If you’ve ever longed for the cozy layers of comforting Italian flavors all in one bowl, this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the richness of traditional lasagna transformed into a luscious, spoonable soup that’s bursting with savory sausage, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses. It’s every bit as satisfying as the classic casserole but comes together quicker and with less fuss, perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd. This recipe brings warmth and joy to any table and promises to become a go-to when you crave that authentic taste of Italy in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role in building that rich, layered taste you expect from Italian comfort food, while providing delicious texture and vibrant color to the dish.
- Italian sausage (1 pound): Adds juicy, savory depth with a perfect hint of spice depending on your choice of mild or spicy.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): The foundational fat that helps brown sausage and soften onions beautifully.
- Yellow onion (1, diced): Brings a natural sweetness and subtle sharpness once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): Aromatic punch that brightens the whole soup.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb that infuses the broth with earthy warmth.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Adds fresh, herbal notes to balance the richness.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon, optional): A gentle kick to elevate the flavors without overwhelming.
- Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and deepens the broth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28-ounce can): The base of the soup’s vibrant, tangy tomato essence.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (6 cups): Creates a savory, smooth liquid foundation without overpowering saltiness.
- Lasagna noodles (8, broken into pieces): Comforting pasta pieces that soak up the flavors while cooking tender.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Brings luscious creaminess to finish the soup with richness.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Nutty, sharp topping that brightens each spoonful.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Dolloped on top to add silky texture and mellow flavor.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste for balance.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Finishing herbal garnish for freshness and color.
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s beautifully browned, breaking it apart with your spoon so every bite is flavorful and tender. Once the sausage is caramelized, introduce the diced onion and cook for about 4–5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step is crucial as it builds the base flavor that sets the tone for the entire soup.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Herbs
Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, basil, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Add in the tomato paste and cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until you can smell those aromatic spices releasing their essence. This melding of flavors creates a fragrant foundation that’s unmistakably Italian.
Step 3: Pour in Tomatoes and Broth
Pour the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth into the pot, stirring everything to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to deepen and marry beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying broth.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but still hold their shape. This is where the soup really starts to feel like lasagna, with those familiar pasta ribbons soaking up all the goodness.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheeses
Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese to melt gently into the soup, giving it a luxurious, creamy texture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed for perfect balance. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt to prepare for serving.
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top each bowl with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and some fresh basil or parsley leaves. These garnishes add both visual appeal and layers of flavor that make every spoonful exciting and satisfying.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty Italian bread for dipping or a simple green salad dressed in lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness. Garlic knots or a crisp Caesar salad are other fantastic options to complement your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in rustic bread bowls to emphasize comfort food vibes, or prepare individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broil briefly until golden and bubbly for an elegant touch that wows guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing the flavors to deepen overnight. Be sure to keep the ricotta separate until serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them after reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy. Freeze the soup base in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for quick meals later on.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Add cooked noodles if stored separately, and freshen up the soup with a new sprinkle of cheese or herbs before serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef or turkey are great alternatives that will still give you a delicious, hearty soup, though the flavor may be a bit milder without the seasoned sausage.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding mushrooms or plant-based sausage can help maintain that meaty texture and flavor.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Definitely! Using gluten-free lasagna noodles works just fine. Break them into pieces as usual and keep an eye on cooking time to avoid overcooking.
How spicy is the soup?
The spice level is mild by default, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less crushed red pepper flakes according to your personal preference.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, whole milk works well. For a dairy-free option, creamy coconut milk or cashew cream can be used but will slightly change the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl and truly a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the flavors of traditional lasagna with less hassle. Give it a try, and I promise it will quickly become one of your favorite easy weeknight meals.
Print
Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Hearty Lasagna Soup is a comforting Italian-American dish that combines the rich flavors of Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, and traditional lasagna ingredients in a warm, satisfying soup. This recipe features a blend of crushed tomatoes, broken lasagna noodles, and creamy cheeses, making it a perfect one-pot meal for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 yellow onion (diced)
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
Herbs and Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Tomato and Broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
Cheeses and Dairy
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced onion to the browned sausage and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened and translucent, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and tomato paste. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant to bloom the spices and tomato paste’s flavor.
- Combine Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes to develop depth in the soup.
- Cook Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined. Season the soup with salt and pepper according to taste.
- Prepare Ricotta: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, dolloping a spoonful of the seasoned ricotta into each. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a vibrant, fresh finish.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage for a different protein option.
- For a lighter version of this soup, use whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce fat content.
- If preparing the soup in advance, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent overcooking and mushy texture.
