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- 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 pound ground turkey or chicken - 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes For this recipe, olive oil adds a nice flavor to the base. Ground turkey or chicken provides lean protein, making this soup hearty. Crushed tomatoes bring in the rich, classic taste of Italian cooking. - 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) Dried Italian herbs give a warm, savory taste. You can use chicken or vegetable broth, which adds depth to the soup. Red pepper flakes give it a kick, but you can skip them if you prefer mild flavors. - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 3 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Onion and garlic are key for a strong flavor base. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. Cottage cheese gives creaminess, while mozzarella provides that gooey, melty goodness. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. 2. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it is soft and clear. 3. Next, stir in the minced garlic. Cook it for another minute. Watch it closely so it does not burn. 4. Now, add the ground turkey or chicken to the pot. Break it apart with a spoon. 5. Cook until the meat is browned, which takes about 5-7 minutes. 1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Mix well to combine. 2. Add the dried Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir to blend all the flavors. 3. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes. This helps the flavors come together. 1. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook for another 8-10 minutes until the noodles are tender. 2. Fold in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. 3. Stir in the cottage cheese. Make sure it is well mixed throughout the soup. 4. Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella cheese. 5. Finally, garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving. Enjoy your protein-packed lasagna soup! To make this soup sing, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil adds a great twist. You can chop it and mix it in right before serving. For dried herbs, add them early in cooking. They need time to release their flavors. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes to taste. Start with a pinch, then add more if you like. When sautéing, heat your olive oil first. Add onions and give them 3 to 4 minutes. They should be soft, not brown. After that, add garlic for just a minute. This way, it stays fragrant and doesn’t burn. For the noodles, break them into pieces before adding them to the soup. This helps them cook evenly. Keep an eye on them. You want them tender, not mushy. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes after adding. Serve your soup in deep bowls for a hearty look. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top right before serving. This adds a creamy touch. Fresh basil leaves give a pop of color. For a complete meal, pair it with garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping and adds crunch to your meal. Pro Tips Fresh Spinach Substitute: If fresh spinach is unavailable, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the soup. Cheese Variations: For a creamier texture, replace cottage cheese with ricotta cheese. It adds a rich flavor to the soup. Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Spice Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your preference. Omit them for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat! {{image_2}} You can switch up the protein in your lasagna soup. Lean beef is a tasty option. It gives a rich flavor and pairs well with the tomatoes. If you prefer plant-based options, try using ground meat substitutes. They provide a similar texture without meat. Another great choice is beans or lentils. Adding canned beans boosts protein and fiber. Lentils cook quickly and absorb flavors well. You can mix and match to find what you love. If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free lasagna noodles. They come in many types, like rice or corn. These noodles will hold up well in the soup. For cheese lovers, vegan cheese is an excellent choice. There are many types, from almond to cashew cheese. They melt nicely and add creaminess to your soup without dairy. Adding extra vegetables can boost flavor and nutrition. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. They add sweetness and crunch. Spices also make a big difference. A dash of smoked paprika or garlic powder can enhance the taste. If you want more protein, toss in some chickpeas or chopped nuts. They add a nice crunch and a protein punch. Feel free to get creative with your lasagna soup! To keep your Protein-Packed Lasagna Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the refrigerator right after it cools. Make sure to consume it within 3 to 4 days for the best taste. For long-term storage, you can freeze the soup. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. Divide it into servings to make thawing easier. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When it comes to reheating, the stove is the best method. It warms the soup evenly and keeps the texture nice. Pour the soup into a pot and heat it on medium until hot. If you’re short on time, you can use a microwave. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts of one minute, stirring in between. This helps avoid hot spots and keeps it creamy. In the fridge, your lasagna soup can last for about 3 to 4 days. After that, it may start to spoil. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Look for changes in color or smell. If it smells sour or looks off, it’s best to throw it away. Enjoy your soup while it’s fresh for the best flavor! Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it ahead and enjoy it later. Store it in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to five days. You can also freeze portions for longer storage. Just reheat when you're ready to eat. The flavors often improve after sitting for a day. This makes it a perfect choice for busy weeks. Absolutely! You can use lean ground beef or a plant-based meat alternative. Ground pork works well too, adding a different flavor. If you want a vegetarian option, try using lentils or beans. They add protein and fiber. Just adjust the cooking time for different meats. Make sure to cook them thoroughly to ensure safety. There are several ways to boost the protein in this dish. Here are some ideas: - Add more cottage cheese when mixing in the broth. - Stir in cooked quinoa or farro for extra protein and texture. - Top your soup with a sprinkle of hemp seeds or chia seeds. - Serve it with a side of Greek yogurt for extra protein. Each of these options enhances the dish while keeping it delicious. In this blog post, we explored the tasty soup recipe that combines key ingredients like olive oil, ground turkey, and crushed tomatoes. We walked through the simple steps for preparing the base, building the soup, and adding fresh veggies and cheese. I shared tips on enhancing flavors and suggested fun variations for different diets. Remember, proper storage and reheating can keep your soup fresh. Enjoy trying this recipe and making it your own! Cooking can be fun and a great way to stay healthy.

Protein-Packed Lasagna Soup

A hearty and nutritious lasagna-inspired soup loaded with protein and vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 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 (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, being careful not to burn it.
  • Add the ground turkey or chicken to the pot, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add the Italian herbs, red pepper flakes (if using), and salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
  • Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook for another 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
  • Fold in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Stir in the cottage cheese until well-distributed throughout the soup.
  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.
  • Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.

Notes

Serve in deep bowls with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella on top and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. A side of garlic bread adds to the experience!
Keyword easy, healthy, lasagna, protein, soup