This Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup is a cozy bowl of goodness! It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with lovely spinach and ricotta that gives it a special touch.
Making this dish feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. I love how you can top it with cheesy goodness and enjoy it with some crusty bread. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor to your soup. If you’re looking for a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken works well, too. For a vegetarian version, try adding lentils or mushrooms for texture.
Broth: You can use either chicken or vegetable broth depending on your preference. Homemade broth always adds depth, but store-bought works in a pinch. Low-sodium options are great to control saltiness.
Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna noodles are perfect, but you can use no-cook noodles or even broken spaghetti as a substitute. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully, but you can use frozen spinach, too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup to keep it from being too watery.
Why is Proper Seasoning Important in This Soup?
Seasoning is essential for a dish like this, as it can really bring out the flavors of each ingredient. Start by adding your dried herbs—like basil and oregano—early so they infuse into the broth. Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper at the end for a balanced flavor.
- For an extra kick, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a dash of Worcestershire sauce at the end.
- Always taste before serving; you might find it needs just a bit more salt or herbs.
The goal is to achieve a well-rounded flavor that complements the creamy ricotta and hearty sausage. Enjoy creating your delicious Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup!
Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef or turkey)
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 4 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 5 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly ground black pepper (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making the total time about 45 minutes. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but comforting enough to impress your guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until nice and soft. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing!
2. Brown the Sausage:
Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until the sausage is browned and completely cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s extra fat in the pot, feel free to drain it now.
3. Season the Soup:
Stir in the dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and a pinch of salt and pepper. This is where the flavor starts to build!
4. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice, the tomato paste, and the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Simmer and Add Noodles:
Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This helps all the flavors meld together beautifully. After that, add the broken lasagna noodles and continue simmering until they are tender, which will take about 10-12 minutes.
6. Stir in Fresh Spinach:
Once the noodles are perfect, toss in the chopped spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until it’s wilted and bright green.
7. Serve it Up:
Pour the soup into bowls, and top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Don’t forget to add a garnish of fresh basil or parsley and a dash of freshly ground black pepper.
8. Enjoy Your Creation:
Serve this comforting and cheesy Spinach Ricotta Lasagna Soup hot, and pair it with some warm, crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy every spoonful!
With its simple ingredients and rich flavors, this soup is bound to become a favorite in your household. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the soup. This will help maintain the right consistency and avoid too much moisture in the dish.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. If the soup thickens too much after refrigerating, add a splash of broth while reheating to get it back to the desired consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the ground meat and using mushrooms or lentils as a substitute for texture. Just make sure to use vegetable broth to keep it completely meat-free.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, mascarpone or cottage cheese can be good substitutes. For a vegan option, try using a tofu-based ricotta or a nut-based spread to maintain that creamy texture!
