Lasagna Soup

Sounds weird right?

Lasagna, but a soup.

I assure you though, not only is this completely and ridiculously easy?  It really does taste like lasagna in a bowl.

This is a perfect soup to make on a chilly fall or winter Sunday, and then have ready for the week.  You can top it however you like, but my favorite way to serve it is to scoop a hot ladle of soup over a dollop or ricotta cheese and top with some shredded mozzarella.

Seriously, you aren't going to believe how easy this one is!

Just as a heads up, I cooked the pasta right in the soup.  As it sat for a couple days, it definitely got thicker, so if you want it to be more soup-like for leftovers, just add a bit more broth when reheating!

Lasagna Soup

1 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
1 1/4 pound lean hot italian turkey sausage, casings removed
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 large can (29 oz) tomato sauce
2 1/2 tbsp. tomato paste
1/2 tsp. dried rosemary
1 3/4 tsp. dried basil
3/4 tsp. oregano
6 cups low sodium chicken broth
1/2 tsp. thyme
1 tsp. sugar
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 pound farfalle pasta (or pasta of choice)
3 cups fresh spinach


Heat the olive oil in a large soup pot, and cook the turkey sausage over medium high heat until cooked through. 

Add in the garlic, tomato sauce, tomato paste, rosemary, basil, oregano, chicken broth, thyme, sugar and salt and stir well.  Simmer over medium / low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add in the pasta and cook until pasta is cooked through.  Toss in the spinach and allow it to wilt.

Serve over a scoop of ricotta and topped with mozzarella!

Fantastic Friday Four - Holiday Edition!

I'm a sucker for this time of year.  So, with that in mind, these are some of the holiday things that I'm loving this week!

First has to be my tree right?  I had a tree trimming party the other night and the elves did a great job. This time of of year, the first thing I do when I get up in the morning?  Turn on the tree.  First thing after work?  Turn on the tree.  There is little I enjoy more than sitting in front of the tree with no lights on but that. 

Come on, you all know you are as obsessed with The Christmas Story as I am.  A few years ago, my parents gave my brothers and I these for Christmas, and it's one of the first decorations I put up.  It's a major award!

I'm a self-professed candle freak, no lie.  And I have a lot of favorite holiday scents but this one has to be my favorite.  I really don't know why, but just smelling it reminds me of Christmas!  Also, love this winter candle holder, because it isn't specific to Christmas so it will stay out past that time.  Gotta love Bath and Body Works!

Literally, every night.  Seriously, this is like the cheapest wine ($6!!!) but so good!  Pour some into a measuring cup, heat for about 30 - 40 seconds, pour into a wine glass.  It is the perfect remedy to a cold winter day, and absolutely a must for sitting in front of the tree!

What are your favorite holiday things?