Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you’re craving the cozy flavors of classic lasagna but want something a little less fussy and a lot more comforting, Hearty Lasagna Soup is about to become your new go-to. This one-pot wonder captures all the soul-warming goodness of Italian-American lasagna—tender noodles, savory sausage, and creamy cheeses—transformed into a rich, brothy soup that’s as easy to make as it is to fall in love with. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or just trying to warm up on a chilly evening, Hearty Lasagna Soup brings familiar comfort to the table with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Hearty Lasagna Soup lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a vital part, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding a pop of color, or creating that irresistible melty-cheese finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:
- Italian sausage: Brings the signature savory kick—choose mild for a classic taste or spicy for extra warmth.
- Olive oil: Helps brown the sausage and soften the veggies, adding a subtle richness to the base.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth to balance the tomato’s acidity.
- Garlic cloves: Essential for that unmistakable Italian aroma; don’t skimp!
- Dried oregano and basil: These classic herbs infuse every spoonful with an herby, nostalgic flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, a pinch goes a long way.
- Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base, making the broth extra rich and luscious.
- Crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup, providing body, color, and fresh flavor.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the soup light but flavorful, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces for that classic lasagna texture in every bite.
- Heavy cream: Swirls in creaminess and balances the acidity—truly the secret ingredient!
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into the soup, making it irresistibly cheesy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that’s pure comfort.
- Ricotta cheese: Dolloped on top just before serving for a beautiful, creamy crowning touch.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning—taste as you go!
- Fresh basil or parsley: A sprinkle of green on top makes every bowl look (and taste) extra special.
How to Make Hearty Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a big, sturdy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’re looking for deep browning here—it not only gives the sausage a richer flavor but also helps build the foundation for the whole soup. Don’t rush this step; those brown bits are pure gold!
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the sausage is cooked through, toss in your diced onion. Cook for about 4–5 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent, soaking up all that meaty flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), and tomato paste. Let everything cook for another minute or two. The tomato paste should darken a bit and the aroma will let you know you’re on the right track.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to scrape up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. This melds all the flavors together and thickens the soup just enough to feel hearty without being heavy.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Drop in your broken lasagna noodles—no need to be neat, the rustic look is half the charm! Stir occasionally as they cook, about 10–12 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still have a bit of bite. The soup will start to look and smell like the coziest lasagna you’ve ever made.
Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella. This is where the soup transforms, turning ultra creamy and comforting. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with a pinch of salt—this will be your finishing touch.
Step 6: Serve with Ricotta and Garnishes
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then dollop a generous spoonful of ricotta into each one. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil or parsley. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty—Hearty Lasagna Soup is best enjoyed straight from the pot!
How to Serve Hearty Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
The finishing touches make all the difference! A swirl of ricotta adds creamy richness, while a sprinkle of Parmesan and a handful of fresh herbs brighten every bowl. If you like a little zing, try a crack of black pepper or a tiny drizzle of good olive oil on top. Let everyone build their perfect bowl of Hearty Lasagna Soup.
Side Dishes
This soup is practically a meal in itself, but it’s even better with some crusty garlic bread for dunking. A crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette makes a refreshing counterpoint, and roasted vegetables are always welcome at the table. If you’re feeling extra, a glass of Italian red wine is the perfect pairing.
Creative Ways to Present
For an extra-special touch, serve Hearty Lasagna Soup in small oven-safe bowls, top with extra mozzarella, and pop them under the broiler until bubbly and golden. Or try offering a toppings bar with ricotta, fresh herbs, and extra Parmesan, so everyone can personalize their soup. Kids especially love building their own bowl!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making reheated Hearty Lasagna Soup even more delicious.
Freezing
Hearty Lasagna Soup freezes beautifully, but for the best texture, freeze the soup without the noodles and cheeses. Ladle the cooled base into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight and add freshly cooked noodles and cheeses just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the noodles have soaked up too much liquid, add a splash of broth to loosen things up. Don’t forget to top with fresh ricotta and herbs before serving for that just-made magic.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Ground beef or turkey work well if you prefer, or you can even try a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian spin. Just keep in mind that different meats may change the flavor slightly, but the heartiness of the soup will remain.
Can I make Hearty Lasagna Soup gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta for the lasagna noodles. Be sure to check all your other ingredients (especially sausage and broth) to ensure everything is gluten-free.
What if I don’t have ricotta?
No ricotta? No problem! Try swapping in cottage cheese or even a dollop of mascarpone for a creamy finish. Or simply skip it and add extra mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
Can I make this soup lighter?
For a lighter version of Hearty Lasagna Soup, use whole milk instead of heavy cream, and opt for part-skim cheeses. You can also use turkey sausage or lean ground meat to cut back on fat.
How do I prevent overcooked noodles when making ahead?
If you’re preparing Hearty Lasagna Soup in advance, cook the noodles separately and store them apart from the soup. Add them to the hot soup just before serving to keep them perfectly tender.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings all the best parts of lasagna to your spoon, Hearty Lasagna Soup is it. It’s cozy, satisfying, and guaranteed to make any night feel special. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it on repeat!
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Hearty Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Hearty Lasagna Soup is a comforting Italian-American dish that captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a delicious, warm soup. Made with Italian sausage, broken lasagna noodles, rich tomato broth, and creamy cheeses, this soup is perfect for a cozy family meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Base
- 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)
Liquids and Tomato
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Pasta and Dairy
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 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 the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to crumble the meat evenly.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. 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, making sure the tomato paste darkens slightly.
- Add Tomato and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and low-sodium chicken broth. Stir to combine everything well. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to develop the flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup. Stir occasionally and cook for 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese until the cheese melts into the soup, creating a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare Ricotta Topping: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt to enhance its flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, then dollop a spoonful of the ricotta mixture into each bowl. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh basil or parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage for a different protein option.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with whole milk to reduce fat content.
- If preparing ahead, cook the lasagna noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating to prevent overcooking and mushiness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
