What happens when you take the comfort of classic lasagna and transform it into a soul-warming bowl that requires just one pot? You get the perfect One-Pot Tomato Spinach Lasagna Soup, a game-changing recipe that delivers all your favorite Italian flavors without the layering hassle. This cozy weeknight soup combines rich tomato sauce, tender pasta sheets, creamy cheese, and vibrant spinach in a single pot that will become your go-to easy Italian dinner solution.
Furthermore, this hearty pasta soup saves time without sacrificing taste. While traditional lasagna demands hours of preparation and multiple dishes, this healthy lasagna soup comes together in under 45 minutes. Additionally, it’s naturally healthier than its baked counterpart since you control the cheese and can pack in extra vegetables. Most importantly, cleanup becomes effortless with this spinach tomato recipe that transforms your kitchen into an Italian bistro.
Ingredients
This tomato spinach soup relies on simple, fresh ingredients that create layers of authentic Italian flavor:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil for higher smoke point)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (sweet onion works beautifully)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic paste)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (turkey sausage for lighter option)
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 32 ounces low-sodium vegetable broth (chicken broth acceptable)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste for depth
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 9 lasagna sheets, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 5 ounces fresh baby spinach (frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced (adds sweetness and color)
- 2 carrots, finely chopped (for natural sweetness)
Cheese and Seasonings:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (part-skim works well)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Drizzle of good olive oil
Timing
This one pot pasta soup respects your busy schedule while delivering restaurant-quality results. Preparation takes approximately 15 minutes, which includes chopping vegetables and gathering ingredients. Meanwhile, cooking requires 25-30 minutes of active time.
Total cooking time reaches 45 minutes, which is 60% faster than traditional lasagna preparation. However, the hands-on time is significantly less since everything cooks together. Consequently, you can prepare other meal components or simply relax while this comfort food bowl simmers to perfection.
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Next, add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Remove the sausage from its casing and add to the pot. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook thoroughly, about 6-8 minutes. The sausage should develop golden-brown bits that add incredible depth to your spinach tomato recipe. Drain excess fat if necessary, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Create the Tomato Base
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, allowing it to caramelize slightly. This step intensifies the tomato flavor significantly. Then, pour in crushed tomatoes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot with your spoon.
Add vegetable broth gradually while stirring continuously. Season with Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium-low for a gentle simmer. This creates the foundation for your healthy lasagna soup.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Pasta
Incorporate diced bell pepper and carrots into the simmering soup. These vegetables need about 5 minutes to soften slightly while maintaining some texture. Subsequently, add broken lasagna sheets to the pot, stirring gently to prevent sticking.
Cook the pasta according to package directions minus 2 minutes, as it will continue cooking in the soup. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from clumping together. The pasta will absorb some of the flavorful broth, creating the perfect consistency for this hearty pasta soup.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheese and Spinach
Lower the heat to the lowest setting before adding cheese. In a small bowl, whisk ricotta cheese with 2-3 tablespoons of hot soup to temper it. This prevents the cheese from curdling when added to the hot liquid.
Slowly stir the tempered ricotta mixture into the soup, followed by half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Mix gently until the cheeses melt completely. Finally, add fresh spinach in batches, stirring until wilted. The spinach will reduce significantly in volume.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Serving
Taste your One-Pot Tomato Spinach Lasagna Soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes according to your preference. The soup should have a rich, balanced flavor with noticeable cheese presence but not overwhelming richness.
Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Ladle into bowls and top with remaining mozzarella, fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information
This tomato spinach soup provides excellent nutritional value while satisfying comfort food cravings. Each serving contains approximately 320 calories, making it a reasonable dinner option. Additionally, it delivers 18 grams of protein from the sausage and cheese combination.
The soup provides significant vitamin A from spinach and carrots, plus vitamin C from bell peppers and tomatoes. Furthermore, you’ll get calcium from the three types of cheese used. The fiber content reaches 4 grams per serving, thanks to the vegetables and whole wheat pasta option.
Notably, this recipe contains less sodium than many canned soups when you use low-sodium broth. The healthy fat content comes primarily from olive oil and cheese, providing satiety without excessive calories.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this easy Italian dinner into an even lighter option with simple swaps. Replace Italian sausage with lean ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for reduced saturated fat. Moreover, you can use whole wheat lasagna sheets to increase fiber content significantly.
For dairy-free versions, substitute cashew cream for ricotta and nutritional yeast for Parmesan cheese. These alternatives maintain the creamy texture while accommodating dietary restrictions. Additionally, increase the vegetable content by adding zucchini, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrients.
Consider using cauliflower florets instead of pasta for a low-carb version. The cauliflower absorbs the flavors beautifully while providing fewer carbohydrates. Finally, reduce cheese quantities by half and add extra herbs for flavor without compromising satisfaction.
Serving Suggestions
Present this cozy weeknight soup with crusty Italian bread for dipping and soaking up every drop. Alternatively, serve alongside a simple Caesar salad to add fresh crunch that balances the rich, warm soup perfectly.
For special occasions, garnish individual bowls with a dollop of fresh ricotta, torn basil leaves, and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. This presentation makes the comfort food bowl look restaurant-worthy. Additionally, offer freshly grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes on the side for customization.
Consider serving in bread bowls for an impressive presentation that guests will remember. Hollow out round sourdough loaves and ladle the soup inside for an edible serving vessel that adds extra carbs and charm to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Overcooking pasta ranks as the most common error with this one pot pasta soup. Since the noodles continue cooking in the hot broth, undercook them initially by 2 minutes. This prevents mushy lasagna sheets that break apart completely.
Adding cheese to boiling soup causes curdling and grainy texture. Always reduce heat to low and temper the ricotta before incorporating it. Similarly, add cheese gradually while stirring constantly to maintain smooth consistency.
Don’t skip the vegetable softening step, as raw onions and carrots will remain crunchy and unpleasant in the finished soup. However, avoid overcooking vegetables until they become mushy, as they should retain some texture for visual appeal and mouthfeel.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover healthy lasagna soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. However, the pasta will continue absorbing liquid, so add extra broth when reheating to restore proper consistency.
For best results, freeze the soup base without pasta and cheese. Add fresh pasta and cheese when reheating for optimal texture and flavor. This method preserves the soup for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
When reheating, use gentle heat and stir frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of broth or water if the soup becomes too thick. Taste and adjust seasonings after reheating, as flavors can become muted during storage.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4 days | Add broth when reheating |
| Freezer (with pasta) | 1 month | Texture may change |
| Freezer (base only) | 3 months | Add pasta when reheating |
Conclusion
This One-Pot Tomato Spinach Lasagna Soup proves that comfort food can be both convenient and nutritious. By combining classic Italian flavors in a single pot, you create a memorable easy Italian dinner that satisfies the whole family. The recipe delivers all the satisfaction of traditional lasagna while requiring minimal cleanup and preparation time.
Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this hearty pasta soup adapts beautifully to your needs. The versatile base accepts various vegetables, proteins, and seasonings, making it a reliable addition to your recipe collection.
Try this recipe tonight and share your results in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag us on social media when you make this delicious spinach tomato recipe for your family!
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown the sausage and vegetables first, then transfer everything except pasta and cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, add pasta in the final 30 minutes, then stir in cheese just before serving.
What’s the best pasta substitute for lasagna sheets?
Broken penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles work wonderfully in this tomato spinach soup. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well for the best results.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Create a slurry with 2 tablespoons cornstarch and cold water, then stir into simmering soup. Alternatively, mash some of the vegetables against the pot sides to naturally thicken the broth.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chop vegetables, brown sausage, and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This makes weeknight preparation even faster for your cozy weeknight soup.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
The soup freezes well for up to 3 months, though pasta texture may soften. For best results, freeze the base without pasta and add fresh noodles when reheating.
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