Warm Up With Lasagna Soup

Lasagna Soup

Ingredients

For Soup:

• 2 tsp. olive oil
• 1 lb. Sweet Italian sausage
• 2 cups chopped Vidalia onions
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste
• 1 28-oz. can fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 5 cups chicken stock
• 8 oz. Cavatappi pasta
• 1 tbsp dried basil
• salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Cheesy Mixture:

• 8 oz. Ricotta
• 1/2 c. grated Parmesan
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• Few grinds black pepper
• 2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add sausage and brown, then cut into bite sized pieces.
• Add onions and cook until softened.
• Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
• Add tomato paste and stir well. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
• Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken stock.
• Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
• Right before serving, stir in the basil and season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Cook the pasta separately, and then add pasta to individual bowls.
• In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
• To serve, place a spoonful of the cheesy mixture on top of the pasta, top with some Mozzarella and ladle the hot soup over.

*Adapted from 300 Sensational Soups (Carla Snyder and Meredit Deeds)