One Pot Lasagna Soup

On a chilly evening last winter, while craving the comfort of lasagna but lacking the time to layer one up, I created this soul-warming One Pot Lasagna Soup. It captures all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna – the rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and creamy cheese – but comes together in a fraction of the time. It’s become my go-to recipe for busy weeknights when we need a comforting hug in a bowl.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6-8
Calories: 410 per serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One Pot Lasagna Soup brings you all the cozy comfort of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering and long baking times. It’s ready in under an hour, uses just one pot (hello, easy cleanup!), and delivers that perfect combination of pasta, meat, and cheese that makes lasagna so irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to customize and actually tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients & Equipment

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For the Cheese Mixture:

  • 1 cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment Needed:

  • Large Dutch oven or soup pot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Can opener
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Ladle

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Meat

  1. Heat Dutch oven over medium-high heat
  2. Brown Italian sausage, breaking into small pieces
  3. Add diced onion and cook until softened
  4. Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook 2 minutes

Build the Soup

  1. Add crushed and diced tomatoes
  2. Pour in chicken broth
  3. Add Italian seasoning and bay leaves
  4. Bring to a boil
  5. Reduce heat and simmer 10 minutes

Cook the Pasta

  1. Add broken lasagna noodles
  2. Simmer 8-10 minutes until pasta is tender
  3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking

Prepare Cheese Mixture

  1. In a small bowl, combine:
  • Ricotta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Black pepper
  1. Set aside

Finish and Serve

  1. Remove bay leaves
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning
  3. Ladle into bowls
  4. Top each serving with:
  • A dollop of cheese mixture
  • Shredded mozzarella
  • Fresh basil

Expert Tips for Success

  1. Pasta Perfect: Break lasagna noodles into roughly 1-inch pieces before adding to ensure easy eating. Don’t break them too small or they’ll get lost in the soup.
  2. Thickness Control: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. If soup becomes too thick, thin with additional warm broth when reheating.
  3. Make-Ahead Magic: For best results when making ahead, cook pasta separately and add to individual bowls when serving to prevent it from becoming too soft.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Meat Options: Ground beef, turkey, or a mix
  • Pasta Alternatives:
  • Regular rotini or bow ties
  • Gluten-free pasta
  • Zucchini noodles for low-carb
  • Veggie Add-Ins:
  • Spinach
  • Mushrooms
  • Bell peppers
  • Zucchini

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerator: Store soup and cheese mixture separately for up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze soup without pasta for up to 3 months
  • Reheating:
  • Stovetop: Low heat, stirring occasionally
  • Microwave: Medium power in 1-minute intervals

Troubleshooting Guide

Problem: Pasta too soft
Solution:

  • Cook pasta al dente
  • Store separately if not serving immediately
  • Add pasta to individual portions when reheating

Problem: Soup too thick
Solution:

  • Add warm broth when reheating
  • Don’t oversimmer
  • Watch pasta-to-liquid ratio

Problem: Cheese mixture too thick
Solution:

  • Let ricotta come to room temperature
  • Add a splash of milk or cream
  • Stir well before serving

FAQs

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Use plant-based ground meat substitute and vegetable broth. Add extra seasonings to compensate for the flavor from the sausage.

Q: How spicy is this soup?
A: The spice level depends on your choice of Italian sausage. Use mild for less heat or hot for more kick.

Q: Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
A: Regular lasagna noodles work best. No-boil noodles can become too soft and fall apart.

Q: Why do you add the cheese mixture at the end?
A: Adding it at the end preserves the creamy texture and creates that classic layered lasagna experience in every bowl.

This One Pot Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution when you’re craving the comfort of lasagna but don’t have the time for the traditional version. It’s a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly, satisfies completely, and might just become your new favorite way to enjoy lasagna flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual entertaining, or anytime you need a comforting bowl of goodness.