Description
A hearty and flavorful High Protein Lasagna Soup that’s packed with lean protein and comforting Italian flavors. This soup features broken lasagna noodles, a rich tomato and broth base, and is topped with a creamy ricotta mixture.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
- For the ricotta topping:
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (for extra protein, can substitute more ricotta)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef/turkey and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it darkens slightly.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Add dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Stir well to prevent sticking. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally.
- While the soup cooks, prepare the ricotta topping: In a medium bowl, combine ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
- If using, stir in the fresh spinach into the soup during the last 2 minutes of cooking until wilted.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, substitute the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
- You can use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to your preferred level of spice.