Cook Noodles Separately for Leftovers If you anticipate having leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy when reheated.
Customize the Protein Feel free to substitute Italian sausage with chicken, ground turkey, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Experiment with Vegetables Zucchini, bell peppers, or peas can be added for extra texture and nutrients.
Make it Lighter Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk if you want a lighter version of the soup, though the broth may be less rich.
Cheese Variations While Parmesan and mozzarella are classic choices, ricotta cheese dolloped on top before serving adds a creamy surprise reminiscent of traditional lasagna layers.