Here’s a stat that flips expectations: soup sales spike by 32% during weeknights when families crave comfort but lack time for elaborate cooking. This Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter delivers all the satisfaction of traditional layered pasta without the fuss. Moreover, this herb butter soup transforms ordinary weeknight dinners into restaurant-quality experiences.
Instead of wrestling with pasta sheets and waiting hours for bubbling layers, you’ll create rich, creamy flavors in just one pot. Furthermore, this creamy italian herb soup combines tender pasta, savory meat, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs into each spoonful. The secret lies in the garlic herb soup base that infuses every ingredient with aromatic warmth.
Additionally, busy families love how this comfort pasta soup satisfies hungry appetites while requiring minimal cleanup afterward. The cozy italian flavors remind you of grandmother’s kitchen without demanding her hours of preparation. Best of all, this easy weeknight soup proves that convenience never requires sacrificing taste or nutrition.
Ingredients
This buttery pasta soup relies on fresh, quality ingredients that create layers of flavor. Each component contributes to the rich italian dinners experience you’ll achieve.
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (substitute ground turkey for lighter option)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk (substitute half-and-half for richer texture)
- 12 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Italian Herb Butter:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Substitution Notes:
Replace Italian sausage with ground beef seasoned with fennel seeds. Swap ricotta for cottage cheese if preferred. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for vegetarian versions.
Timing
This Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter requires strategic timing for perfect results. Total preparation takes approximately 45 minutes, which saves 60% of traditional lasagna cooking time.
Breakdown:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people
Consequently, you’ll spend less time cooking while creating more satisfying results than typical weeknight alternatives.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Italian Herb Butter
First, combine softened butter with minced herbs and garlic in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients distribute evenly throughout the butter. Next, set aside at room temperature while preparing the soup base. This aromatic mixture will transform your garlic herb soup into something extraordinary.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking apart with a wooden spoon. The meat should develop golden-brown color and release savory aromas. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion to the same pot with the sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, stir in minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute until fragrant. These foundational flavors create the base for your creamy italian herb soup.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This step develops the rich foundation that makes this comfort pasta soup so satisfying.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should reach al dente texture while absorbing the flavorful broth around it.
Step 6: Create Creaminess
Slowly pour in milk while stirring continuously to prevent curdling. Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. The temperature should remain hot enough to melt the cheese without overcooking.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Then, add dollops of the prepared herb butter, allowing it to melt into swirls of aromatic richness. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 8: Final Touches
Ladle the buttery pasta soup into bowls and top with remaining cheese. Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra pat of herb butter for ultimate indulgence.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter provides balanced nutrition for satisfying family meals.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 42g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 320mg |
| Iron | 3.2mg |
The protein content supports muscle maintenance while carbohydrates provide sustained energy. Additionally, the calcium from dairy ingredients supports bone health, making this rich italian dinners option nutritionally complete.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this easy weeknight soup into lighter versions without sacrificing the cozy italian flavors you crave.
Lower Fat Options:
- Replace Italian sausage with lean ground turkey seasoned with fennel
- Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk
- Substitute part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses
- Reduce herb butter to 3 tablespoons
Vegetarian Modifications:
- Swap sausage for diced mushrooms and zucchini
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth
- Add white beans for extra protein
- Include spinach for additional nutrients
Gluten-Free Version:
- Replace lasagna noodles with rice noodles or zucchini ribbons
- Verify all other ingredients are certified gluten-free
- Consider adding cauliflower for extra vegetables
These modifications maintain the soul-warming qualities while meeting various dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Present this herb butter soup in ways that maximize both flavor and visual appeal.
Bread Pairings:
Serve alongside crusty Italian bread, garlic breadsticks, or focaccia. The bread helps soak up every drop of the rich broth while providing textural contrast.
Salad Combinations:
Pair with a simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. The fresh, crisp vegetables balance the richness of the creamy italian herb soup.
Garnish Ideas:
Top with fresh basil leaves, extra Parmesan shavings, or a drizzle of good olive oil. These finishing touches create restaurant-quality presentation at home.
Family Style:
Serve in a large tureen with ladles, allowing family members to serve themselves. This approach creates a communal dining experience that brings everyone together.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these frequent errors to guarantee perfect results with your comfort pasta soup.
Overcooking the Pasta:
Add noodles during the final cooking phase to prevent mushy texture. Overcooked pasta absorbs too much liquid and loses its pleasant bite.
Curdling the Milk:
Remove from heat before adding dairy ingredients. High temperatures cause proteins to separate, creating an unappetizing texture.
Insufficient Seasoning:
Taste frequently during cooking and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs accordingly. Under-seasoned soup disappoints even with quality ingredients.
Burning the Garlic:
Cook garlic briefly to prevent bitter flavors from developing. Burnt garlic ruins the delicate herb profile this recipe requires.
Skipping the Herb Butter:
This component distinguishes ordinary soup from the extraordinary buttery pasta soup experience. Don’t skip this crucial step.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage extends the enjoyment of your Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter beyond the initial meal.
Refrigeration:
Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after resting overnight as ingredients continue melding together.
Reheating Instructions:
Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add a splash of broth or milk if the soup appears too thick after refrigeration.
Freezing Guidelines:
Freeze portions without the pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when reheating to maintain proper texture and prevent mushiness.
Make-Ahead Strategy:
Prepare the soup base without pasta up to 2 days ahead. Add noodles during final reheating for optimal results.
Label containers with contents and date to track freshness accurately.
Conclusion
This Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter proves that weeknight dinners can deliver both convenience and exceptional flavor. The cozy italian flavors transform simple ingredients into memorable family meals that satisfy everyone around your table. Furthermore, the rich italian dinners experience doesn’t require hours of preparation or complicated techniques.
Try this recipe tonight and discover how easily you can create restaurant-quality results at home. Share your variations and results in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe to help other home cooks find their new favorite easy weeknight soup.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the Italian sausage with diced mushrooms, bell peppers, or plant-based sausage alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for completely vegetarian results.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Add the broken lasagna noodles during the final 15 minutes of cooking time. This timing ensures they reach perfect al dente texture without overcooking.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Cook the sausage and aromatics in a skillet first, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and tomatoes. Add pasta during the final 30 minutes on high heat.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Warm gently over low heat while stirring frequently. Add extra broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick after refrigeration.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freeze the soup base without pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture and flavor.
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