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- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes In this lasagna soup, the main ingredients work together to create a rich base. The olive oil adds healthy fat and flavor. Diced onion gives a sweet and savory taste. Minced garlic adds a nice kick. Ground turkey or chicken keeps it lean and protein-packed. The crushed tomatoes bring a tangy depth to the soup. - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste For broth, use chicken or vegetable. This choice adds a warm, comforting layer. Dried Italian herbs create a classic taste. Red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat, but this is optional. Season with salt and pepper to make flavors pop. - 3 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 8 oz lasagna noodles - Fresh basil for garnish Fresh spinach gives the soup a vibrant color and nutrients. Low-fat cottage cheese adds creaminess without too many calories. Shredded mozzarella melts perfectly on top, making each bowl extra delicious. Broken lasagna noodles provide that classic lasagna texture. Finally, fresh basil adds a beautiful touch and amazing flavor. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Sautéing onion and garlic: Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and clear. Stir it often. Next, add three cloves of minced garlic. Cook for one more minute. Keep stirring to avoid burning the garlic. 2. Browning the ground turkey or chicken: Now, add one pound of ground turkey or chicken to the pot. Use a spoon to break it into smaller bits. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until the meat is fully brown and no longer pink. 3. Adding crushed tomatoes and broth: Pour in one can of crushed tomatoes and four cups of chicken or vegetable broth. This is where the soup starts to come together! 4. Stirring in herbs and seasonings: Sprinkle in two teaspoons of dried Italian herbs, one teaspoon of red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat), and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to mix all the flavors. 5. Simmering to meld flavors: Increase the heat slightly and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. This step helps all the flavors blend together nicely. 6. Incorporating lasagna noodles and spinach: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring now and then, until the noodles are tender. Then, gently fold in three cups of fresh spinach. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and turns bright green. 7. Mixing in cottage cheese: Stir in one cup of low-fat cottage cheese. This adds a creamy texture to the soup. Make sure it mixes well throughout. 8. Serving suggestions: Use a ladle to serve the soup into warm bowls. Top each bowl with one cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheese will melt into the soup, making it delicious! Finish with fresh basil leaves for a nice touch before enjoying your meal. To ensure even browning of meat, use a large pot. This gives meat space to brown nicely. Break the meat into smaller pieces as it cooks. Stir often so it cooks evenly. Adjusting broth for desired consistency is key. If you like a thicker soup, reduce the broth. You can also let it simmer longer. For a lighter soup, add more broth. Adding more spices or vegetables can boost flavor. Try extra Italian herbs for depth. You could also add diced bell peppers or mushrooms. These add color and taste. Incorporating different types of cheese can make your soup special. Mix in ricotta for creaminess or add parmesan for a salty kick. Each cheese gives a unique flavor. Serving styles and garnishing make your dish shine. Use deep bowls to hold the soup well. Top each bowl with more mozzarella and fresh basil. This adds color and charm. Pairing suggestions with sides can enhance your meal. Garlic bread is a perfect match. It adds crunch and complements the soup's flavor. Pro Tips Fresh Herbs Matter: Use fresh basil instead of dried for a brighter, more aromatic flavor in your lasagna soup. Customize Your Protein: Feel free to substitute the ground turkey or chicken with lean beef or plant-based meat alternatives for a different taste. Storing Leftovers: Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but consider storing the noodles separately to avoid sogginess. Make it Creamier: For an even creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup before adding the noodles to create a smooth base. {{image_4}} You can use different protein sources in this soup. Ground beef works well for a rich flavor. You can also try plant-based options like lentils or chickpeas. These add protein and make the dish hearty. Add cooked beans or lentils for a twist. They bring a nice texture and flavor. Adding veggies can make this dish even better. Try bell peppers for crunch or zucchini for a mild taste. You can use seasonal vegetables like squash in fall. Fresh vegetables add color and nutrients. They also make the soup more filling. If you need a gluten-free meal, swap lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. You can also use zucchini slices instead of noodles. For a lower-calorie option, use lean ground turkey or chicken. You can reduce the cottage cheese or use a low-fat version. These changes keep the soup tasty while fitting your diet. To keep your Protein-Packed Lasagna Soup fresh, cool it quickly. Place it in a shallow container for fast cooling. Once cool, cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you notice any change in smell or color, it’s best to toss it out. Freezing is a great way to save leftovers for later meals. Portion your soup into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top, as liquids expand when frozen. You can freeze it for up to three months. To use, move the container to the fridge overnight to thaw. When ready, reheat in a pot over medium heat until hot. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating. Use airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage. This prevents freezer burn and keeps flavors intact. Look out for signs of spoilage, like sour smells or visible mold. If you see these signs, it’s better to discard the soup. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. How long does Protein-Packed Lasagna Soup last in the fridge? This soup lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store it in a sealed container. Make sure it cools before you put it in the fridge. Can I use different noodles for this recipe? Yes, you can use other noodles. Try penne or gluten-free options. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed. What is the protein content per serving? Each serving has about 30 grams of protein. The ground turkey and cottage cheese boost the protein levels. How can I make this soup lower in calories? You can make it lighter by using less cheese. You could also use lean ground turkey. Another option is to add more veggies. Can I make this soup in advance? Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. You can cook it a day ahead. Just reheat it on the stove before serving. What kitchen tools are recommended for this recipe? You'll need a large pot and a wooden spoon. A ladle helps for serving. A knife and cutting board are useful for chopping. This blog post covered how to make a delicious Protein-Packed Lasagna Soup. We discussed key ingredients, like olive oil, ground turkey, and fresh spinach. You learned about step-by-step instructions for cooking and flavor tips to enhance your dish. Also, we explored various options for protein and veggies for special diets. In conclusion, making this soup is simple, and it offers great taste and nutrition. Try different ingredients to make this recipe your own. Enjoy the warm, hearty goodness all week long!

Protein-Packed Lasagna Soup

A hearty and nutritious lasagna soup packed with protein and flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground turkey or chicken
  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and softened, stirring occasionally.
  • Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for an additional minute, stirring continuously to ensure it does not burn.
  • Incorporate the ground turkey or chicken, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the meat is thoroughly browned and cooked through.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Sprinkle in the dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir to blend all the flavors together.
  • Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 10 minutes so that the flavors can meld beautifully.
  • Add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles to the pot. Continue to cook for another 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and cooked al dente.
  • Gently fold in the fresh spinach and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted and bright green.
  • Stir in the cottage cheese, ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the soup for a creamy texture.
  • Using a ladle, serve the soup into warm bowls. Generously top each bowl with shredded mozzarella cheese, allowing it to melt slightly into the soup.
  • Finish by garnishing each serving with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor just before enjoying.

Notes

Serve the soup in deep bowls and add a sprinkle of extra mozzarella on top with a few fresh basil leaves for a vibrant touch. Consider pairing it with a side of crispy garlic bread to complement the dish beautifully!
Keyword healthy, lasagna, protein, soup