Ingredients
Method
1. Brown the Sausage
Warm a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it apart while cooking. Let it brown fully, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate but keep the flavorful drippings in the pot.
2. Cook the Aromatics
Add chopped onion to the same pot and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly, just until fragrant.
3. Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle boil.
4. Add the Pasta
Drop in the broken lasagna pieces. Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
5. Finish with Cream and Greens
Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, cooked sausage, and spinach. Simmer a few minutes until the spinach softens.
6. Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with mozzarella, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Watch the pasta carefully so it stays tender, not mushy.
- Grate cheese fresh for the best melt and flavor.
- Taste as you cook to balance seasoning.
- Prep ingredients ahead to make dinner even faster.
- Adjust the cream amount to suit your preferred richness.
Easy Variations
- Gluten-free: Swap in gluten-free pasta.
- Meatless version: Use sautéed mushrooms and vegetable broth.
- Extra spicy: Choose hot sausage or add more chili flakes.
- Winter greens: Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
- Low-carb: Replace noodles with zucchini strips or shredded cabbage.
Serving & Storage
Serve piping hot with crusty bread or garlic knots for a cozy meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding extra broth or cream if needed. To freeze, prepare the soup without pasta and store for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when serving.Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute ground turkey?Yes, ground turkey works well. Add a little extra seasoning for flavor. How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives. How do I keep noodles from getting soft?
Cook them separately and add to bowls just before serving. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, just leave out the noodles before freezing. What can replace spinach?
Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula are great options.
