A hearty and flavorful soup that captures the essence of lasagna in a comforting bowl.
Heat a large soup pot over medium heat and cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
For a leaner soup, drain any excess fat after browning the sausage.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
Stir frequently to prevent the garlic from burning, which can make it taste bitter.
Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor.
Add the pasta and enough water to cover the ingredients. Simmer until the pasta is tender.
Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Adding the cheese at the end ensures it melts smoothly into the soup.
Serve the soup in bowls, topping each with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Serve with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth.