Last week, my neighbor knocked on my door asking what smelled so incredible coming from my kitchen. What she discovered was my take on lasagna soup with ricotta dumplings, a brilliant fusion that captures all the comfort of traditional lasagna in a soul-warming bowl. This ricotta dumpling soup transforms classic Italian flavors into something entirely new yet wonderfully familiar.
Rather than spending hours layering noodles and waiting for the oven, this gnocchi style soup delivers the same rich, cheesy satisfaction in half the time. Furthermore, the fluffy ricotta dumplings add an irresistible texture that makes every spoonful feel like a warm hug. Meanwhile, the aromatic broth carries all those beloved italian ricotta recipes flavors we crave during cooler months.
This comfort pasta soup has quickly become my go-to recipe when craving something hearty yet approachable. Additionally, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want homestyle italian soup without the fuss. The creamy cheese soups category gets a major upgrade with these pillowy dumplings floating in rich tomato broth. Best of all, this cozy dinner soup feeds a crowd while requiring minimal cleanup compared to traditional lasagna.
The magic happens when tender ricotta dumplings meet aromatic herbs and melted cheese. Subsequently, each bowl becomes a complete meal that satisfies both hunger and comfort food cravings. This cheesy dumpling soup proves that innovation in the kitchen often leads to the most memorable meals.
Ingredients
For this heavenly ricotta dumpling soup, you’ll need fresh, quality ingredients that work together beautifully. Here’s everything required to create this comfort pasta soup masterpiece:
For the Ricotta Dumplings:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (substitute: part-skim ricotta)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (substitute: gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (substitute: white onion)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (substitute: ground turkey or beef)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (substitute: vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Finishing Touches:
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating this cheesy dumpling soup experience. Moreover, the quality of ricotta directly impacts the dumpling texture, so choose the best available option.
Timing
This lasagna soup with ricotta dumplings requires approximately 75 minutes total, which is 25% faster than traditional lasagna preparation. Here’s the breakdown:
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people generously
Interestingly, most gnocchi style soup recipes take longer due to complex dumpling techniques. However, this streamlined approach maintains authentic flavors while reducing kitchen time. Additionally, the hands-on cooking time is only about 35 minutes, allowing for multitasking during simmering periods.
Step 1: Prepare the Ricotta Dumplings
Begin by combining ricotta cheese, beaten egg, flour, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley in a medium bowl. Gently mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing which creates tough dumplings. The mixture should hold together but remain slightly sticky.
Next, cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 minutes. This chilling step helps the flour hydrate and makes shaping easier. Meanwhile, you can start preparing the soup base to maximize efficiency.
Step 2: Build the Soup Foundation
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Subsequently, stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until aromatic.
Add ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no pink remains. Furthermore, the rendered fat adds incredible depth to this homestyle italian soup.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Base
Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover partially and cook for 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
During this time, the broth develops that rich, complex flavor characteristic of the best italian ricotta recipes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 4: Form and Cook the Dumplings
Remove the chilled ricotta mixture from refrigerator. Using wet hands, gently roll portions into walnut-sized balls. Don’t worry about perfect shapes, as rustic dumplings add charm to this cozy dinner soup.
Carefully drop dumplings into the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes until they float to the surface and feel firm when gently pressed. These delicate morsels transform the broth into something truly special.
Step 5: Finish with Creamy Richness
Reduce heat to low and stir in chopped spinach until wilted. Slowly pour in heavy cream while stirring constantly to prevent curdling. The soup should become luxuriously creamy and aromatic.
Finally, add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. This creates the signature richness that makes creamy cheese soups so irresistible.
Nutritional Information
This satisfying ricotta dumpling soup provides substantial nutrition per serving:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1.5 cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fat | 32g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Calcium | 425mg |
| Iron | 3.2mg |
The high protein content comes from ricotta, sausage, and cheese, making this comfort pasta soup surprisingly satisfying. Additionally, spinach contributes vitamins A, K, and folate. The calcium content supports bone health, while iron aids energy production.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this cheesy dumpling soup into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of cornstarch for thickness. This substitution reduces calories by approximately 120 per serving while adding protein.
Consider using turkey sausage instead of pork varieties to decrease saturated fat content. Moreover, increase spinach quantity to 4 cups for additional nutrients and fiber. You can also substitute half the ricotta with cottage cheese for extra protein and tang.
For those following specific diets, cauliflower rice can replace some flour in dumplings for lower carbohydrates. Additionally, unsweetened almond milk works as a cream substitute for dairy-free versions of this gnocchi style soup.
Serving Suggestions
Present this lasagna soup with ricotta dumplings in warmed bowls for optimal temperature retention. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for visual appeal. Crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks complement the rich flavors perfectly.
Create an impressive dinner party presentation by serving alongside Caesar salad and roasted vegetables. Furthermore, consider offering additional red pepper flakes for those who prefer more heat. A glass of Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with this homestyle italian soup.
For casual family dinners, serve directly from the Dutch oven with ladles for self-service. Kids especially love the fun dumpling texture, making this an excellent choice for picky eaters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overmixing dumpling batter creates dense, heavy results instead of light, fluffy textures. Mix ingredients just until combined, then stop immediately. Additionally, avoid making dumplings too large, as they may not cook through properly.
Another frequent error involves adding cream while the soup is boiling, which causes curdling. Always reduce heat to low before incorporating dairy products. Moreover, don’t skip the chilling step for dumpling mixture, as this prevents them from falling apart during cooking.
Finally, avoid overcrowding the pot when adding dumplings. Cook in batches if necessary to prevent them from sticking together or cooking unevenly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover ricotta dumpling soup in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. However, note that dumplings may absorb some broth overnight, creating a thicker consistency. Simply add warm chicken broth when reheating to restore desired texture.
For freezing, store soup base separately from fresh dumplings for best results. The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months, while fresh dumplings should be frozen individually on baking sheets before transferring to freezer bags.
When reheating, use gentle heat and stir frequently to prevent cream from separating. Additionally, add fresh spinach during reheating for optimal color and nutrition.
Conclusion
This lasagna soup with ricotta dumplings successfully captures every beloved element of traditional lasagna in a more convenient, equally satisfying format. The combination of tender dumplings, rich tomato broth, and melted cheese creates an unforgettable comfort pasta soup experience. Moreover, the recipe’s flexibility allows for numerous adaptations to suit different dietary preferences.
Whether serving family dinner or entertaining guests, this cozy dinner soup delivers consistent results with minimal effort. The pillowy ricotta dumplings provide textural interest that sets this recipe apart from ordinary soups. Try this recipe tonight and discover why cheesy dumpling soup has become such a popular trend.
Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below! We’d love to hear about your favorite variations or serving suggestions for this delightful gnocchi style soup.
FAQs
Can I make the dumplings ahead of time?
Yes, form dumplings up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate on a floured baking sheet. This actually improves their texture by allowing flavors to meld.
What if my dumplings fall apart during cooking?
This usually indicates the mixture needs more flour. Add 1-2 tablespoons additional flour to the remaining mixture before forming more dumplings.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Use 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry. Add it during the same step as fresh spinach for consistent results.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Always reduce heat to low before adding cream, and stir constantly while pouring. If curdling occurs, blend the soup briefly with an immersion blender.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Replace Italian sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for completely vegetarian ricotta dumpling soup.
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