When the craving for lasagna hits but you don’t have hours to spend layering noodles, this Lasagna Soup is your delicious solution. It transforms all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting, hearty soup that’s ready in a fraction of the time. With a rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese topping, it’s like having a hug in a bowl!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Lasagna Soup combines everything you love about traditional lasagna – the rich meat sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese – but in an easy-to-make soup format. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, and the leftovers taste even better the next day. Plus, it’s customizable with your favorite lasagna add-ins and toppings.
Ingredients & Equipment
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 bay leaves
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
For the Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of salt and pepper
Equipment Needed:
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Small mixing bowl for cheese mixture
- Ladle
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the Meat (10 minutes)
- Heat Dutch oven over medium-high heat
- Cook Italian sausage, breaking into small pieces
- Remove excess fat if desired
- Build the Base (10 minutes)
- Add onions to the same pot
- Cook until softened, about 5 minutes
- Add garlic, cook 1 minute
- Stir in tomato paste, cook 2 minutes
- Create the Soup (5 minutes)
- Add crushed and diced tomatoes
- Pour in chicken broth
- Add Italian seasoning and bay leaves
- Bring to a boil
- Cook the Pasta (10 minutes)
- Add broken lasagna noodles
- Simmer until pasta is tender
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking
- Prepare Cheese Mixture (5 minutes)
- Combine ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella
- Mix in seasonings
- Set aside
- Serve (5 minutes)
- Ladle hot soup into bowls
- Top with a dollop of cheese mixture
- Garnish with fresh basil
Pro Tips for Perfect Lasagna Soup
- Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding
- Don’t overcook the pasta – keep it al dente
- Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking
- Make cheese mixture ahead for easier assembly
Variations & Substitutions
Make it Vegetarian:
- Use plant-based ground meat
- Substitute vegetable broth
- Add extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini
Pasta Options:
- Regular lasagna noodles
- No-boil lasagna noodles
- Mafalda pasta (mini lasagna noodles)
- Campanelle or bow-tie pasta
Add-ins:
- Spinach or kale
- Mushrooms
- Bell peppers
- Extra garlic
- Red pepper flakes for heat
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Storage:
- Store soup and cheese mixture separately
- Keeps for 3-4 days
- Noodles will absorb liquid over time
Freezer Storage:
- Freeze soup without pasta and cheese mixture
- Keeps up to 3 months
- Add fresh pasta when reheating
Reheating Tips:
- Add extra broth when reheating
- Heat slowly over medium heat
- Make fresh cheese mixture for best results
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem: Noodles too soft
- Cook pasta separately
- Add to individual bowls when serving
Problem: Soup too thick
- Add additional broth
- Don’t overcook pasta
- Store pasta separately for leftovers
FAQs
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Make soup without pasta, add fresh pasta when reheating.
How can I make it less rich?
Use turkey Italian sausage and light ricotta cheese.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, any short pasta works well.
Is it freezer-friendly?
Freeze without pasta and cheese mixture for best results.
Can I make it in a slow cooker?
Yes, but add pasta in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
This Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution when you’re craving the comfort of lasagna but want something quicker and easier. The combination of rich broth, tender pasta, and creamy cheese topping captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna in every spoonful. Remember, the key to success is not overcooking the pasta and adding the cheese mixture just before serving.