The calendar says it fall, but the weather outside really hasn’t felt like it yet. We’re still in the 60’s every day and the temperatures aren’t dropping all that much at night so mornings haven’t been very brisk. No complaints here! Now if only we could figure out a way to stop the days from getting shorter. It’s dark by about 6 pm most nights lately, and I know it’s just a few more weeks until we roll the clocks back an hour and the sun is gone before it’s even 5 o’clock. I’m dreading it like you wouldn’t believe.
I can handle all the cold weather and snow New England throws at me (I actually love snow!), but the lack of sun and daylight hours is what really kills me about winter. Shane’s been talking about getting me one of those light boxes for years (he’s convinced I have seasonal affective disorder), but I’m pretty skeptical that a lamp can serve as any kind of meaningful replacement for actual sunshine. Anyone have one? Does it really make a difference?
Because it’s been so warm, I really haven’t been craving fall comfort foods as much as usual, but soup is an exception. I love that I can make a batch early in the week and enjoy leftovers for days to come. Lunch dilemma solved! This lightened-up broccoli-cheddar soup is in heavy rotation right now as is this creamless creamy tomato soup, and recently I added another favorite to the lineup with this lasagna soup.
Lasagna soup is exactly what it sounds like – everything you love about lasagna in a comforting bowl of soup. It’s made with Italian sausage, tomatoes, pasta, and of course lots of cheese, it’s only the best part of lasagna, right? π Sometimes you just don’t have the time or energy to make traditional lasagna, and that’s where this soup comes in. It’s quick and easy to throw together, 100% doable even on a busy weeknight. Served with a salad on the side and maybe a slice of garlic bread, it’s a hearty fall dinner the whole family will love!
Lasagna Soup
adapted from 300 Sensational Soups by Carla Snyder via Elly Says Opa
{Note: if you use hot Italian sausage along with the red pepper flakes and fire-roasted tomatoes, this soup definitely packs a little heat. Just wanted to warn you in case you’re serving to anyone who isn’t a spicy foods fan.}
Soup
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 lbs Italian sausage, casings removed
2 medium onions, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 (14 oz) cans fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 bay leaves
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups beef broth
8 oz dry pasta (I used cavatappi)
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, plus extra for garnish
Cheese Mixture
8 oz ricotta (part-skim is fine)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim is fine)
Set a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the oil, and when it shimmers, add the sausage. Brown the meat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir in the onions and cook until softened. Mix in the garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste, and cook for just a minute or two, until the garlic is fragrant. Add the tomatoes, bay leaves, chicken broth, and beef broth, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a boil then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes (uncovered). Stir in the pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
While the pasta cooks, stir together the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella to make the cheese mixture. When the soup is ready, season to taste with salt and pepper then remove the pot from the heat and add the basil, stirring to incorporate.
To serve: Scoop a dollop of the cheese mixture into the bottom of each bowl, then top with the soup. Place another dollop of cheese on top, if desired. Garnish with additional basil.
Leftovers: The pasta will continue to absorb broth as it sits so leftovers will be quite thick. Feel free to add additional broth to thin the mixture back to soup consistency.
The lack of sunlight is the WORST. I’ve been super spoiled with it this summer since we have these HUGE windows. I have a lowel ego light and it’s good…but I think I’m just going to have to start cooking in the morning before work.
I made this soup last fall! It’s one of the.boy’s favorite things I’ve ever made. Ever.
For the record – lasagna soup sounds even better than normal lasagna! And healthier! Thanks for sharing π
Getting dark early is the worst part of Fall! The soup sounds delicious!
OMG!! Love lasagna soup!!! It’s finally cooling off here in NM so I’m started to get more soup-excited!
One of the few cold weather perks is definitely soup! This looks scrumptious!
I’m dreading the shorter days too. I am barely getting comfortable with taking photos in sunlight and now have to deal with lack of sun. I’ve heard of lowel ego light from Plate to Pixels and was thinking about it. This soup is delicious!! And the spicy the better in my opinion.
Those light lamps can make a HUGE difference, at least it did for my MIL.
In fact, just on the news last night, they are now being used for those recovering from chemo and other cancer treatments. After their treatments, they are left drained, no energy or ability to do much.
Light lamps are being used and they are noticing a huge pick me up on their energy levels.
The REAL light lamps can be expensive though. They are not just another light bulb that you can buy in a hardware store.
At this point, 60s would feel like fall to me! Still hitting 80 or higher most days. Had a couple days int he 70s earlier this week but right back up again. I’m just pretending it’s fall anyway. Especially since I’ve also been noticing the shortening of the days.
I love lasagna soup, haven’t made it since last year. I need to get on that.
i’m also dreading daylight savings! on a happier note, we’ve been eating tons of soup and i am glad that won’t be ending anytime soon π
I just made this soup and it’s delicious,now a top ten for me!
I live in Alaska, and the light box has been a savior. I use mine in the morning while getting dressed and eating breakfast and it makes all the diference. I have more energy and am less tired and happier! I recomend one. What I really recomend is a trip to Hawaii, but a SAD lamp is second best!
Oh Tracey I am just dreading the looming lack of sunlight- especially since my light situation in our new place is limited enough as it is.
Anyway- this soup would make me so happy on a crisp fall day- it looks so filling and delicious!
I am dreading the time change, too! But I’m keeping this recipe on hand for when it does and I need some extra comfort!
mmm this sounds so perfect for autumn! Perfect comfort food for a cold night. So addicted the soup at the mo, this looks like another to add to the collection. Just been checking out your broccoli and cheddar soup which also looks amazing!
Have been wanting to try lasagna soup. This version sounds fabulous!
My sister uses a light box for seasonal affective disorder and she says it helps. It can’t hurt to have a little light in your life, so you could always try it out. This lasagna soup sounds delicious. Thanks for the warning about spiciness, too. π I’m a total wuss.
Oh yummy! This is something I could fall in love with π