, comforting soup!
Dig in and enjoy a delicious bowl of Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup! 🍲😋
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground Italian sausage with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. For a vegetarian version, consider using lentils or mushrooms to give it a hearty texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Can I Make This Soup Vegan?
Yes! To make this soup vegan, simply omit the sausage and cheese. You can replace the ricotta with a vegan alternative or make a cashew cream. Just ensure your broth is vegetable-based!
What If I Don’t Have Lasagna Noodles?
No problem! You can use any pasta you have on hand, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose, as smaller pasta may cook faster!
