I made this lasagna soup. I’ve been meaning to make it for ages now and am just now getting around to it.

In the middle of summer.

When it’s supposed to be raining outside.

It’s literally everything that’s amazing about lasagna, just in soup form. I haven’t made a real lasagna in ages either… maybe I should do that… but I had a craving but really didn’t feel like taking the time to make my mom’s lasagna.

Her recipe is amazing and literally takes hours to make and I just wasn’t totally feeling being in the kitchen all day.

So I made a soup version instead.

My favorite thing about my mom’s lasagna is actually the ricotta parmesan cheese mixture and turns out it’s my favorite thing about this soup, too.

I made mine with a huge dollop then stirred it into the broth. Mmmmmmm…

What is Lasagna Soup?

Lasagna Soup is a deconstructed version of the classic Italian lasagna. Instead of layering pasta, meat, and cheese in a baking dish, all the ingredients are combined in a single pot to create a flavorful, hearty soup. This method not only saves time but also infuses the soup with all the delicious flavors of lasagna. The result is a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

This Lasagna Soup recipe is special to me because it brings back memories of family gatherings and cozy dinners at home. The combination of sweet Italian sausage, aromatic garlic, and rich tomato broth creates a mouthwatering base, while the addition of pasta and a creamy ricotta topping makes it truly indulgent. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with your loved ones.

Ingredients

• Olive oil: Adds a rich, smooth base for sautéing the sausage and vegetables, enhancing their flavors.
• Sweet Italian sausage: Provides a savory and slightly sweet flavor, adding depth and heartiness to the soup.
• Garlic: Infuses the soup with a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the sausage and tomatoes.
• Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and a tender texture once cooked, balancing the savory elements.
• Dried oregano: Brings a classic Italian herb flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the soup.
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a hint of heat, giving the soup a slight kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding richness and a deep red color to the broth.
• Chicken broth: Serves as the flavorful base of the soup, providing a savory and comforting foundation.
• Diced tomatoes: Adds texture and a fresh, tangy tomato flavor that complements the broth and sausage.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the soup, adding a creamy, cheesy richness that mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna.
• Fresh basil leaves: Adds a fresh, aromatic finish, enhancing the overall flavor with a hint of sweetness.
• Pasta: Provides the hearty, comforting texture of lasagna noodles, making the soup filling and satisfying.

Ricotta Topping

• Ricotta cheese: Adds a creamy, smooth texture that contrasts beautifully with the soup’s broth.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Enhances the topping with a salty, nutty flavor, adding depth to each bite.
• Dried oregano: Complements the ricotta mixture with a touch of herbaceous flavor, tying it back to the soup’s seasoning.

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Substitutions & Additions

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can substitute the sweet Italian sausage with ground beef or turkey for a different flavor profile. If you’re vegetarian, you can use plant-based sausage or simply add more vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The possibilities are endless!

How to Make this Recipe

Heat the Olive Oil: In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage, garlic, and onion. Cook, breaking apart the meat occasionally, until the sausage is browned and cooked through and the onion is translucent.

Add Seasonings: Add oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the tomato paste.

Combine Broth and Tomatoes: Add chicken broth and diced tomatoes and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes.

Cook the Pasta: Add uncooked pasta and cook for an additional 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente. Remove from heat.

Prepare Ricotta Topping: While the pasta is cooking, add ricotta, Parmesan, and oregano to a small bowl and mix to combine.

Serve: Once the soup is done, ladle it into bowls and top with the ricotta mixture. Add additional grated Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese, if desired.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Selecting the Best Ingredients: Use high-quality Italian sausage and fresh basil for the best flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese also makes a big difference.

Perfecting the Dish: Make sure to cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the hot soup.

Flavor Enhancements: For an extra kick, add a splash of red wine to the broth or a pinch of nutmeg to the ricotta mixture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Lasagna Soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the delicious broth. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs well, balancing the richness of the soup.

Storage Suggestions

If you have leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The ricotta topping can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of water or broth if it has thickened.

Recipe FAQ

Can I freeze Lasagna Soup? Yes, you can freeze the soup without the pasta. When ready to eat, thaw the soup, reheat it, and add freshly cooked pasta.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like provolone or fontina.

Is this recipe spicy? The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount to your preference.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker? Yes, you can cook the sausage and onions first, then add all ingredients except the pasta to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding the pasta in the last 30 minutes.

What type of pasta works best? Short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bow-tie work well in this soup.

This Lasagna Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to be a hit with your family and friends.