Why do traditional lasagna recipes demand hours in the kitchen when you can capture those beloved cozy Italian flavors in a soul-warming soup? This Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter transforms the classic comfort food into a luxurious, warming bowl that delivers all the richness you crave in half the time. By combining tender pasta with a silky herb-infused broth, this herb butter soup brings together the best elements of Italian comfort cooking.
The magic lies in the velvety Italian herb butter that melts into every spoonful, creating layers of flavor that mirror traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. Meanwhile, this creamy Italian herb soup satisfies your deepest comfort food cravings while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you’re seeking an easy weeknight soup solution or planning rich Italian dinners, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results from your home kitchen.
Furthermore, this comfort pasta soup proves that weeknight cooking doesn’t require sacrificing sophistication. The aromatic blend of fresh herbs, rich dairy, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a memorable dining experience that brings families together around the table.
Ingredients
For the Italian Herb Butter:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced fine
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Soup Base:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (substitute: ground turkey or beef)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half for lighter option)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Timing
Total Time: 45 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Notably, this recipe cuts traditional lasagna cooking time by 65%, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Additionally, most ingredients can be prepped in advance, reducing active cooking time to just 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Create the Italian Herb Butter
First, combine softened butter with minced garlic, fresh basil, oregano, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix thoroughly until herbs distribute evenly throughout the butter. Subsequently, set aside at room temperature while preparing the soup base. This garlic herb soup foundation will add incredible depth to your finished dish.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through. Importantly, don’t drain the fat, as it adds essential flavor to the broth.
Step 3: Build the Aromatic Base
Add diced onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Cook for 4-5 minutes until onions become translucent. Then, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step creates the foundation for your buttery pasta soup.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in tomato paste, cooking for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Next, add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering broth. Cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite. Consequently, this creates the perfect texture for your comfort pasta soup.
Step 6: Add Dairy Components
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream. In a separate small bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese with 1/2 cup of the hot broth to temper it. Gradually add the ricotta mixture back into the pot, stirring constantly to prevent curdling.
Step 7: Finish with Herb Butter and Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the prepared Italian herb butter until completely melted. Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Your creamy Italian herb soup is now ready to serve.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (6 servings) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 285mg |
This herb butter soup provides substantial protein and calcium while delivering satisfying comfort food flavors. Moreover, the recipe serves 6 generously, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To lighten this Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter, consider these nutritious swaps. Replace ground sausage with lean ground turkey or chicken for 30% less saturated fat. Additionally, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce calories by approximately 150 per serving.
For a plant-based version, use vegetable broth and replace dairy with cashew cream and nutritional yeast. Furthermore, whole wheat lasagna noodles boost fiber content significantly. Those following keto diets can substitute zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for traditional pasta.
Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of broth makes an excellent ricotta substitute, adding probiotics while maintaining creaminess. Similarly, reduced-fat cheeses work well without compromising the cozy Italian flavors that make this dish special.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this buttery pasta soup with warm, crusty Italian bread for dipping into the rich broth. Additionally, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a bright contrast to the soup’s richness. For special occasions, pair with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.
Create a beautiful presentation by ladling soup into warm bowls, then garnishing with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Furthermore, crusty garlic bread or focaccia makes this easy weeknight soup feel like a restaurant experience.
For larger gatherings, set up a garnish station with various toppings: fresh herbs, grated cheeses, red pepper flakes, and herb oil. This interactive approach allows guests to customize their bowls while adding visual appeal to your rich Italian dinners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error involves adding dairy components too quickly, which causes curdling. Always reduce heat before incorporating cream and cheese, stirring constantly to maintain smoothness. Moreover, tempering the ricotta with hot broth prevents lumps in your creamy Italian herb soup.
Overcooking pasta directly in the soup creates mushy textures. Instead, cook noodles just until al dente, as they’ll continue softening in the hot broth. Additionally, breaking lasagna noodles into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and easier eating.
Another common mistake involves underseasoning the herb butter. Fresh herbs provide the most vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work when fresh aren’t available. However, use dried herbs sparingly, as their flavor concentrates during cooking.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. However, note that pasta continues absorbing liquid during storage, so add extra broth when reheating. Consequently, this maintains the proper soup consistency.
For best results, freeze the soup base without pasta and dairy components for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw completely, reheat, then add fresh cooked pasta and dairy ingredients. This method preserves texture and prevents separation.
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Microwave reheating works but may require additional broth to achieve the desired consistency. Furthermore, fresh herbs added just before serving brighten the flavors of reheated soup.
Conclusion
This Lasagna Soup with Italian Herb Butter proves that comfort food doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. By combining traditional Italian flavors with modern convenience, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in under an hour. The rich, creamy Italian herb soup satisfies both family weeknight dinners and special occasion meals.
The versatility of this comfort pasta soup makes it a valuable addition to any recipe collection. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or sophisticated palates, the cozy Italian flavors appeal to everyone around your table.
Try this recipe tonight and discover how simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary. Share your 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 ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup base without pasta and dairy up to 2 days in advance. Add pasta and dairy components when reheating to maintain optimal texture.
What’s the best pasta substitute for lasagna noodles?
Wide egg noodles, pappardelle, or broken fettuccine work excellently. Choose pasta shapes that hold the creamy broth well for the best buttery pasta soup experience.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Substitute coconut cream for heavy cream, use dairy-free cheese alternatives, and replace butter with olive oil mixed with herbs for similar flavor depth.
Can I use frozen herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but frozen herbs work as a substitute. Use the same quantities as fresh herbs, adding them directly to the hot soup without thawing.
Why does my soup separate when reheating?
Separation occurs when dairy components overheat. Reheat gently over low heat while stirring constantly, adding extra broth if needed to restore smooth consistency.
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