Save A hearty and comforting soup inspired by classic lasagne flavors, featuring smoked sausage, tender pasta, creamy ricotta, and fresh spinach in a rich tomato broth.
I first made this soup on a chilly Saturday evening to surprise my family with something both cozy and fun. The aroma of smoked sausage and herbs immediately filled the kitchen, and everyone was excited to try a new twist on traditional lasagne.
Ingredients
- Smoked sausage: 300 g (10 oz), sliced into half-moons
- Yellow onion: 1 medium, diced
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Fresh spinach: 200 g (7 oz), roughly chopped
- Carrot (optional): 1 medium, diced
- Lasagne noodles: 150 g (5 oz), broken into bite-sized pieces
- Chicken or vegetable broth: 1.5 liters (6 cups)
- Canned crushed tomatoes: 800 g (28 oz)
- Ricotta cheese: 120 g (1/2 cup)
- Parmesan cheese: 60 g (1/2 cup), grated
- Mozzarella cheese: 100 g (1 cup), shredded
- Dried basil: 1 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1 tsp
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): 1/2 tsp
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add smoked sausage and cook until lightly browned, about 3 minutes.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- Add onion and carrot (if using); sauté until softened, 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Simmer Broth:
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Add basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Cook Pasta:
- Add broken lasagne noodles. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente.
- Add Spinach:
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve:
- Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and Parmesan. Serve hot.
Save My kids loved swirling the cheesy topping into their bowls and scooping up bites of sausage with pasta. It's a new family favorite for cold evenings.
Required Tools
Large soup pot, wooden spoon, ladle, chef's knife, cutting board
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 420 calories, 20 g total fat, 38 g carbohydrates, 23 g protein
Notes
For a lighter version, use turkey or chicken sausage. Substitute kale for spinach if desired. Wine pairing: Chianti or Sangiovese. For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta.
Save This soup brings all the comfort of classic lasagne in every spoonful. Enjoy it with crusty bread and a glass of Italian red.
Kitchen Help
- → What type of sausage works best?
Smoked sausage provides a deep flavor; turkey or chicken sausage offers a lighter alternative.
- → Can I replace spinach with another green?
Kale or Swiss chard can substitute for spinach, lending extra texture and nutrients.
- → How do I keep noodles from getting mushy?
Simmer noodles until just al dente, then serve immediately to maintain ideal texture.
- → Is ricotta necessary?
Ricotta adds creaminess; if unavailable, cottage cheese or mascarpone are good alternatives.
- → What wine pairs well with this dish?
Chianti or Sangiovese enhance the tomato and sausage flavors, creating a harmonious pairing.
- → Can I make this vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth and omit sausage, adding more vegetables or plant-based substitute instead.