If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the cozy, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna in a bowl, Lasagna Soup is the answer to your comfort food dreams! This dish transforms everything you love about traditional lasagna—think rich tomato broth, tender noodles, melty cheese, and savory Italian sausage—into a soul-warming soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you ladle it up for family dinner or serve it to friends at a casual gathering, Lasagna Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that brings all the flavors of Italy right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Lasagna Soup lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating layers of flavor, creamy texture, and irresistible aroma—just like the classic baked dish, but with way less fuss.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky base for sautéing the sausage and aromatics, building flavor from the start.
- Ground Italian sausage (or ground beef): The star protein, delivering savory depth and a little spice. Choose sweet or spicy sausage to suit your taste!
- Onion (diced): Lends a gentle sweetness and essential flavor to the broth.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with classic Italian aroma and punchy flavor.
- Tomato paste: Gives the broth body, richness, and a concentrated tomato kick.
- Dried oregano: Adds warmth and that unmistakable Italian herb note.
- Dried basil: Brightens up the soup with a sweet, fragrant lift.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle heat if you like a hint of spice—totally adjustable!
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz can): The backbone of the soup, providing flavor, color, and heartiness.
- Chicken broth: Lends depth and ensures a slurpable, savory soup base.
- Water: Keeps the broth light and prevents it from becoming too thick.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces): The fun part! They soften up beautifully and soak in all that flavor.
- Heavy cream: Swirled in at the end for a creamier, more luxurious texture.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts right into the soup, giving it those irresistible cheesy strings.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds salty, nutty depth and classic Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing all the flavors—taste and adjust as you go.
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh pop of color and herby aroma to finish your bowl.
- Ricotta cheese (for topping): A creamy, optional dollop that brings extra richness and authenticity.
- More Parmesan (for ricotta topping): Gives the ricotta a savory boost.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your ground Italian sausage (or beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. This step builds a savory, meaty foundation for your Lasagna Soup that you’ll taste in every spoonful.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is nicely browned, toss in the diced onion. Cook for about four to five minutes until it softens, then add the minced garlic. The onion mellows the meatiness, and the garlic infuses the entire pot with that classic, irresistible Italian aroma.
Step 3: Toast Tomato Paste and Spices
Stir in tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let them cook for one to two minutes, just until fragrant. This quick step deepens the tomato flavor and wakes up the dried herbs for maximum flavor in your Lasagna Soup.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Give everything a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The broth will start to look hearty and inviting—this is where all those flavors begin to meld together.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Break your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. They’ll soak up the savory broth, transforming your soup into a true lasagna experience.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Cheeses
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. The soup becomes creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-comforting. Season with salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting!
Step 7: Make the Ricotta Topping
In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, a little Parmesan, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This easy topping brings a dollop of creamy decadence to every bowl of Lasagna Soup.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, top with a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture, and finish with fresh basil or parsley if you like. The result: a cozy, colorful, flavor-packed bowl that’s impossible to resist!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches make Lasagna Soup feel extra special. A generous dollop of creamy ricotta topping is classic, but you can also shower on more grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh basil leaves, or a twist of black pepper for even more flavor and color.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is always welcome for dunking. Pair with a simple green salad tossed with Italian vinaigrette to balance the richness and add a touch of freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Lasagna Soup in individual oven-safe bowls topped with extra mozzarella, then broil until bubbly and golden. Or, set up a soup bar with bowls of ricotta, chopped herbs, and even mini meatballs so everyone can garnish their own just how they like it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Lasagna Soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. The flavors get even better as they mingle, so don’t hesitate to plan for leftovers!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze Lasagna Soup, let it cool first, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. For best texture, you may want to leave out the noodles and dairy (cream, mozzarella, ricotta) until reheating, as they can become soft or grainy when frozen and thawed. Just add them fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often. If the noodles have absorbed too much liquid, simply add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. Top with fresh ricotta and herbs, and it’s as good as new!
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or vegan ground “meat,” and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result is just as hearty and satisfying.
What kind of noodles work best?
Classic lasagna noodles are ideal for that authentic texture, but oven-ready noodles or even gluten-free pasta work well too. Just keep an eye on cook time—thin or oven-ready noodles may soften more quickly.
Can I make Lasagna Soup in advance?
Yes, this soup is perfect for meal prep. Cook everything except the noodles and dairy, then add them fresh as you reheat. This keeps the noodles from getting soggy and the cheese from separating.
Is the ricotta topping necessary?
While not essential, the ricotta topping adds a creamy, decadent finish that really channels the spirit of baked lasagna. If you’re dairy-free or want to skip it, the soup will still be delicious—just add a little extra mozzarella or Parmesan if you like.
How can I make Lasagna Soup spicier?
For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. You can also add a splash of hot sauce at the end, or top each bowl with a pinch of chili flakes for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna Soup is one of those magical meals that brings comfort and joy to any table, with all the rich flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, give this recipe a try—one spoonful, and you’ll be hooked!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Lasagna Soup recipe combines all the flavors of classic lasagna in a hearty, creamy soup form. Made with savory Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, rich tomato broth, and a blend of cheeses, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare in one pot.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Ricotta Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 4–5 minutes until the onion has softened and become translucent, enhancing the flavor base of the soup.
- Add Aromatics and Tomato Paste: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, releasing the herbs and garlic aromas.
- Combine Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling broth. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste and allow the cheese to melt into the soup, creating a creamy texture.
- Prepare Ricotta Topping: In a small bowl, mix ricotta cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth. This topping is optional but adds a delicious creamy finish to the soup.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top if desired. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can use oven-ready noodles by reducing the cooking time slightly as they cook faster.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- This soup reheats very well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
