FAQ
Have you ever imagined savory lasagna flavors transformed into a comforting, slurp-worthy soup? Brace yourselves because today we’re diving into the world of Lasagna Soup, a trendy and unique spin on a beloved dish.
Introducing Lasagna Soup: A Delicious and Nutrient-Packed Twist on a Classic Dish!
With rich, robust flavors reminiscent of your favorite lasagna, this warm and hearty soup promises to tantalize your taste buds. Packed with nutrients, Lasagna Soup offers a delicious and wholesome option for pasta lovers.
What makes this recipe even more special is its simplicity. You don’t need to be a master chef to whip up this delight. All you need are some basic ingredients, a little bit of time, and a whole lot of love for good food.
And the best part? It’s fully customizable! Whether you want to substitute meat with plant-based proteins or add in more veggies for an extra health kick, this recipe leaves plenty of room for you to get creative.
This recipe makes eight servings, so it’s perfect for serving the whole family or meal prepping easy dinners for the week. If you’re on a Nutrisystem weight loss plan, you can log each serving as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels, two Extras and half of a Vegetable serving in your NuMi app journal.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Join us on a culinary adventure as we explore the art of making a delectable and healthy Lasagna Soup. This comprehensive guide will help you become a soup connoisseur in a jiffy. Let’s kick things off and dive right in!
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by taking a large pot or Dutch oven and setting it on medium-high heat. Add in a pound of lean ground turkey. Cook until the meat is nicely browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the meat from the pot and set it aside for later use.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, pour one tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add a chopped onion and three minced garlic cloves. Sauté these ingredients for about five minutes, or until the onions become translucent and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance.
Step 3: Prepare the Soup Base
Now comes the exciting part! Stir in 24 ounces of no-salt-added tomato sauce, two tablespoons of tomato paste, a quarter teaspoon of red pepper flakes, a half-teaspoon each of black pepper and oregano, and two bay leaves. Pour in six cups of low sodium chicken broth. The combination of these elements will create a rich and flavorful soup base.
Step 4: Add the Meat and Pasta
Bring your soup base to a boil. At this point, add the browned ground turkey and broken pieces of whole grain lasagna noodles into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, letting everything simmer together until the pasta becomes soft.
Step 5: Stir in the Spinach
Add four cups of spinach leaves into the pot and stir gently until they wilt in the heat of the soup, adding a vibrant green color and an extra layer of nutrition.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine 10 ounces of part-skim ricotta cheese and three-quarters of a cup of part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix them well until you have a creamy, cheesy blend.
Step 7: Serve with a Cheese Dollop
Now for the final touch! Ladle your piping hot lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture. The warm soup will slightly melt the cheese, creating a creamy, dreamy finish to your dish.
And voila! You’ve just made your very own Lasagna Soup. This hearty meal not only warms the body but also the soul. Enjoy this unique take on traditional lasagna, knowing you’ve created a wholesome, nutritious dish that didn’t compromise on flavor. Happy cooking!
Customizing Your Lasagna Soup: Ingredient Variations and Personal Touches
One of the best things about Lasagna Soup is its flexibility. You can easily adjust the recipe to cater to different dietary preferences or simply to experiment with new flavors. Here are some alternative ingredient ideas and ways to customize your Lasagna Soup:
Protein Variations
- Vegetarian/Vegan – Swap out the ground turkey for a plant-based meat substitute, or add in a variety of beans like cannellini or chickpeas for a protein boost.
- Pescatarian – Consider using fish or seafood such as shrimp or clams for a unique twist.
- Different Meats – Ground chicken, beef or even Italian sausage can be used instead of turkey.
Veggie Mix-Ins
- Greens – Besides spinach, you can add in other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard.
- Vegetables – Feel free to include other vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
Pasta Alternatives
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you’re avoiding gluten.
- Whole Grains – Try other types of whole grain pasta for variety, such as penne or fusilli.
Soup Base Variations
- Broth – If you’re making a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Tomato Sauce – Experiment with different flavors of tomato sauce, like basil garlic or spicy arrabbiata.
Cheese Alternatives
- Vegan – Use vegan cheese and ricotta substitutes.
- Different Cheeses – Try using different types of cheese like fontina, provolone or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for a gourmet twist.
Toppings and Garnishes
- Herbs – Fresh herbs like basil, parsley or thyme can add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Spices – A sprinkle of cayenne pepper can add heat, while a dusting of smoked paprika can provide a hint of smokiness.
Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in the freedom to create and adapt recipes to your own liking. So, feel free to mix and match these suggestions and enjoy creating your personalized version of Lasagna Soup. Refer to the Nutrisystem Grocery Guide for more information on counting add-ins on your weight loss plan. Happy experimenting!
More Healthy Soup Recipes
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 322
On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 2 Extras and ½ Vegetable
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. lean ground turkey
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 24 oz. tomato sauce, no salt added
- 2 Tbsp. tomato paste
- ¼ tsp. red pepper flakes
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- ½ tsp. oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 9 sheets whole grain lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 4 cups spinach leaves
- 10 oz. ricotta cheese, part skim
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese, part skim
Directions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven set to medium-high heat, cook ground turkey until browned. Remove meat from the pot and set aside.
- Add olive oil to pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Stir in tomato sauce, tomato paste, red pepper flakes, black pepper, oregano, bay leaves and broth.
- Bring to a boil, then add the ground turkey and lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to medium low and cook until pasta is soft.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- In a separate bowl, mix ricotta and mozzarella cheese.
- To serve, ladle soup into bowls and dollop with cheese mixture on top.
