Here’s the twist: most comfort tomato soup recipes leave you craving something more substantial. This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup changes everything by combining the best of both worlds. Furthermore, this rich recipe transforms traditional soup into a hearty meal that satisfies like a complete dinner. Meanwhile, the sun dried tomato soup base provides incredible depth of flavor that regular tomato soup simply can’t match.
Additionally, this recipe delivers all the comfort of classic lasagna in a bowl. Moreover, the creamy Italian recipes tradition shines through every spoonful. Consequently, you’ll discover why this hearty pasta soup has become a favorite for cozy winter dinners. Therefore, get ready to experience a rich tomato flavor that will redefine your soup expectations. Best of all, this easy soup recipe requires minimal effort for maximum taste.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this incredible pasta soup bowls experience:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta & Cheese:
- 8 oz lasagna sheets, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
Optional Substitutions:
- Substitute cashew cream for heavy cream (dairy-free option)
- Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber
- Replace ricotta with Greek yogurt for protein boost
- Swap vegetable broth with chicken broth for richer flavor
Timing
This recipe takes approximately 45 minutes total, which is 30% faster than traditional lasagna preparation. Specifically, prep time requires 15 minutes, while cooking takes 30 minutes. Meanwhile, most lasagna recipes demand 90 minutes or more. Consequently, this soup delivers similar flavors in half the time.
| Phase | Time Required | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Prep | 15 minutes | Chopping vegetables, measuring ingredients |
| Cooking | 30 minutes | Sautéing, simmering, adding pasta |
| Total | 45 minutes | Complete soup preparation |
Building the Flavor Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Then, add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Subsequently, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
Pro Tip: Save some oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to add extra flavor depth. Also, don’t skip the garlic browning step, as it creates the foundation for this rich tomato flavor.
Adding the Tomato Foundation
Pour in crushed tomatoes and vegetable broth, then bring to a boil. Afterward, reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, add dried basil and oregano. Additionally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chef’s Secret: Simmer uncovered to concentrate flavors. Furthermore, taste frequently during this stage to adjust seasoning.
Incorporating the Pasta
Add broken lasagna pieces to the simmering soup. Then, cook for 8-10 minutes until pasta becomes tender. Meanwhile, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Subsequently, the pasta will release starch, naturally thickening the soup.
Important Note: Break lasagna sheets into bite-sized pieces before adding. Also, fresh pasta cooks faster than dried, so adjust timing accordingly.
Creating the Creamy Element
Slowly stir in heavy cream, then reduce heat to low. Next, add spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, stirring gently to incorporate. Meanwhile, avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent curdling. Subsequently, the soup should become rich and velvety.
Technique Tip: Temper the cream by adding a ladle of hot soup to it first. Then, gradually add this mixture back to the pot.
Final Assembly
Stir in half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Then, taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Finally, remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare your serving bowls.
Finishing Touch: Reserve some cheese for garnishing individual bowls. Also, fresh basil added at the end brightens the entire dish.
Nutritional Information
This hearty pasta soup provides substantial nutrition in every serving:
| Nutrient | Per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 22g | 44% |
| Carbohydrates | 38g | 13% |
| Fat | 28g | 36% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Calcium | 380mg | 38% |
| Vitamin C | 25mg | 28% |
Additionally, sun-dried tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Meanwhile, the cheese contributes significant protein and calcium. Furthermore, this recipe serves 6 people generously.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this creamy Italian recipes favorite into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor:
Dairy Modifications:
- Replace heavy cream with cashew cream for 40% fewer calories
- Use part-skim ricotta instead of full-fat variety
- Substitute Greek yogurt for half the ricotta content
Pasta Alternatives:
- Choose whole grain lasagna sheets for added fiber
- Try chickpea pasta for extra protein
- Use zucchini noodles for low-carb option
Additional Vegetables:
- Add spinach for iron and vitamins
- Include bell peppers for vitamin C
- Mix in mushrooms for umami depth
These swaps maintain the comfort tomato soup essence while boosting nutritional value significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Present this Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup in style for memorable cozy winter dinners:
Garnish Ideas:
- Sprinkle fresh basil leaves on top
- Add a dollop of ricotta cheese
- Drizzle with good olive oil
- Dust with extra Parmesan
Accompaniments:
- Serve with crusty garlic bread
- Pair with a crisp Caesar salad
- Offer with herb-crusted breadsticks
- Include antipasto platter for full Italian experience
Presentation Tips:
- Use warm bowls to keep soup hot longer
- Provide soup spoons and small forks for pasta pieces
- Set up a cheese station for customization
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent these frequent errors to ensure perfect pasta soup bowls every time:
Temperature Control:
Never boil the soup after adding dairy products. Instead, maintain gentle heat to prevent separation. Also, let the soup cool slightly before adding cream.
Pasta Timing:
Don’t overcook the lasagna pieces. Moreover, they continue cooking in the hot soup even after removing from heat. Therefore, aim for slightly firm texture.
Cheese Integration:
Avoid adding cheese to rapidly boiling soup. Furthermore, stir gently to prevent stringy texture. Additionally, add cheese gradually for smooth incorporation.
Seasoning Balance:
Taste frequently during cooking, as sun-dried tomatoes add natural saltiness. Meanwhile, cheese also contributes sodium content. Consequently, adjust salt accordingly.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage maintains this easy soup recipe‘s quality for days:
Refrigeration:
Store cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Meanwhile, the pasta will absorb liquid, so add broth when reheating. Additionally, stir gently to redistribute ingredients.
Freezing Guidelines:
Freeze soup without dairy components for best results. Then, add cream and cheese after thawing and reheating. Moreover, freeze in portion-sized containers for convenient meals.
Reheating Methods:
Warm slowly over low heat, stirring frequently. Also, add extra broth if soup becomes too thick. Furthermore, avoid microwaving at high power to prevent separation.
Make-Ahead Strategy:
Prepare base without pasta and dairy, then add these components when serving. This method maintains optimal texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Lasagna Soup perfectly combines comfort, convenience, and incredible flavor. Moreover, it delivers restaurant-quality taste in your own kitchen. Additionally, the recipe adapts easily to various dietary needs and preferences.
The rich tomato flavor paired with creamy textures creates an unforgettable dining experience. Furthermore, this hearty pasta soup satisfies like a complete meal while requiring minimal effort. Therefore, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or special weekend dinners.
Try this recipe today and discover why it’s becoming a favorite for cozy winter dinners. Also, share your results and variations in the comments below. Meanwhile, bookmark this page for future cooking adventures.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the base without pasta and dairy components. Then, add these ingredients when ready to serve for best texture and flavor.
What’s the best way to break lasagna sheets?
Break uncooked sheets into 2-inch pieces by hand. Alternatively, use kitchen shears for more precise cuts.
Can I substitute the sun-dried tomatoes?
Fresh cherry tomatoes work, but reduce liquid slightly. However, sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor that’s hard to replicate.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling?
Keep heat low after adding dairy products. Also, temper cream before adding to hot soup.
What wine pairs well with this soup?
A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti complements the rich tomato flavors perfectly. Alternatively, Pinot Grigio offers a lighter option.
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