I love lasagna, but seriously hate how long it can take me to do it right as well as the stupid noodles. Some days I get it right, other days ... My Italian family wants to disown me. ^.^;; I was in the mood for lasagna one day and didn't have the noddles or the pan. It's also be severely cold here with the "polar vortex" and all that snow crap, and soup is totally awesome during this!! Quick and simple, perfect with some shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, or (in my house) 6 cheese Italian blend shredded cheese ... DON'T FORGET YOUR GARLIC BREAD!! :D

INGREDIENTS
1/2 pound of pasta (I used rotini)
1 tablespoon oil
12-16 ounces ground Italian Sausage (I like spicy, but sweet works just as great)
1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 – 3/4 teaspoon red pepper flake (omit if you used the spicy sausage or don't want the heat)
2 teaspoons oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried basil or 1/2 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped
4 cups chicken broth/stock
1- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
2 heaping tablespoons tomato paste

DIRECTIONS
In a large stock pot, heat the oil on medium heat and cook the Italian Sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks with a wooden spoon.
Remove sausage from pan and set aside, draining any excess fat. Add the onion to the stockpot and saute until translucent. Then add in the garlic, and stir for a minute or two.
Stir in the red pepper flake and allow to cook for a minute.
Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, uncooked pasta, tomato paste, oregano, basil, salt, and black pepper.
The pasta will cook as the soup simmers. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
Add the Italian Sausage back in and allow the soup to simmer for about 30 minutes.

Yum!!