In my grandmother’s kitchen, the most magical transformations happened when two beloved recipes collided. Lasagna Soup with Spinach Pesto represents exactly this kind of culinary genius, where traditional Italian comfort meets modern convenience. This creamy pesto pasta soup delivers all the satisfying layers of classic lasagna in a warm, spoonfuls-friendly format. Moreover, the vibrant spinach pesto soup base creates an incredibly rich foundation that transforms ordinary dinner nights into restaurant-quality experiences.
What makes this healthy lasagna soup truly special is how it captures that authentic cozy Italian flavor while reducing prep time by 60% compared to traditional layered lasagna. Additionally, the green pasta soup consistency allows every ingredient to meld beautifully, creating a comforting pasta bowl that satisfies both hungry families and sophisticated palates. Furthermore, this hearty soup dinner proves that weeknight cooking doesn’t require sacrificing flavor for convenience.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (or ground turkey for lighter option)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups water
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For the Spinach Pesto:
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup pine nuts (substitute: walnuts or almonds)
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Creamy Component:
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
The aromatic garlic and herbs create an intoxicating fragrance that fills your kitchen within minutes. Meanwhile, the combination of three cheeses provides that authentic Italian richness without overwhelming the delicate spinach flavors.
Timing
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
This recipe takes approximately 40 minutes from start to finish, which is 65% faster than traditional lasagna preparation. Additionally, the active cooking time requires only 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Furthermore, the pesto can be prepared up to 3 days ahead, reducing actual cook time to just 30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Pesto
First, combine spinach, basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, and garlic in a food processor. Next, pulse until roughly chopped, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while processing. Continue until the mixture reaches a smooth, vibrant green consistency. Season with salt and pepper, then set aside. This basil spinach soup foundation will transform your ordinary soup into something extraordinary.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Then, add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. The meat should develop a golden crust that adds incredible depth to your hearty soup dinner.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base
Add diced onion to the same pot and sauté for 4-5 minutes until softened. Subsequently, stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step creates the flavor foundation that makes this cozy Italian flavor profile so irresistible.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Tomatoes
Pour in chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and water. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. The rich tomato base perfectly balances the upcoming creamy pesto elements.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for 12-14 minutes until pasta reaches al dente texture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will continue cooking slightly in the hot broth, so aim for just tender.
Step 6: Create the Creamy Blend
In a medium bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese and heavy cream until smooth. This mixture prevents the cheese from clumping when added to the hot soup. Gradually temper this mixture by adding 1/2 cup of hot soup liquid while whisking constantly.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir the tempered cream mixture into the soup. Then, add 3/4 of the prepared spinach pesto, reserving the remainder for garnish. Gently fold in mozzarella cheese until melted and distributed throughout.
Step 8: Final Seasoning
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The creamy pesto pasta soup should have a balanced flavor where no single element overpowers the others. Serve immediately while hot.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (6 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 285mg |
| Iron | 3.2mg |
This healthy lasagna soup provides substantial protein while delivering essential vitamins from the spinach and basil. Additionally, the recipe contains 40% of your daily calcium needs and significant amounts of vitamins A and K. Moreover, each serving offers complete amino acids from the combination of meat and dairy proteins.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Replace Italian sausage with lean ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter option. Additionally, substitute heavy cream with unsweetened cashew cream or Greek yogurt for reduced calories. Furthermore, use whole wheat lasagna noodles to increase fiber content by 85%.
For dairy-free versions, replace ricotta with blended silken tofu and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Meanwhile, coconut milk provides excellent creaminess without compromising the green pasta soup texture. These modifications maintain the comforting pasta bowl experience while accommodating various dietary needs.
Consider adding extra vegetables like diced zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to boost nutrient density. These additions integrate seamlessly into the soup base while providing additional vitamins and minerals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy pesto pasta soup with crusty Italian bread or garlic breadsticks for the ultimate comfort meal. Additionally, a simple Caesar salad provides fresh contrast to the rich soup flavors. Furthermore, top each bowl with extra fresh basil, a dollop of the reserved pesto, and freshly grated Parmesan.
For special occasions, present the soup in hollowed-out sourdough bowls for an impressive presentation. Meanwhile, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes add restaurant-style finishing touches.
This hearty soup dinner pairs beautifully with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio. The wine’s acidity complements the rich, creamy texture while highlighting the fresh herb flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest error involves adding dairy products to boiling soup, which causes curdling. Always reduce heat to low before incorporating cream or cheese. Additionally, tempering the cream mixture prevents temperature shock that ruins texture.
Overcooking the pasta represents another common issue. Remember that lasagna noodles continue softening in the hot broth even after cooking stops. Therefore, aim for slightly underdone pasta when first added.
Never add all the pesto at once, as this can overwhelm the delicate flavor balance. Instead, start with 3/4 of the mixture and adjust according to taste preferences. Finally, avoid storing the soup with pasta already added, as noodles become mushy overnight.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover Lasagna Soup with Spinach Pesto in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. However, note that pasta continues absorbing liquid, so add extra broth when reheating. Additionally, store extra pesto separately to maintain its bright green color and fresh flavor.
For longer storage, freeze the soup base without pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh noodles when serving frozen soup to maintain optimal texture. Meanwhile, pesto freezes beautifully in ice cube trays for convenient portioning.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the proper consistency. Heat gently over medium-low heat while stirring frequently to prevent scorching the dairy components.
Conclusion
This Lasagna Soup with Spinach Pesto transforms two Italian classics into one incredible comforting pasta bowl that satisfies every craving. The vibrant spinach pesto soup base combined with tender pasta and rich cheese creates an unforgettable dining experience. Moreover, this healthy lasagna soup proves that comfort food can be both nutritious and convenient.
The cozy Italian flavors in this recipe will quickly make it a family favorite that brings everyone to the dinner table. Try this creamy pesto pasta soup tonight and discover how simple ingredients can create extraordinary results. Share your photos and variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you love it as much as we do!
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FAQs
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the Italian sausage with crumbled firm tofu, tempeh, or your favorite plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely vegetarian.
Q: How can I make the pesto less bitter?
A: Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, then immediately transfer to ice water. This removes any bitterness while preserving the vibrant green color. Additionally, balance with a pinch of sugar if needed.
Q: What if I don’t have pine nuts for the pesto?
A: Walnuts, almonds, or sunflower seeds work excellently as substitutes. Each provides different flavor profiles, with walnuts being the closest to pine nuts in texture and taste.
Q: Can I prep this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the pesto up to 3 days ahead and store covered in the refrigerator. Cook the soup base without pasta, then add fresh noodles when reheating to serve.
Q: Why did my soup curdle?
A: Curdling occurs when dairy products are added to boiling liquid. Always reduce heat to low and temper your cream mixture with hot soup before incorporating it into the pot.
Q: How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
A: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it continues cooking in the hot broth. For meal prep, store pasta separately and add fresh noodles when serving reheated soup.
