The magic of classic lasagna meets the simplicity of a cozy, one-pot soup with this Lasagna Soup. It’s loaded with all the beloved flavors — rich tomato broth, hearty sausage, tender noodles, and melted cheese — coming together in an incredibly comforting bowl. This dish is the perfect solution when you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the time or patience for layering and baking.
Lasagna Soup is an excellent choice for busy weeknights or chilly weekends, bringing hearty satisfaction with minimal effort. With its mouthwatering aroma and deeply comforting taste, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Top each bowl with extra mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil to elevate the experience even more.
Full Recipe:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
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1 medium yellow onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
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1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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6 cups chicken broth
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8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
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1/2 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
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Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Stir in the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
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Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, and cook for 1 minute.
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Mix in the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth; bring the mixture to a boil.
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Add the broken lasagna noodles and reduce heat to a simmer. Cook until noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
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Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
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Ladle soup into bowls and top with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Cozy Comfort of Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is the perfect answer for those who crave the hearty, cheesy flavors of traditional lasagna but want the ease and warmth of a comforting soup. This dish beautifully transforms a classic Italian favorite into a one-pot wonder, bringing together savory sausage, tender pasta, rich tomato broth, and luscious melted cheeses in every spoonful. It’s no surprise that this cozy meal has become a favorite among families, home cooks, and food lovers around the world.
Origins and Inspiration Behind Lasagna Soup
While traditional lasagna dates back centuries, originating from Naples, Italy, Lasagna Soup is a relatively modern twist designed to simplify the preparation process without sacrificing flavor. The idea likely grew out of a common kitchen hack — deconstructing classic dishes into easier, faster variations. By capturing the spirit of layered lasagna and merging it with the rustic heartiness of soup, this recipe offers an approachable way for anyone to enjoy those beloved flavors, even on busy weeknights.
Lasagna Soup is especially popular in colder months, when home cooks look for hearty, soul-warming meals that come together quickly. It embodies the best of both worlds: the richness of baked pasta and the soothing, nourishing qualities of soup.
Why Lasagna Soup is a Must-Try Recipe
One of the most appealing aspects of Lasagna Soup is how incredibly satisfying it is without the complexity of traditional lasagna preparation. You don’t have to spend hours layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, nor do you need to heat up your oven. Everything comes together in a single pot, reducing prep time, cooking time, and cleanup.
It’s also highly customizable. You can easily adjust the soup’s richness, spice level, and ingredients to suit your preferences. Whether you want a meaty version packed with Italian sausage or a vegetarian alternative loaded with veggies, Lasagna Soup is adaptable and forgiving.
Beyond its practicality, Lasagna Soup is beloved for its flavor. The rich tomato base is deep and comforting, the noodles soak up all that deliciousness while maintaining their tender bite, and the final cheesy topping gives you that signature lasagna gooeyness in a fraction of the time.
Key Components That Make Lasagna Soup Special
1. The Broth:
Unlike many thin, broth-based soups, Lasagna Soup features a rich, tomato-forward base that mirrors the flavors of a lasagna’s tomato sauce. Tomato paste and crushed tomatoes add depth and sweetness, while chicken broth provides a savory, umami background that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
2. The Meat:
Italian sausage is the classic choice for this soup, offering a flavorful and slightly spicy kick that brings the dish to life. However, ground beef, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives can be substituted depending on dietary needs and preferences.
3. The Pasta:
Broken pieces of lasagna noodles give the soup its characteristic texture and tie it closely to its baked counterpart. The irregular shapes make each bite interesting and ensure the noodles absorb the broth’s flavor. Some variations even use bowtie, rotini, or penne pasta if lasagna noodles aren’t available.
4. The Cheese:
No lasagna would be complete without cheese, and Lasagna Soup is no different. Mozzarella adds melty goodness, Parmesan offers salty depth, and a dollop of ricotta on top (optional) can create that extra creamy touch many people associate with traditional lasagna.
5. The Herbs and Seasonings:
Italian seasoning, garlic, red pepper flakes, and fresh basil elevate the flavor profile of Lasagna Soup, making it vibrant and aromatic. These classic Italian flavors ensure that every spoonful tastes like a bite of authentic lasagna.
Health and Nutrition Insights
While Lasagna Soup is undeniably rich and satisfying, it can be tailored to meet a variety of dietary goals. For a lighter version, you can use lean meats, low-fat cheese, and add plenty of vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Opting for whole-wheat pasta can boost the fiber content, while plant-based cheeses and meats can make the soup entirely vegan.
Portion control is also simpler with soup compared to layered lasagna. By serving individual bowls, it’s easier to enjoy the dish in moderation while still indulging in the luxurious flavors you love.
Tips for Making the Perfect Lasagna Soup
Use High-Quality Tomatoes: Since the tomato base is crucial to the soup’s flavor, opt for high-quality canned tomatoes or even fire-roasted varieties for added depth.
Cook the Pasta Separately for Meal Prep: If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual servings. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much broth and becoming mushy over time.
Layer the Cheese Just Before Serving: Adding the cheese directly into the soup can make it stringy. For the best presentation and texture, ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan on top while hot.
Customize the Heat Level: Red pepper flakes add a pleasant kick, but you can easily adjust the amount to suit your taste. Want it spicier? Add more flakes or even a bit of hot sauce.
Garnish Generously: Fresh basil, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, or even a dollop of ricotta can take your Lasagna Soup from delicious to unforgettable.
Serving Suggestions for Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is a complete meal in itself, but you can elevate your dining experience with a few complementary sides. A simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup. Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the savory broth. A glass of red wine, such as Chianti or Sangiovese, pairs beautifully with the Italian flavors.
For a more indulgent spread, consider serving Lasagna Soup as part of an Italian-themed dinner night, complete with an antipasto platter, roasted vegetables, and classic tiramisu for dessert.
Variations to Try
Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Skip the sausage and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, eggplant, spinach, and zucchini for a plant-based version.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: Use spicy Italian sausage and a heavier hand with the red pepper flakes to create a bold, spicy broth.
Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir a generous splash of heavy cream into the broth to create an ultra-creamy texture that feels luxurious and rich.
Low-Carb Lasagna Soup: Swap out pasta for zucchini ribbons or shirataki noodles to create a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
Chicken Lasagna Soup: Replace the sausage with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter, equally delicious twist.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Fall in Love with Lasagna Soup
Lasagna Soup is a brilliant fusion of two beloved comfort foods: hearty soup and cheesy lasagna. It offers the same deeply satisfying flavors and textures you expect from traditional lasagna, with a fraction of the effort and time. Perfect for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or anytime you’re craving something warm and comforting, this dish is endlessly adaptable to suit any taste or dietary preference.
Whether you serve it to your family, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy it as a cozy solo dinner, Lasagna Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Its rich, savory broth, tender noodles, and cheesy finish make every bowl a little piece of comfort — and every spoonful a delicious reminder that sometimes, the simplest dishes bring the greatest joy.