Introduction
Lasagna is a beloved comfort food, but let’s face it—making a full tray of lasagna from scratch takes time. If you’re craving all the rich, hearty flavors of classic lasagna but need a quicker alternative, lasagna soup is the perfect solution. This soup delivers everything you love about lasagna—savory Italian sausage, tangy tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, and tender pasta—in a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying.
Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, lasagna soup offers the same comforting taste in half the time. Plus, it’s highly customizable, allowing you to adjust the ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, this soup is bound to be a hit.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 45 minutes—much faster than baking a traditional lasagna.
- One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean less cleanup!
- Customizable: Adjust the protein, noodles, and toppings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully for leftovers.
- Comforting and Satisfying: All the flavors of lasagna in a warm, hearty soup.
What Is Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna soup is exactly what it sounds like—a soup that captures the essence of classic lasagna. It features a savory tomato broth, crumbled Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and a three-cheese topping that brings everything together.
Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires layering and baking, this soup is effortless to make and can be served in individual bowls, making it a convenient yet flavorful meal.
The Best Noodles for Lasagna Soup
Lasagna noodles are the classic choice, but they need to be broken into bite-sized pieces before cooking. However, you can also use other short-cut pasta shapes that work well in soups, such as:
- Reginetti or Mafalda: Mini ruffled pasta that resembles lasagna noodles.
- Farfalle (Bowtie Pasta): Holds sauce well and adds a fun texture.
- Campanelle: Bell-shaped pasta that’s great for hearty soups.
- Rotini or Fusilli: Twists that trap all the delicious broth and cheese.
Why Cook the Noodles Separately?
Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from absorbing too much liquid and getting mushy. This is especially helpful if you plan to reheat leftovers, as the noodles stay firm and fresh. If you’re serving the soup immediately, you can cook them directly in the broth for convenience.
Ingredients for Lasagna Soup
For the Soup:
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 pound bulk Italian sausage (or links, casings removed)
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup water
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Dash freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded whole milk mozzarella cheese (about 2 ounces)
- 6-8 fresh basil leaves, torn
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until mostly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Aromatics and Seasonings
Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the tomato paste, basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for 2 minutes until the tomato paste darkens.
Step 4: Simmer the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and 1 cup of water. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Mix the Cheese Topping
In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Season with a dash of black pepper. Set aside.
Step 6: Assemble the Soup
Add about 1 cup of cooked pasta to each bowl. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the soup over the pasta and top with mozzarella cheese, the ricotta mixture, and torn basil leaves.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve immediately, allowing the heat from the soup to melt the cheese topping. Enjoy with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
1. Use High-Quality Ingredients
- Opt for good-quality Italian sausage for deep, savory flavors.
- Use San Marzano tomatoes for a rich and slightly sweet tomato base.
2. Make It Vegetarian
- Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
3. Store and Reheat Like a Pro
- Store the soup and noodles separately to prevent mushiness.
- Reheat the soup on the stovetop over low heat and add noodles just before serving.
4. Add Extra Greens
Want a nutrition boost? Stir in baby spinach, kale, or Swiss chard during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Creative Variations
- Spicy Arrabbiata Lasagna Soup: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes and a splash of hot sauce.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream for a richer, creamier broth.
- Pesto Lasagna Soup: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto before serving.
- White Lasagna Soup: Use chicken, a white cream broth, and mushrooms instead of tomato sauce.
- Meat Lovers Lasagna Soup: Add ground beef or pancetta for extra richness.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with Garlic Bread: A crusty slice of garlic bread is the perfect match.
- Serve with a Side Salad: A light Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness.
- Top with Extra Cheese: More Parmesan or shredded mozzarella never hurts!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can I Freeze Lasagna Soup?
Yes, but store the broth and pasta separately. Freeze the soup base for up to 3 months. Reheat and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
Can I Cook the Noodles in the Soup?
Yes, but only if serving immediately. Otherwise, they will soak up too much broth and become mushy.
Final Thoughts
Lasagna soup is the ultimate fusion of classic lasagna flavors and the cozy warmth of a hearty soup. With its rich tomato base, savory sausage, and cheesy topping, it’s a dish that’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying.
Beyond its comforting appeal, lasagna soup is an incredibly versatile meal that can be enjoyed year-round. On chilly nights, it serves as the perfect way to warm up with a hearty and rich bowl of flavor. During the warmer months, it can be lightened up by swapping sausage for ground turkey or chicken, adding extra vegetables, or incorporating fresh herbs to bring out a brighter taste.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its customization options. You can make it gluten-free by using chickpea pasta or a pasta alternative like zucchini noodles. If you’re looking for a keto-friendly version, try omitting the pasta and substituting it with cauliflower florets or shredded cabbage. The rich, tomato-infused broth pairs well with a variety of textures, allowing you to get creative with your ingredients.
For those who love meal prepping, lasagna soup is ideal for batch cooking. The soup base can be made in large quantities and frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop and cook a fresh batch of noodles to mix in. This makes it an excellent meal to prepare in advance for busy weeks, ensuring that you always have a delicious, home-cooked dish on hand.
Try this recipe for your next family dinner or meal prep session. Whether you go classic, spicy, or creamy, lasagna soup is guaranteed to be a comforting favorite. Let us know how you customize yours, and don’t forget to experiment with toppings, pasta alternatives, and bold flavors to make it uniquely yours!