This Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! It’s packed with flavorful tomatoes, fresh basil, and cozy pasta—everything you love about lasagna but in a quick soup form!
Honestly, who wouldn’t enjoy slurping up cheesy goodness while feeling all warm inside? I like to top mine with extra cheese and some crunchy bread for a yummy finish!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds richness to your soup. If you don’t have olive oil, you can use vegetable or canola oil. But olive oil really enhances the flavor!
Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness. If you’re short on onion, shallots or leeks can be great substitutes to maintain that aromatic base.
Crushed Tomatoes: The heart of the soup! You can use diced tomatoes if you prefer a chunkier texture. Or, fresh tomatoes blended into sauce can also work if you have ripe ones on hand.
Pasta: Lasagna noodles are traditional, but if you’re out, use any pasta you have, like fusilli or farfalle. Just break them up a bit before adding!
Cheese: Ricotta is creamy and classic. For a lighter option, try cottage cheese. If you don’t have mozzarella, provolone or fontina will also melt beautifully.
How Do You Cook Noodles in Soup Without Them Getting Soggy?
Cooking noodles in soup can sometimes lead to mushy pasta. To prevent this, follow these steps:
- **Cook Separately:** If you want perfect pasta, cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup just before serving. This keeps them firm!
- **Timing is Key:** If cooking in the soup, keep an eye on the time after adding. Most noodles need only 8-10 minutes.
- **Al Dente:** Aim for al dente texture, meaning they’ll still have a little bite. They’ll soften more once added to the hot soup.
- **Use Fresh Pasta:** If you have access, fresh pasta cooks faster and tends to hold its shape better than dried pasta.
By keeping these tips in mind, your lasagna soup will be deliciously hearty without the risk of soggy noodles!
Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil (plus extra fresh basil for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Cheese:
- 8 ounces broken lasagna noodles or broken pasta (such as mafaldine or wide ribbon pasta)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
- Optional: crusty bread for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook. In total, you can have your delicious Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup ready in about 40 minutes, perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sautéing the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 5 minutes.
2. Adding Flavor:
Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant—this brings out its beautiful flavor!
3. Building the Broth:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, creating a savory base for your soup.
4. Simmering the Soup:
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This will help the flavors mingle and develop.
5. Cooking the Pasta:
Add the broken lasagna noodles into the pot and cook them until they are tender, which will take around 8-10 minutes. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking!
6. Preparing the Cheese Mixture:
While the noodles are cooking, mix the ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan in a small bowl. Add a pinch of black pepper to boost the flavor.
7. Serving the Soup:
Once the noodles are cooked, ladle the piping hot soup into bowls. The aroma should be delightful at this point!
8. Adding the Cheesy Delight:
Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan over the top.
9. Garnishing:
Finish with freshly chopped basil leaves and, if you like, a light drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
10. Enjoying:
Serve the soup right away, and don’t forget the crusty bread on the side for dipping. It’s the perfect complement to your comforting bowl of Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup!
Enjoy every warming spoonful of this luscious soup that brings the essence of lasagna right to your table in an easy, delightful way!
Can I Use Fresh Tomatoes Instead of Canned?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 4-5 medium-sized ripe tomatoes. Blanch and peel them, then crush before adding to the soup. Adjust the broth amount since fresh tomatoes may require a slightly different consistency.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of ricotta, cottage cheese can work as a great alternative. You can also make a mixture using cream cheese, sour cream, or even a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for dairy-free options.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to adjust the consistency if needed.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Just make sure it has cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Reheat slowly on the stove, adding a touch of broth to help restore the texture.