“Lasagna Soup.”

Ingredients:

– 1 pound Italian sausage
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken or beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 2 cups uncooked pasta (such as bow-tie, mafaldine, or broken lasagna noodles)
– 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Fresh basil or pesto for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. **Cook the Sausage:**
– In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Use a spoon to break it up into small pieces as it cooks.
– Once cooked, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pot.

2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:**
– Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
– Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

3. **Add the Tomatoes and Broth:**
– Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth.
– Add the dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.

4. **Simmer the Soup:**
– Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

5. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes, depending on the type of pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom.

6. **Add the Sausage Back:**
– Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir to combine. Heat through for a few more minutes.

7. **Prepare the Cheese Topping:**
– In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

8. **Serve the Soup:**
– Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the cheese mixture.

9. **Garnish and Enjoy:**
– Garnish with fresh basil or a spoonful of pesto if desired. Serve hot.

This Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty meal, combining all the flavors of lasagna in a cozy soup form. If you need any additional tips or adjustments, feel free to ask!