Lasagna Soup

adapted from FamilyFun.com


RECIPE INGREDIENTS:
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 1/2 pounds Italian sausage
1 onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons oregano
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
6 cups chicken broth
8 ounces spiral pasta
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh basil
8 ounces ricotta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 teaspoon salt
Pinch of pepper
2 cups shredded mozzarella

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and sauté, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until the sausage is no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pot. Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and oregano and sauté for 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and sauté until the paste turns a rusty brown, about 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes with their juice and the broth and bring the soup to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

2. Add the pasta, then increase the heat to medium-high and boil the soup until the pasta is tender to the bite, following the time recommendations on the pasta package. Then stir in the basil. If desired, season with salt and black pepper to taste.

3. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, the Parmesan, the 1/4 teaspoon of salt, and the pinch of pepper. To serve, place about 1 1/2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture in each bowl, sprinkle with some of the mozzarella, and ladle the soup on top.

Makes about 13 cups.
Nutritional Information:Per serving (1 cup):Calories 264Total Fat 11 g (17% DV)Saturated Fat 5g (26% DV)Cholesterol 38 mg (13% DV)Sodium 1162 mg (48% DV)Total Carbohydrate 22 g (7% DV)Fiber 1g (6% DV)Sugars 5gProtein 19 g (39% DV)Vitamin C 14 mg (23% DV)Calcium 259 mg (26% DV)