This delectable Spinach Lasagna soup is a culinary delight, reminiscent of the beloved pasta bake that graces many dinner tables. Furthermore, its exquisite blend of flavors and textures makes it a true crowd-pleaser. Moreover, the aromatic tomato broth, infused with the rich essence of garlic, oregano, and basil, sets a tantalizing stage for the savory Italian-style chicken sausage, adding depth and heartiness to every spoonful. Additionally, complementing the robust flavors are the lasagna noodles, carefully broken into the pot and cooked to al dente perfection, providing a satisfying chewiness that elevates the dish to new heights.
As the soup nears completion, a burst of freshness is introduced with the addition of vibrant spinach leaves, adding both color and nutritional value to the mix. To finish, each bowl is crowned with a dollop of creamy ricotta, a sprinkling of Parmesan cheese, and a garnish of fresh basil, further enhancing its visual appeal and taste profile. With its comforting warmth and inviting aroma, this soup is destined to become a cherished family favorite, perfect for cozy gatherings or quiet weeknight dinners.
For those who appreciate the convenience of leftovers, rest assured that this soup can be refrigerated for up to three days, allowing its flavors to meld and intensify with each passing hour. Source
Ingredients of Spinach Lasagna Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 ounces sweet Italian-style chicken sausage, casings removed (see NOTE)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or finely grated
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- One 15-ounce can no-salt-added crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
- 4 ounces lasagna sheets, broken into pieces
- 3 cups lightly packed fresh spinach leaves, coarsely chopped
- 1/3 cup ricotta cheese (part-skim or whole)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, cut into ribbons
Directions to make Spinach Lasagna Soup:
- In a large, heavy soup pot over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Add the chicken sausage and diced onion, cooking until the onion softens and the sausage browns, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and water, ensuring to swirl the water around the empty tomato can to capture all the flavorful remnants. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the noodles are cooked to al dente perfection and the soup has slightly reduced, approximately 15 minutes. Stir in the chopped spinach and remove the pot from heat.
- Ladle the soup into individual bowls, ensuring each portion receives a generous dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a garnish of fresh basil ribbons.
Note: If chicken sausage with removable casings isn’t available, pre-packaged chicken sausage can be used. Simply slice them into medallions and follow the searing instructions accordingly.
Nutritional Facts about Spinach Lasagna Soup:
Per serving (2 cups of soup with part-skim ricotta)
- Calories: 467
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Sodium: 575 mg
- Cholesterol: 102 mg
- Protein: 27 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Sugar: 7 g
Nutritional information about some key ingredients:
Ricotta cheese:
Ricotta cheese is rich in calcium and vitamin B12, making it a valuable source of protein and vitamin A. While whole milk ricotta contains higher levels of saturated fats and cholesterol, lower-fat versions are available for those seeking to moderate their intake.
Nutrition Facts:
- A half cup (129g) serving of whole milk ricotta cheese provides:
- Calories: 204
- Fat: 14.2g
- Sodium: 135mg
- Carbohydrates: 8.9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 0.3g
- Protein: 10.1g
- Calcium: 289mg
- Vitamin B12: 1.1mcg
- Magnesium: 24.8mg
- Vitamin A: 148.8mcg
Health Benefits:
Ricotta cheese, known for its light and creamy texture, offers numerous health benefits:
- Supports Bone Health: The calcium and protein in ricotta contribute to bone strength, reducing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis.
- Aids in Weight Management: Dairy intake may help preserve lean muscle mass while reducing overall calorie intake, facilitating weight loss and muscle maintenance.
- Reduces Colorectal Cancer Risk: Research suggests that dairy consumption, attributed to its calcium content, may lower the risk of colorectal and colon cancers.
- Boosts B12 Intake: Ricotta cheese is a valuable source of vitamin B12, essential for metabolism and brain health, particularly beneficial for individuals with limited meat consumption.
- Fights Inflammation: Ricotta and other dairy products may help reduce inflammation linked to metabolic disorders like type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, promoting overall health.
Chicken Broth:
Chicken broth offers a range of health advantages due to its nutrient-rich composition. With low calorie and fat content, it provides ample protein, vitamins, and minerals essential for overall well-being. The collagen and amino acids present in chicken broth play key roles in supporting various bodily functions:
- Boosts immune system: The minerals and amino acids present in chicken broth can fortify the immune system and reduce inflammation.
- Supports joint health: Thanks to collagen and gelatin, chicken broth aids in enhancing joint health and alleviating arthritis-related discomfort.
- Aids digestion: Chicken broth’s amino acids assist in maintaining a healthy gut lining, thus promoting optimal digestion.
- Promotes healthy skin: The collagen content contributes to better skin elasticity, diminishing the appearance of wrinkles.
- Enhances bone health: Essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus contribute to strong and resilient bones.
- Supports weight loss: With its low-calorie content, chicken broth helps manage appetite, aiding in weight loss efforts.
- Improves sleep quality: The amino acid glycine, found in chicken broth, enhances sleep quality and reduces daytime fatigue.
Incorporating chicken broth into your diet can thus offer numerous health benefits, making it a valuable addition to your culinary repertoire.