Ingredients
Method
Cook the Meat:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Soup Base:
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Cook the Noodles:
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup.
- Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
Prepare the Cheese Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese together.
Serve the Soup:
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
- Add a dollop of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture on top.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and fresh basil.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
-
- Best Pasta Choice: Lasagna noodles give this soup its classic flavor, but you can substitute with rigatoni or bowtie pasta.
- For a Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Make It Vegetarian: Swap the meat for mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Prevent Soggy Noodles: If planning to store leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to each bowl when serving.
- Storage Tips: Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Freeze without the noodles for up to 3 months.