If you’ve ever wished the comforting, cheesy layers of lasagna could be served up in a cozy bowl, Lasagna Soup is your new favorite dinner savior. This recipe brings everything you love about the classic Italian-American dish—savory sausage, silky noodles, rich tomato sauce, and three kinds of melty cheese—into an impossibly easy, soul-warming soup that’s ready in under an hour. The aroma alone is enough to call everyone to the table, and each spoonful delivers all the familiar flavors in a fraction of the fuss. Whether you’re feeding a family or inviting friends for a casual gathering, Lasagna Soup instantly transforms any night of the week into something special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Lasagna Soup requires a handful of kitchen staples and a few flavorful extras to achieve that beloved depth and comfort. Every ingredient is there for a reason, working together to create layers of taste, color, and pure satisfaction—don’t be afraid to show them off!
- Italian sausage: Choose mild or hot for a kick; it’s the foundation of savory, meaty flavor in the soup.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth as it sautés with the sausage.
- Garlic: Four cloves bring unmistakable garlicky warmth and a classic Italian aroma.
- Tomato paste: Just a bit deepens the tomato flavor and helps thicken the broth.
- Crushed tomatoes: This is your rich, tangy base—canned tomatoes give an all-season, slow-simmered feel.
- Tomato sauce: Ensures the soup is luscious and smooth—perfect for soaking up with noodles.
- Chicken or beef broth: Either works to add savory backbone and keep things soup-like instead of stew-like.
- Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: This trio brings unmistakable Italian flavor and herby freshness to each bite.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat, if you like a little lively fire.
- Lasagna noodles: Breaking them into pieces gives you classic lasagna texture, but now delightfully spoonable.
- Ricotta cheese: For creamy richness to dollop on top—just like the real deal layers.
- Mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, stretchy cheese pulls in every bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty finish to every savory spoonful.
- Salt and black pepper: These essential seasonings marry all the flavors together.
- Fresh basil: Sliced on top, it wakes up the bowl with color and a fragrant, garden-bright aroma.
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Aromatics
Begin by heating a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Crumble in the Italian sausage and add the diced onion. Cook everything together until the sausage is well browned and the onion has softened—about 5 to 6 minutes. Drain away any extra fat as needed; you want rich, savory flavor, not greasiness. Add the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds, letting its fragrance bloom without letting it burn. Follow with a dollop of tomato paste, stirring and cooking for about a minute to unlock its darkest, sweetest notes.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your choice of chicken or beef broth. Sprinkle in the dried basil, oregano, and thyme, and if you’re feeling bold, red pepper flakes for a little heat. Season with a pinch of salt and several cracks of black pepper. Give everything a good stir, then raise the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, turn down the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes—this gives the soup time to become rich and flavorful while you prep the cheese topping.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles right into your bubbling pot. Keep things moving with occasional stirring, so the pasta doesn’t stick to itself or the bottom as it cooks. Let the noodles simmer directly in the soup until just tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. This technique not only saves a pot, but also lets the noodles soak up all that tasty broth. Taste the soup before serving, adjusting salt and pepper to your heart’s content.
Step 4: Mix the Cheesy Topping
While the noodles are finishing, quickly mix up your dreamy cheese topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Blend them together until creamy and luscious—this mixture turns every bowl of Lasagna Soup into the coziest, cheesiest experience possible.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your steaming Lasagna Soup into big bowls. Plop a generous spoonful of the ricotta-mozzarella-Parmesan mixture onto each one, letting it slowly melt into the hot soup. Finish with slivers of fresh basil scattered over the top for a fragrant, colorful flourish. Serve right away while everything is melty, gooey, and irresistible!
How to Serve Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
To make Lasagna Soup feel truly special, top each bowl with a big dollop of the cheese trio and shower plenty of torn or chiffonade-cut fresh basil over everything. If you’re a cheese lover, let a little more Parmesan rain down on top, or add a grind of black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some visual pop and an extra spike of flavor.
Side Dishes
Lasagna Soup is hearty enough to be a meal by itself, but it just begs for a little company. Crusty bread is perfect for dunking and soaking up every slurp, and a simple green salad tossed in a zippy Italian vinaigrette adds some freshness to balance out all the cozy richness. For something a bit more rustic, a small plate of roasted vegetables or marinated olives rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive gatherings, try serving Lasagna Soup in mini soup crocks or espresso cups as a fun appetizer. You can also set up a DIY garnish bar: offer bowls of extra cheese, basil, red pepper flakes, and even small meatballs so everyone can customize their soup. If you’re feeling playful, garnish with a lasagna noodle crisp or a parmesan crisp perched on the side for extra crunch and visual flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep Lasagna Soup tasting fresh, let the soup cool to room temperature, then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. For best results, stash the cheese mixture separately—it stays fresher this way, and you avoid turning your toppings to mush.
Freezing
This soup freezes surprisingly well. Spoon cooled Lasagna Soup (without the cheese topping) into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, add a splash of broth when reheating to loosen things up, and always add your cheese fresh.
Reheating
Warm leftover Lasagna Soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot and bubbling. If the noodles have soaked up too much broth and your soup is extra-thick, just add more broth or water a splash at a time until you reach your preferred consistency. Stir in the cheese topping at the very end or dollop on top once served.
FAQs
Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap in plant-based sausage or crumbled tempeh for the Italian sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef. The richness of the cheeses and tomatoes will still make this soup deeply satisfying and full of classic lasagna flavor.
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Definitely—while classic lasagna noodles give you that true lasagna experience, any sturdy pasta shape will work well in a pinch. Try broken up mafalda, rigatoni, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust the simmering time as needed so the pasta is perfectly tender.
Is Lasagna Soup spicy?
The soup itself is not spicy unless you add the optional red pepper flakes. Using hot Italian sausage will also kick things up a notch. If you want a milder flavor, simply use mild sausage and skip the pepper flakes altogether.
Can I prepare Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the soup and cheese topping up to a day in advance—just store them separately in the refrigerator. Wait until you’re ready to serve to combine the two for the ultimate fresh and melty experience.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
If you plan to store or freeze Lasagna Soup, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to each bowl just before serving. This keeps them from soaking up too much broth and maintains perfect al dente texture in every reheated bowl.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the warm hug of Lasagna Soup on a chilly evening. Each bowl is brimming with rich tomato goodness, hearty noodles, and irresistible cheesy comfort—it might just become your weeknight favorite. Give it a try, share it with friends, and get ready for a new family tradition!
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Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, this Lasagna Soup recipe is perfect for cozy nights in. It’s packed with savory Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, hearty lasagna noodles, and topped with a creamy cheese mixture.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the cheese topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For garnish:
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Cook the sausage and onion: In a large pot, cook sausage and onion until browned. Drain excess fat and add garlic. Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly.
- Simmer the soup: Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, herbs, and seasonings. Simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the noodles: Stir in lasagna noodles and cook until tender.
- Prepare the cheese topping: Mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheese mixture, garnish with basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the soup.
- Ground beef or turkey can be substituted for the sausage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
