If you’re craving a cozy, hearty, and vibrant soup that tastes like a warm hug, look no further than the Best Kale Lasagna Soup Recipe. This delightful twist on classic lasagna blends tender kale with savory turkey sausage, rich tomato broth, and tender lasagna pieces, all simmered to perfection. It’s a delicious one-pot meal that brings all the comforting flavors of traditional Italian lasagna into a bowl, making it ideal for those chilly evenings or anytime you want a satisfying, nourishing dish. Plus, it comes together with simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this soup is in its straightforward, fresh ingredients that each play a unique role. From the brightness of the fresh kale to the umami-rich tomato paste, every component enhances the taste, texture, and color of the dish, creating a balanced and hearty soup you’ll crave again and again.
- 2.5 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and sausage to develop deep, rich flavors.
- 1/2 onion: Adds a natural sweetness and aromatics that form the soup’s flavor base.
- 4 oz mushrooms (thinly sliced): Bring earthiness and meaty texture without overpowering the dish.
- 4 garlic cloves (freshly minced): Fresh garlic gives a bright, pungent kick that lifts the entire soup.
- 1/2 lb turkey sausage: Jennie-O sweet Italian sausage works perfectly to add spice and protein.
- 1 zucchini (diced into 1/2-inch pieces): Adds freshness and a slight crunch to balance the rich broth.
- 2 tbsp tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a deep umami punch.
- 1/4 cup red wine: Infuses a subtle complexity and slight acidity that enriches the broth.
- 28 oz crushed San Marzano tomatoes: The star ingredient for a naturally sweet, vibrant tomato base.
- 1.5 tsp oregano: Adds that classic Italian herbaceous note.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper: For a gentle heat to balance the sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the comforting, flavorful base of the soup.
- 4 oz lasagna noodles (broken into 1-inch pieces): Brings chewy texture reminiscent of classic baked lasagna.
- 3 cups kale: Tenderized in the broth, the kale adds nutrients, color, and a slight earthiness.
- 1/2 cup ricotta: Stirred in for creamy richness that melts into the broth.
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Fresh basil: Adds a bright, fresh finish right before serving.
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled on top for a nutty, salty finish.
How to Make Best Kale Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and gently sauté until it starts to soften and turn translucent. Toss in the sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until they release their moisture and begin to brown. Now, add the freshly minced garlic for a quick stir to awaken the aroma without burning it. Lastly, crumble in the turkey sausage, cooking until browned and cooked through. This step builds a deeply savory foundation that will carry the soup’s flavor forward.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Tomato Flavor
Next, toss in the diced zucchini and tomato paste, stirring well to coat the veggies and release all those luscious tomato flavors. Pour in the red wine, and allow it to simmer until it reduces slightly, intensifying the richness. Then, add the crushed San Marzano tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir so the herbs and spices get evenly distributed, creating that signature Italian flair.
Step 3: Build the Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the entire pot to a boil. This is the moment to break your lasagna noodles into 1-inch pieces and toss them in. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer, stirring occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking. After about 10 minutes, add the kale. It will wilt beautifully in the broth, lending its vibrant green color and nutrient-packed punch. Simmer until the noodles are perfectly tender and the kale is just right.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Basil
Turn off the heat and gently stir in the ricotta and shredded mozzarella until melted into a creamy, luscious texture. This final step transforms the soup from a simple broth to a velvety, comforting bowl full of cheesy goodness. Add fresh basil leaves on top for brightness and fresh herb aroma, and don’t forget the Parmesan cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve Best Kale Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a generous pinch of grated Parmesan cheese and add a few fresh basil leaves. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil can add a subtle richness, and if you like a bit more heat, a light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes is perfect. These little touches enhance the dish visually and flavor-wise, turning your bowl into a true comfort masterpiece.
Side Dishes
You can keep it classic by serving this soup with crusty garlic bread or a light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a more indulgent meal, a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh Caprese salad complements the Italian vibes beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the soup in rustic bread bowls for a charming presentation that doubles as a side. Or layer the soup and cheese in a clear glass bowl for a striking visual that highlights the kale’s green against the rich tomato broth. It’s a fun twist that makes any meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and flavor. The kale remains tender without getting mushy, and the noodles soak up the broth deliciously overnight.
Freezing
To freeze, portion the soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. It freezes well for up to three months. When thawed, the texture of the kale and noodles might soften slightly, but the flavors will remain vibrant, making it a convenient and tasty meal option.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heat distribution. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the creamy texture intact and prevent splitting of the cheeses.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! While turkey sweet Italian sausage works wonderfully, you can substitute with spicy sausage, chicken sausage, or even a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust cooking times and seasoning accordingly for the best flavor.
Is kale the only green I can use in this soup?
Not at all! Swiss chard, spinach, or even collard greens can be swapped in depending on your preference. Just note that some greens cook faster than kale, so add them toward the end to keep their texture.
Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
You can! Replace the turkey sausage with plant-based sausage, use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and omit or substitute the ricotta and mozzarella with dairy-free alternatives or creamy cashew cheese. The soup will still be delicious and hearty.
What if I want more protein?
Add extra turkey sausage or toss in cooked beans like cannellini or chickpeas. Both options will boost protein and keep the soup filling and nutritious.
How thick should the soup be?
The Best Kale Lasagna Soup Recipe has a thicker broth than a typical soup, with the starch from broken lasagna noodles and creamy cheeses creating a comforting, stew-like consistency. Adjust broth quantities if you prefer it thinner or thicker.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about the Best Kale Lasagna Soup Recipe that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or looking for a crowd-pleasing, cozy dish for guests, this soup delivers all the hearty flavors and satisfying textures of lasagna without the fuss of baking. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a staple in your kitchen as it has become in mine.
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Delicious Beet Salad with Feta and Crisp Cucumbers Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and hearty kale lasagna soup that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, fresh kale, and lasagna noodles in a savory tomato broth. This easy-to-make, one-pot soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner and offers a delicious twist on traditional lasagna with the added goodness of vegetables and lean turkey sausage.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 4 oz mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 1/2 lb turkey sausage (preferably Jennie-O sweet Italian)
- 1 zucchini, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/4 cup red wine
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (Cento crushed San Marzano recommended)
- 1.5 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 3 cups kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, to taste
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 2.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for sautéing the vegetables and sausage.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and thinly sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook until the onion becomes translucent and mushrooms soften, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Sausage: Stir in the freshly minced garlic and turkey sausage, breaking the sausage apart with a spoon as it cooks until browned and cooked through, roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Add Zucchini and Tomato Paste: Mix in the diced zucchini and tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Deglaze with Red Wine: Pour in 1/4 cup of red wine to deglaze the pan, stirring up any browned bits from the bottom, and let it reduce for 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook for 5 minutes, allowing the tomato flavors to meld.
- Pour in Chicken Broth and Simmer: Add 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to develop depth of flavor.
- Add Lasagna Noodles: Add the broken lasagna pieces to the pot and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Kale: Stir in the chopped kale and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender.
- Finish with Cheeses and Basil: Remove the pot from heat and gently fold in the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, fresh basil leaves, and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy finish.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your hearty kale lasagna soup.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes according to taste.
- Use fresh San Marzano tomatoes if possible for authentic flavor.
- Breaking the lasagna noodles into small pieces ensures they cook evenly in the soup.
- Freshly minced garlic adds more depth than pre-minced garlic.
- This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and freezes beautifully.
