
What Makes This Soup Special
This soup delivers that authentic lasagna taste without all the fuss. The hearty sausage keeps you satisfied, while the noodles soak up the amazing flavors around them. The mushrooms and spinach bring freshness to the table, and that velvety cheese sauce ties everything together beautifully. Always cook extra - you'll want seconds tomorrow when the flavors deepen even more.Your Shopping List
- Sausage: Mild or hot will work fine
- Onion: Diced into tiny bits
- Mushrooms: Whatever variety you prefer
- Garlic: Nothing beats minced fresh cloves
- Spinach: Grab the tender baby variety
- Chicken Broth: Reduced sodium works best
- Lasagna Noodles: You'll snap these into pieces
- Oregano: The dried version is perfect
- Basil: Regular dried basil is fine
- Butter: Unsalted table butter
- Flour: All-purpose works great
- Milk: Full-fat gives the creamiest results
- Parmesan: Skip the container stuff, get freshly grated
Cooking Instructions
- Prep your station:
- Set your large pot on the burner. Get your ingredients chopped and measured beforehand.
- Brown the meat:
- Throw sausage into the pot at medium heat. Smash it up as it cooks until fully browned. Takes roughly 7 minutes.
- Add main veggies:
- Toss in your diced onions and mushroom slices with the cooked meat. Stir occasionally until onions turn translucent. Should take around 6 minutes.
- Mix in delicate veggies:
- Add minced garlic and fresh spinach leaves. Keep stirring until spinach wilts down. Only needs about 1 minute.
- Add the broth:
- Pour in your chicken broth. Turn up the heat until it starts to simmer. Let it bubble for 5 minutes.
- Noodles and seasonings time:
- Snap lasagna sheets into chunky pieces. Add them plus oregano and basil. Keep at a gentle simmer.
- Watch your pasta:
- Give it a stir now and then to prevent sticking. Cook until noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Begin cheese mixture:
- While pasta softens, melt butter in a separate pan. Once bubbly, mix in flour. Keep stirring for 1 minute until it smells toasty.
- Create the sauce:
- Gradually pour in milk while constantly stirring. Keep going until mixture thickens, roughly 3-5 minutes.
- Melt in cheese:
- Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan until completely melted for a smooth finish.
- Combine everything:
- Dump your cheese mixture into the main pot. Stir well to blend everything into a uniform, creamy soup.
- Taste test:
- Sample a spoonful. Add salt and pepper if needed. For thinner soup, splash in more broth.
- Dish it out:
- Scoop hot soup into bowls. Sprinkle with extra cheese if you're feeling fancy.
Cozy Winter Comfort
On those frigid winter days, nothing satisfies like this hearty soup. The rich cheese sauce makes it indulgent, while the combo of sausage and noodles fills you right up. It's basically comfort in a bowl.The Secret Touch
What really sets this soup apart is its luxurious cheese sauce. Don't rush the cheese melting process - it needs to blend completely. When done properly, you'll get that incredibly smooth, rich texture in every bite.Key Ingredients
This soup brings together all the right elements. The sausage provides heartiness, mushrooms deliver earthiness, spinach adds a fresh note, and those noodles really bring the lasagna feel. Everything comes together for that perfect flavor balance.Fuss-Free Cooking
Don't let the incredible taste fool you - this soup couldn't be simpler to make. You probably have most ingredients in your kitchen already, and it comes together in just half an hour. It's your go-to for busy evenings when you need something warming and substantial.Even Better Tomorrow
Be sure to keep some for later - it tastes even more amazing the next day. All those flavors mingle overnight for an even richer experience. Just warm it gently on the stovetop whenever you're ready for round two.Helpful Pointers
Snap those noodles into large chunks so they don't turn mushy when small. Don't stop stirring that cheese sauce or it might separate. If your soup thickens too much, just add a splash more broth. Always taste before adding salt since Parmesan brings plenty of saltiness already.Customization Ideas
Want some heat? Go for spicy Italian sausage instead. Prefer vegetarian? Skip the meat and double up on the mushrooms. Craving more cheese? Go ahead and pile extra Parmesan on each serving. Adjust it however you want.Pairing Suggestions
Set out some crusty garlic bread for dunking. Sprinkle fresh basil on each bowl if you have some. Many folks enjoy an extra handful of grated cheese on top. A simple green salad makes the perfect side dish.Storage Advice
Store any leftover soup in your fridge for up to 4 days. If it thickens up, just add a little milk when reheating. Stir occasionally while warming to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of your pot.Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I skip the meat for this?
Absolutely! Swap sausage for mushrooms, throw in veggie crumbles, or load up on stuff like zucchini and eggplant. The cheese will still make it rich and hearty.
- → Is there a way to make it without regular pasta?
Totally doable! Grab some brown rice lasagna pasta or other gluten-free options. Use corn starch in place of flour to thicken it up. Same great taste, no wheat.
- → What vegetables go well in this?
Plenty of options! Toss in some red bell peppers or chopped zucchini for variety. Spinach is great; just throw it in last. Carrots or small broccoli pieces also work nicely. Make sure everything is cut small so it cooks evenly.
- → Too watery - how do I fix it?
Easy! Add more cheese—it melts and helps thicken everything up. Or mix some corn starch with cold water, stir it in, and let it cook till it's thick enough. Add bit by bit till it’s just right.
- → Can leftovers be frozen?
Yes, but freeze it before tossing the noodles in—those can get soggy. When reheating, cook up fresh pasta separately and mix it in. If you've already added noodles, it'll still be tasty; just stir well when reheating.
Conclusion
Fan of this cozy soup? Dive into these: Italian Wedding Soup, Hearty Mushroom Parmesan Soup, or Sausage & Kale Stew. All are just as soulful and satisfying.