Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of a traditional lasagna with the cozy ease of a one-pot soup. The hearty broth, packed with sausage, tomatoes, and aromatic Italian herbs, makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug. The melted ricotta and mozzarella add a velvety, creamy texture that perfectly complements the soup’s richness.
It’s an incredibly versatile dish, perfect for customizing to your taste. Whether you want to add more veggies, swap the meat for a vegetarian option, or even add a sprinkle of Parmesan on top, this Lasagna Soup is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. Ideal for chilly evenings or feeding a hungry family, it’s bound to become a comfort food favorite!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a large pot, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, cooking for 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and let simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- While the soup is simmering, mix ricotta and mozzarella cheese together in a bowl. Set aside.
- Once the noodles are cooked, spoon the cheese mixture into the soup, stirring gently until the cheese melts into the broth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes
Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
What Makes Lasagna Soup So Special?
Lasagna Soup takes everything you love about traditional lasagna and transforms it into a comforting, one-pot meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Imagine a hearty, flavorful broth filled with rich tomatoes, Italian sausage, and tender lasagna noodles, all topped with a gooey, melted blend of mozzarella and ricotta cheese. This dish captures the essence of lasagna without all the layering and oven time, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you crave something comforting yet effortless.
The beauty of this Lasagna Soup lies not only in its amazing flavors but also in its versatility. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your tastes, whether you prefer to swap out the sausage for ground beef, use a vegetarian alternative, or even add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms. The soup’s base, made with a combination of tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, is the perfect foundation for all these ingredients to meld together into a rich and satisfying dish.
How to Customize Lasagna Soup to Your Taste
One of the things that make Lasagna Soup so appealing is how easily it can be customized to meet different dietary needs or personal preferences. Here are some easy swaps and tips for making this dish your own:
- Meatless Version: If you want to go meatless, you can use a plant-based sausage or just add extra vegetables like zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers. You can also replace the sausage with lentils or beans for added protein.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make the soup gluten-free, simply swap the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to check the package instructions for the correct cooking time since gluten-free pasta can sometimes cook a little faster than regular noodles.
- Extra Veggies: This recipe is a great way to sneak in more veggies! You can add chopped carrots, celery, or spinach to the broth to enhance the nutritional value and flavor. Just throw them in along with the onions and garlic and sauté them until tender.
- Creamier Texture: If you prefer an extra creamy soup, stir in a bit of heavy cream or whole milk after the noodles are cooked. This will give the soup an indulgent, velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the cheese.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Unlike traditional lasagna, which can take over an hour to prepare and bake, Lasagna Soup is made in one pot in under 40 minutes, making it a great option for busy evenings.
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s hearty enough to be a filling meal, and the combination of melted cheese and savory broth creates a satisfying bowl of goodness.
- Family-Friendly: Lasagna Soup is a hit with both adults and kids alike. The familiar flavors of lasagna are loved by everyone, and the ease of serving it as a soup makes it a meal the whole family can enjoy.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Lasagna Soup makes great leftovers. The flavors continue to meld and deepen the next day, so it’s perfect for meal prep or a make-ahead dish.
Tips for the Perfect Lasagna Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since lasagna noodles are broken into smaller pieces, they can cook quickly in the broth. Make sure to keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as they can become mushy if left too long.
- Cheese at the End: For the best texture, add the ricotta and mozzarella cheese at the end of cooking, once the noodles are tender. Stir gently so that the cheese melts into the broth, creating that signature creamy texture.
- Seasoning is Key: Make sure to taste your soup and adjust the seasoning before serving. If you like a little extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a more robust flavor, add a pinch more Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like oregano or basil.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Salad: A light, refreshing salad makes a perfect side for this hearty soup. Try a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the Lasagna Soup.
- Garlic Bread: For a truly indulgent meal, serve your Lasagna Soup with a side of warm, crispy garlic bread. The garlic butter bread is perfect for soaking up the savory broth.
- Top with Fresh Herbs: Garnishing your soup with fresh basil or parsley not only adds a burst of color but also enhances the flavor with a touch of freshness.
Why You Should Try This Lasagna Soup Recipe
Lasagna Soup is the best of both worlds – it combines the hearty, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease and simplicity of a soup. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s quick to make, packed with flavor, and fully customizable, ensuring it’s a perfect fit for your taste preferences and dietary needs.
This Lasagna Soup is a perfect example of how you can enjoy the flavors of your favorite comfort foods in a simpler, faster, and equally satisfying way. The next time you’re craving lasagna but don’t have the time to make a full casserole, just whip up this delicious soup!
Lasagna Soup: A Hearty Twist on a Classic Favorite
Lasagna Soup is an innovative take on a beloved classic – the Italian lasagna. By swapping out the layers of pasta for broken lasagna noodles and turning the dish into a warm, comforting soup, you get all the flavors of lasagna without the lengthy preparation. This cozy dish is perfect for a chilly night when you’re craving something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying.
Not only does Lasagna Soup pack the comfort of classic lasagna into a bowl, but it also offers a flexible recipe that can be tailored to suit your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal that’s easy to make ahead, Lasagna Soup delivers on both flavor and convenience.
Perfect for Meal Prep
Lasagna Soup is a fantastic recipe for meal prepping. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and the flavors only improve as it sits. Simply store the soup in an airtight container and reheat it when you’re ready to enjoy. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days when you want a homemade meal without the hassle of cooking from scratch. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months. Just be sure to store it in freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for the soup to expand as it freezes.
Healthier Lasagna Soup Options
While traditional lasagna is often rich and indulgent, Lasagna Soup can easily be made a bit healthier without sacrificing flavor. Here are a few ways to lighten up the dish:
- Lean Meat Options: If you want to reduce the fat content, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage. These options still provide great flavor, and you’ll save on calories and fat.
- Add More Veggies: Boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables to the soup. Chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are all excellent additions that will blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.
- Lower Fat Dairy: If you prefer a lighter version, swap the full-fat ricotta and mozzarella cheese for their low-fat or part-skim versions. You’ll still get that creamy, cheesy texture but with fewer calories.
- Gluten-Free Pasta: For those following a gluten-free diet, swapping regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta ensures everyone can enjoy this delicious soup without worry.
How to Make the Soup Vegan or Vegetarian
Making Lasagna Soup vegan or vegetarian is easy with just a few swaps:
- Meat Substitutes: You can replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or even crumble firm tofu as a substitute. Alternatively, you can use lentils or beans (such as cannellini beans or chickpeas) for a protein-packed vegetarian option.
- Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, simply omit the ricotta and mozzarella cheese, or use a plant-based cheese alternative. Many vegan mozzarella options melt well and will add a similar texture to the soup.
- Vegetarian Additions: If you prefer a heartier vegetarian version, you can add extra vegetables such as spinach, carrots, bell peppers, or eggplant. These ingredients will give the soup added flavor and texture, making it a filling meal on its own.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes! Lasagna Soup is actually a great dish to make ahead of time. The flavors continue to develop as it sits, and it reheats beautifully. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Can I use store-bought pasta sauce in place of the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes?
Yes, you can use a jar of store-bought marinara or tomato sauce instead of the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes if you’re short on time. However, using fresh diced tomatoes and tomato sauce allows you to control the seasoning and flavor of the soup, so we recommend the homemade option for the best results.
What can I serve with Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, crusty bread, or a fresh salad for a well-rounded dinner. You can also serve it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an added touch of flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
While lasagna noodles are traditional in this soup, you can swap them out for any pasta you prefer. Broken spaghetti, rigatoni, or fusilli will all work well in this recipe. If you use smaller pasta, reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions and reheat as needed.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until it’s heated through. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, add a bit of extra broth or water to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Lasagna Soup in Different Seasons
While Lasagna Soup is the perfect dish for colder months, it’s versatile enough to be enjoyed year-round. In the fall and winter, it’s a perfect comfort food to keep you warm, while in the spring and summer, you can add fresh basil, zucchini, and tomatoes to lighten it up. This soup can adapt to any season with just a few tweaks to the ingredients!
Why This Recipe is a Winner
Lasagna Soup combines everything you love about the classic lasagna in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family, looking for an easy meal to prep for the week, or just want a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug, this soup is the answer. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile, making it the perfect addition to your regular meal rotation.
Conclusion
Lasagna Soup is a comforting, delicious, and versatile twist on the classic lasagna that’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a dish to feed a hungry family, or a cozy bowl of comfort on a chilly evening, this soup delivers on all fronts. With its rich, savory broth, tender lasagna noodles, and gooey cheese, it combines all the best elements of lasagna in a simplified, easy-to-make form.
What makes this recipe even better is how customizable it is—whether you prefer meat, a vegetarian version, or even a vegan twist, you can make it your own to suit your dietary preferences. Plus, it’s the perfect meal for meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week or freeze leftovers for later.
No matter how you choose to make it, Lasagna Soup is a dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling full and content. So next time you’re in the mood for lasagna but don’t have the time or energy for the oven, turn to this easy and comforting soup recipe instead!
Enjoy this hearty, cheesy bowl of goodness with your loved ones, and let it become a staple in your dinner rotation!