If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the comforting, rich flavors of classic lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking, then this Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine a bowl packed with savory Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and bubbling tomato broth, finished with dollops of creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella. It’s everything you love about traditional lasagna but delivered in a cozy, swappable soup form that’s perfect for any day when you need a warm hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight, this Lasagna Soup Recipe fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your belly with pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to making your soup truly shine. Each component plays a crucial role—from the spicy richness of the Italian sausage to the fresh herbs that brighten the flavors, and every bite of tender noodles that bring that perfect texture you crave.
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds hearty, savory depth and a touch of spice if you choose spicy sausage.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for sautéing the sausage and softening the onions without overpowering the dish.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Brings a sweet, aromatic base to the broth.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with classic Italian flavor and a gentle zing.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces that aromatic herbaceous note fundamental to Italian cuisine.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Lends a slightly sweet, peppery lift to balance the tomatoes.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just the right hint of heat if you like a little kick.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the broth’s color.
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The backbone of this soup’s vibrant, tangy tomato base.
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Keeps the soup light yet flavorful; choose vegetable broth for vegetarian options.
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): The star pasta that soaks up all the delicious broth and spices.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Provides a creamy, mild contrast to the savory soup.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty touch mixed into the ricotta topping.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully on top to create a luscious finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential to enhance all the layers of flavor.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): Gives freshness and a pop of green that’s both pretty and tasty.
How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small crumbles with your spoon as it cooks. Browning the sausage well not only locks in flavor but also creates those delightful caramelized bits that make every spoonful extra savory.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Once the sausage is browned, stir in chopped onion and cook until it softens and becomes translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic along with oregano, basil, and crushed red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Let this aromatic mixture cook for about a minute to release all those beautiful scents that make Italian cooking irresistible.
Step 3: Build the Tomato Base
Next, mix in the tomato paste, stirring thoroughly to coat the sausage and vegetables. This step thickens the soup and amps up the tomato flavor. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to a simmer for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld into a rich, comforting broth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Once your soup base has simmered, add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Continue simmering gently until the noodles are perfectly tender, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. This transforms the soup into the hearty meal it’s meant to be, with tender pasta soaking up those tomato-spiced juices.
Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This creamy blend will add a luscious and slightly tangy element when spooned topping-side up onto your soup bowls just before serving.
How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Lasagna Soup Recipe is when the magic really happens. Ladle the steaming hot soup into bowls, then top each with a generous scoop of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top so it starts to melt into creamy ribbons. If you have fresh basil or parsley on hand, scatter some chopped leaves over the bowls for a refreshing herbal brightness and an inviting splash of color.
Side Dishes
This soup stands wonderfully on its own but pairs beautifully with a few classic Italian sides. A crisp green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette offers a fresh crunch, while warm, crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks are perfect for dunking and soaking up every last spoonful of luscious broth. For an extra indulgent touch, a small plate of antipasti like marinated olives or roasted peppers sets the stage for a memorable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and unique presentation, try serving the soup in mini bread bowls—just hollowed-out small round loaves—adding edible charm and extra bread to enjoy. Another idea is layering individual servings in clear mason jars, alternating soup, the ricotta mixture, and cheese, for a beautiful layered effect that’s perfect for entertaining. No matter how you serve it, this Lasagna Soup Recipe always feels like a warm, inviting celebration in every bowl.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this comforting soup, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to four days. Keep in mind the soup may thicken as it chills, which is perfectly normal due to the pasta absorbing liquid.
Freezing
Lasagna Soup Recipe freezes beautifully if you want to save time on future meals. Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It’s best to freeze before adding the cheese toppings for optimal texture. Frozen soup lasts up to three months and can be a lifesaver during busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the soup over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the pasta if the soup feels too thick. Once heated through, add fresh cheese toppings or leftover ricotta as you like for that fresh-from-the-pot goodness.
FAQs
Can I make this Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage with plant-based meat crumbles or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian-friendly version that still delivers tons of flavor and hearty texture.
Are gluten-free noodles suitable for this soup?
Yes, you can definitely use gluten-free lasagna noodles broken into pieces to make this dish gluten-free without compromising taste or satisfaction.
What if I want a spicier soup?
Feel free to increase the crushed red pepper flakes or choose spicy Italian sausage to amp up the heat. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick.
How thick does this soup get once refrigerated?
The pasta absorbs much of the broth after cooling, so the soup thickens considerably. Just add a bit more broth or water when reheating to loosen it back up to your desired consistency.
Can I prepare parts of this soup ahead of time?
You can brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics a day ahead, storing them in the fridge separately. Then finish the soup and cook the noodles fresh before serving for best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Lasagna Soup Recipe is such a wonderful twist on a beloved classic, bringing all the deliciousness of lasagna in a bowl that’s easy to make, comforting to eat, and versatile to love. I’m confident once you try it, it’ll become a go-to dish for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave that cozy Italian goodness without the fuss. So grab your apron, dive in, and enjoy every delicious spoonful of this soul-warming soup!
Print
Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting and hearty Italian-American lasagna soup featuring savory Italian sausage, tender broken lasagna noodles, and a rich tomato broth, finished with creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and melted mozzarella cheeses.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Pasta
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Seasonings
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Add tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, coating the sausage and vegetables evenly to deepen the flavor.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and continue simmering until the noodles are tender, approximately 10-12 minutes.
- Season: Taste the soup and season with salt and black pepper according to preference.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a small bowl, mix together ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to create a creamy topping.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, top each serving with a scoop of the ricotta-Parmesan mixture, and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms.
- Leftovers tend to thicken as they cool; add extra broth when reheating to return to desired consistency.
