Skinnytaste Lasagna Soup is a lighter twist on traditional lasagna, bringing all the familiar flavors of this beloved Italian dish into a comforting bowl of soup. Packed with lean ground meat, rich tomato sauce, and a blend of cheeses, this recipe captures the essence of lasagna while being mindful of calorie intake.
It’s a perfect dish for those who crave the taste of lasagna but want to enjoy it in a more balanced and nutritious way. Whether you’re looking for a cozy meal on a chilly day or simply want to switch up your dinner routine, Skinnytaste Lasagna Soup offers a delicious and satisfying option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Variations and Tips:
Here are some variations and tips to customize your Skinnytaste Lasagna Soup and make it your own:
Variations:
- Protein Options:
- Turkey or Chicken: Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken to reduce the fat content further.
- Vegetarian: Skip the meat entirely and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Sausage: Use Italian sausage (or turkey sausage for a leaner option) to give the soup a more robust, spiced flavor.
- Noodle Choices:
- Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free: Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for added fiber, or gluten-free noodles if you have dietary restrictions.
- Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, substitute them with other pasta shapes like bowties, rotini, or even broken-up spaghetti.
- Cheese Variations:
- Ricotta Mixture: Mix ricotta cheese with some fresh herbs and a pinch of nutmeg to dollop on top of the soup, adding a creamy texture.
- Vegan Cheese: For a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese shreds or homemade cashew-based cheese to mimic the creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Extra Vegetables:
- Boost Veggies: Add more diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or kale to increase the nutrient content and make the soup more filling.
- Tomato Variety: Experiment with different types of tomatoes, like fire-roasted or cherry tomatoes, to change up the flavor profile.
Tips:
- Make It Ahead: The flavors of the soup deepen when it sits, so it’s a great dish to prepare in advance. Just keep the cooked noodles separate and add them to the soup when reheating to prevent them from getting mushy.
- Control Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth slightly or let the soup simmer longer to reduce. For a thinner consistency, simply add more broth or water.
- Garnish: Finish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh basil, a drizzle of olive oil, or a dash of red pepper flakes for added flavor and presentation.
- Leftovers: This soup freezes well, but it’s best to freeze it without the noodles. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw, reheat, and cook the noodles fresh to add in before serving.
- Slow Cooker Option: To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the meat and onions first, then transfer all the ingredients (except the noodles and cheese) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
These variations and tips allow you to customize the soup according to your taste preferences and dietary needs, making it a versatile and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients for Skinnytaste Lasagna Soup:
Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to make Skinnytaste Lasagna Soup:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef or turkey
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnishes (Optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
These ingredients create a flavorful and satisfying soup that captures the essence of lasagna in a lighter, broth-based form. You can adjust the quantities and ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs.
How To Make Easy Skinnytaste Lasagna Soup:
To make easy Skinnytaste Lasagna Soup, follow these steps:
- Cook the Meat:
- In a large pot, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey and cook until browned.
- Drain any excess fat, then add 1 diced onion and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion is soft.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings:
- Pour in 4 cups of reduced-sodium chicken broth, 2 ½ cups of water, 1 (28-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes, and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
- Stir in 1 bay leaf, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, and ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes (optional).
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add 8 ounces of broken lasagna noodles to the pot.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are cooked through about 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping:
- In a bowl, mix 1 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.
More Soup Recipes:
Here are some more delicious soup recipes you might enjoy:
1. Chicken Tortilla Soup
- A hearty, flavorful soup made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, beans, and corn, topped with crispy tortilla strips and avocado.
2. Butternut Squash Soup
- A creamy and rich soup made with roasted butternut squash, onions, and a touch of nutmeg, often garnished with a swirl of cream or toasted pumpkin seeds.
3. Minestrone Soup
- A classic Italian vegetable soup filled with beans, pasta, and seasonal vegetables in a tomato-based broth.
4. Tomato Basil Soup
- A smooth and creamy soup made with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and a hint of garlic, perfect with a side of grilled cheese.
5. Broccoli Cheddar Soup
- A rich and cheesy soup with tender broccoli florets often served in a bread bowl.
6. French Onion Soup
- A savory soup with caramelized onions and beef broth topped with a slice of baguette and melted Gruyère cheese.
7. Lentil Soup
- A nutritious and filling soup made with lentils, vegetables, and herbs, simmered to perfection.
8. Potato Leek Soup
- A creamy soup made with tender leeks and potatoes often pureed for a smooth texture.
These soups are versatile and can be adjusted to suit your dietary preferences or seasonal ingredients. Enjoy experimenting with different flavors.