Craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but short on time? This Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup delivers all the cheesy, tomatoey goodness of the classic dish in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort! It’s a hearty, satisfying soup perfect for a chilly evening or a cozy weekend lunch. Get ready to ladle up some serious deliciousness!
What is Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup?
Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup… sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? You might be wondering, “Is this even lasagna?” Well, imagine all the beloved components of lasagna – the rich tomato sauce, the creamy ricotta, the hearty noodles, nestled in a bowl and served with a spoon! It’s a deconstructed masterpiece!
I once proclaimed, “This soup is lasagna’s rebellious cousin!” And you know what they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” but I say the way to anyone’s heart is through a bowl of this creamy, cheesy goodness, vegetarian style! So, are you ready to ditch the layers and dive into this soupy sensation? I’m sure you are, keep scrolling for all the details!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup:
This Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a standout for several reasons. First and foremost, it’s unbelievably flavorful and comforting. The combination of the rich tomato broth, the creamy ricotta, and the perfectly cooked pasta creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will warm you from the inside out. Secondly, making this soup at home is a great way to save money. You can use budget-friendly ingredients and control the portion sizes, making it a much more economical option than ordering takeout or buying a pre-made lasagna.
Finally, the toppings are where this soup really shines. A dollop of fresh pesto, a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, and a generous dusting of red pepper flakes elevate the dish to another level, adding layers of complexity and flavor. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also enjoy a classic Tomato Soup. Let’s get cooking!
Key Ingredients for Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup:
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious and comforting soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish/pesto
How to Make Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup:
This recipe is easy enough for a weeknight meal but tastes like it took hours to make. The soup is super delicious, easy to make and only takes about 45 minutes to prepare. Its creamy texture and delightful flavor will appeal to everyone from children to adults. Let’s get started!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Build the Base: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Increase heat to bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Create the Creaminess: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and parmesan cheese. Mix well until smooth.
Incorporate the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Gently stir spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture into the soup. Do this in small increments to prevent the cheese from curdling. Stir until the cheese is incorporated and the soup is creamy.
Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with extra parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, and basil leaves. Serve immediately.
What to Serve Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup With
This Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few ideas to round out your dining experience:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of garlic bread or a simple crusty baguette is perfect for sopping up the delicious soup.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. A simple green salad or Caprese salad would be excellent choices.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: For an extra cheesy and comforting meal, pair the soup with a grilled cheese sandwich.
- Sparkling Water or Light Wine: To drink, consider sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a light-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup:
- Noodle Choice: While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Vegetable Boost: Add extra vegetables to the soup for added flavor and nutrition. Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers would be great additions. Sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your liking. If you prefer a milder soup, omit them altogether.
- Ricotta Consistency: To prevent the ricotta from curdling, make sure the soup is not boiling when you add it. Gently stir it in and avoid over-stirring.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses for the ricotta mixture. Adding a little mozzarella or provolone can add even more flavor and stretchiness.
- Herbs: Fresh herbs make a huge difference in flavor. If you have them on hand, use fresh basil and parsley instead of dried. Add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavor.
- Broth Quality: Using a high-quality vegetable broth will enhance the flavor of the soup. Look for a low-sodium option to control the saltiness.
- (Avoid) Overcooking the Noodles: Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will become mushy. Cook them until they are just tender.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat the soup gently in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also reheat it in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little extra vegetable broth or water to thin it out.
Freezing (Optional): While the creamy texture of the ricotta cheese might change slightly after freezing, you can still freeze this soup for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Final Thoughts:
This Creamy Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy the taste of all your favorite Italian flavors in one-pot recipe. It’s simple, flavorful, and easily customizable to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe to be a breeze. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and whip up a batch of this creamy, cheesy goodness!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this soup vegan?
A: Absolutely! You can substitute the ricotta cheese with a vegan ricotta alternative made from tofu, cashews, or almonds. Also, ensure your broth is vegetarian and vegan friendly.
Q: Can I add meat to this soup?
A: While this recipe is designed to be vegetarian, you can certainly add cooked ground beef, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken if you prefer. Brown the meat separately and add it to the soup along with the tomatoes and broth.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Sauté the onions and garlic as directed in the recipe, then transfer them to your slow cooker. Add the tomatoes, broth, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time, then stir in the ricotta mixture just before serving.
Q: Can I use pre-made lasagna noodles?
A: Yes, you can use pre-made lasagna noodles. Just break them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup.
Q: My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?
A: If your soup is too thick, simply add more vegetable broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.