One Pot Lasagna Soup

#### **Instructions:**

1. **Brown the Meat:**
– Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the ground sausage (or ground beef/turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove any excess fat if necessary.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:**
– Add the diced onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using) for extra flavor.

3. **Add the Tomatoes and Broth:**
– Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.

4. **Cook the Lasagna Noodles:**
– Once the soup is simmering, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through.

5. **Add the Cheese:**
– Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta cheese (if using) for added creaminess. You can also add a bit of mozzarella cheese at this stage for extra gooeyness. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy.

6. **Serve:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each serving with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!

### Why This Soup is a Game-Changer

1. **Lasagna Flavor Without the Work:** Traditional lasagna requires multiple steps, including layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, followed by baking. With this soup, you get all the classic lasagna flavors in a fraction of the time and with much less effort.

2. **Creamy, Cheesy Goodness:** The addition of ricotta and mozzarella cheeses gives the soup a creamy texture and rich flavor that mimics the cheesy layers of a lasagna. It’s just the right amount of indulgence without being overwhelming.

3. **One Pot, Less Cleanup:** Cooking everything in one pot means less mess and less time spent cleaning up afterward. You’ll only need one pot, a spoon, and a few bowls to serve, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or when you’re looking to simplify dinner.

4. **Perfect for Leftovers:** This soup makes great leftovers! The flavors continue to meld together overnight, and the soup will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can also be frozen for later use.

### Tips for Making the Best One Pot Lasagna Soup:

– **Use Good Quality Sausage:** The sausage is a key ingredient in this recipe, so make sure to use a flavorful sausage. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.

– **Add Extra Veggies:** Want to sneak in some extra vegetables? You can easily add chopped spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.

– **Make It Even Creamier:** For an even creamier soup, stir in some heavy cream or half-and-half along with the ricotta cheese. This will give the soup an extra velvety texture.

– **Use Any Pasta You Like:** While lasagna noodles are traditional, you can use other types of pasta in a pinch. Broken spaghetti, penne, or even rotini will work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you use.

– **Top with Extra Cheese:** For a true lasagna experience, load up your bowl with extra cheese on top. A mix of mozzarella, Parmesan, and maybe a dollop of ricotta will make the soup even more indulgent.

### Final Thoughts

One Pot Lasagna Soup is the perfect recipe for anyone who loves the flavors of lasagna but doesn’t have the time (or energy) for the traditional, multi-step process. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying, making it a go-to dish for busy evenings or when you’re craving comfort food with minimal effort.

This soup delivers everything you love about lasagna — savory meat, rich tomato sauce, gooey cheese, and tender pasta — all in a simple, one-pot recipe. So, whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy dinner for yourself, One Pot Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution to your meal planning needs.