Lasagna lovers, this one’s for you! What if I told you that you could enjoy all the hearty, cheesy, tomato-y goodness of lasagna without spending hours layering pasta? Enter the lasagna soup recipe. This is comfort food in a bowl—a simpler, quicker way to savor your favorite Italian dish. Whether you’re whipping it up on the stovetop or making a slow cooker lasagna soup, this recipe will become your new family favorite.
Let’s dive into the kitchen and turn your lasagna dreams into a warm, cozy reality—without all the dishes!
What Makes Lasagna Soup Recipe Special?
There’s just something magical about lasagna, isn’t there? It’s a classic dish that screams, “Welcome home!” But did you know lasagna has a fascinating history dating back centuries? Learn more about the origins of lasagna here.
This soup captures all the best parts of lasagna: the rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and ooey-gooey melted cheese. Plus, it’s super versatile—you can make it on the stovetop, or opt for the lasagna soup crockpot version when you want dinner to cook itself.
It’s like a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or whenever you need a little pick-me-up.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this lasagna soup recipe, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Here’s your grocery list:
- Italian sausage (or ground beef): Adds richness and flavor.
- Onion and garlic: The aromatic base for a delicious soup.
- Tomato paste: For a concentrated tomato kick.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup.
- Chicken or beef broth: To balance out the flavors.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): Or substitute with any short pasta like bowties or rotini.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- Ricotta cheese: For that signature creamy lasagna taste.
- Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan: Because you can never have too much cheese.
- Spinach (optional): For a pop of green and extra nutrients.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this lasagna soup recipe is surprisingly easy. Here’s how to do it:
Cook the Sausage:
Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove excess grease if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Tomatoes and Broth:
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and your choice of chicken or beef broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.Cook the Noodles:
Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.Add Cheese:
Stir in a dollop of ricotta cheese to give the soup a creamy texture. Top each serving with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan.
Serve Hot:
Ladle the soup into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley (optional), and serve with crusty bread for dipping.
Pro Tips for Success
- Customize Your Noodles: If you’re not feeling lasagna noodles, swap them for bowtie, penne, or even tortellini. For perfectly cooked pasta every time, follow these pasta cooking tips.
- Slow Cooker Option: To make slow cooker lasagna soup, cook the sausage first, then add all ingredients except the noodles and cheese to your crockpot. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Add the noodles 30 minutes before serving and stir in the cheese at the end.
- Pair with the Perfect Wine: A hearty dish like this pairs beautifully with a glass of red wine. Find the best wine for Italian dishes here.
- Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving for a richer soup.
What to Serve With Lasagna Soup Recipe
Pair your lasagna soup recipe with these sides to create the ultimate Italian feast:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the flavorful broth.
- Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a light side.
- Cheese Lovers: Want to explore more about the best cheeses for soups? Check out this guide to cheese types.
Storage and Leftovers
This lasagna soup recipe is perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get better as it sits!
- Freezing: Freeze the soup (without noodles) in portions for up to 2 months. When reheating, cook fresh noodles and stir them in.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
Similar Recipes to Try
If you loved this lasagna soup recipe, here are more soups to warm your soul:
- Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe: Spicy and zesty with Tex-Mex flavors.
- Mexican Street Corn Soup Recipe: Creamy, smoky, and irresistibly delicious.
- Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe: A creamy soup with sausage, potatoes, and kale.
- Cheeseburger Soup Recipe: Cheesy, hearty comfort food in a bowl.
Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach optional
Instructions
- Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess grease.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and chicken or beef broth. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in ricotta cheese for a creamy texture.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh spinach (if desired). Enjoy with crusty bread!
Notes
- Make It Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half before serving for a richer soup.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute sausage with more vegetables (like zucchini or bell peppers) and use vegetable broth.
- Storage Tips: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze (without noodles) for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked noodles.
This lasagna soup recipe delivers all the rich, cheesy, and hearty flavors of classic lasagna in a fuss-free, one-pot meal. Whether you’re serving it on a cozy family night or as a crowd-pleaser for guests, it’s sure to be a hit. So grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, comforting bowl of lasagna soup.
