Lasagna Stoup

Paula Dean's - Lasagna Soup

We had this for dinner last night and it was very good! If you love lasagna and you love soup, you will love this recipe!

Ingredients:

1. 2 teaspoons olive oil
2. 1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed (I used 1 pound of ground beef)
3. 1 onion, chopped
4. 1 green bell pepper, chopped
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 (32-ounce) container chicken broth
7. 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
8. 1 (14 1/2-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
9. 1/2 teaspoon salt
10. 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
11. 4 ounces broken lasagna noodles (I used 5 noodles to make it a little thicker)
12. 1/2 cup chopped fresh basil
13. 3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
14. 1/2 cup reduced-fat shredded mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

• Heat the oil over medium-high heat in a large nonstick saucepot or Dutch oven.
• Add the sausage (or beef), onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sausage is crumbled and browned, 8 – 10 minutes.
•  Add the broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are blended, about 20 minutes. Add the noodles; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the soup thickens slightly and the noodles are tender, 10 – 12 minutes.
• Remove from the heat; stir in mozzarella, basil, and the Parmesan.

                                Serve with the breadsticks, if using.

**Picture from thedeenbros.com**