Lasagna Soup
All the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of classic lasagna, but served in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. It's a one-pot wonder perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, ready in under an hour.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 30 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Brown Sausage and Aromatics
- b.Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
- c.Add the Italian sausage and chopped onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spoon to break the sausage into small crumbles, until it is browned and the onion is soft and translucent.
- d.Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute more, until the garlic is fragrant.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Build the Soup Base
- b.Add the tomato paste and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flavor of the paste and toast the herbs.
- c.Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.
- d.Season with salt and pepper. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady simmer.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Pasta
- b.Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup.
- c.Stir to ensure the noodles are submerged. Cover the pot partially and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- d.Cook until the noodles are tender and cooked to al dente.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Prepare the Cheesy Topping
- b.While the soup is simmering, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and half of the shredded mozzarella in a small bowl.
- c.Season the cheese mixture with a small pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve and Garnish
- b.Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- c.Ladle the hot soup into individual serving bowls.
- d.Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture.
- e.Sprinkle with the remaining shredded mozzarella and fresh chopped basil before serving.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a richer, creamier soup, stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream or 4 ounces of cream cheese during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- 2To prevent soggy noodles in leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls just before serving.
- 3Boost the nutrition by adding a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale to the soup along with the noodles.
- 4Serve with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping into the savory broth.
- 5Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pot after adding the liquids to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the sausage.
Adapt it for your goals.
Vegetarian
Omit the Italian sausage. Sauté 8 oz of chopped mushrooms and 1 chopped bell pepper with the onion. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicier VersionSpicier Version
Use hot Italian sausage and increase the red pepper flakes to 1 full teaspoon, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the other spices.
Leaner OptionLeaner Option
Substitute the Italian sausage with lean ground turkey or chicken. You may need to add a bit more Italian seasoning to compensate for the flavor.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Protein
The Italian sausage and various cheeses provide a substantial amount of protein, which is essential for muscle repair, growth, and overall body function.
Source of Lycopene
Tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and protection against cell damage.
Provides Calcium
The ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses contribute a good amount of calcium, which is vital for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
Frequently asked questions
A typical 1.5 cup serving of this Lasagna Soup contains approximately 550-650 calories, depending on the type of sausage and cheese used.
