Best Lasagna Soup Recipe

I still remember my grandmother’s lasagna steaming on the table during our Sunday family gatherings. The aroma of herbs, tomatoes, and cheese would fill her small kitchen as we squeezed around her oak table. But let’s be honest—traditional lasagna takes time and patience, luxuries I don’t always have on busy weeknights. That’s where this Best Lasagna Soup Recipe enters as the hero of my dinner rotation.

One chilly autumn evening when I was craving those familiar flavors but short on time, I threw caution to the wind and deconstructed lasagna into soup form. The result? A soul-warming bowl that captured all the flavors of my grandmother’s classic dish but came together in a fraction of the time. Now it’s become my go-to comfort food that brings the family running to the table just as quickly as Nonna’s original version.

Why You’ll Fall in Love With This Lasagna Soup

This isn’t just any soup—it’s lasagna in a bowl, with all the comfort and none of the fuss. Here’s why this Best Lasagna Soup Recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal planning:

• Weeknight miracle: Ready in about 30 minutes (not the hours traditional lasagna demands)
• One-pot wonder: Fewer dishes means less cleanup
• All the flavor, none of the layering: You get every delicious element of lasagna in each spoonful
• Customizable: Easily adapt to dietary needs or whatever’s in your pantry
• Crowd-pleaser: Even the pickiest eaters come back for seconds
• Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for future dinner emergencies

The beauty of lasagna soup is that it hits all those nostalgic flavor notes while being completely approachable for cooks of any skill level. It’s what I call “everyday gourmet”—impressive enough for company but simple enough for Tuesday night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Soup Base:

• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on preference)
• 1 large onion, diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 bay leaves
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (about 10 noodles)
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)

For the Ricotta Mixture:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Let’s Make the Best Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Build the Flavor Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until browned (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
4. Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
5. Add the tomato paste and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 2: Create the Soup

1. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
2. Add the bay leaves and bring the mixture to a boil.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup.
2. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. If using, stir in the heavy cream during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 4: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

1. While the pasta cooks, combine the ricotta, half the Parmesan, half the mozzarella, black pepper, and parsley in a small bowl.
2. Mix well and set aside.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Remove the bay leaves from the soup.
2. Ladle the hot soup into bowls.
3. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture.
4. Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil.
5. For an extra touch, place under the broiler for 2 minutes if using oven-safe bowls.

Tips and Variations for Your Lasagna Soup

Pro Tips:

• Pasta pointers: Cook the noodles just until al dente—they’ll continue softening in the hot soup.
• Make-ahead magic: Prepare the soup base without pasta and refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat, add pasta, and cook until tender.
• Cheese choice: Room-temperature cheese melts more beautifully than cold cheese straight from the refrigerator.
• Leftovers love: If you anticipate leftovers, consider cooking and storing the pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid.

Delicious Variations:

• Vegetarian version: Substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or 2 cups of sautéed mushrooms and add 1 diced zucchini.
• Extra veggie boost: Add 2 cups of baby spinach or kale during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
• Gluten-free adaptation: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or other pasta shapes.
• Lighter option: Substitute ground turkey for sausage and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions:

• Pair with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for brightness.
• Crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable for sopping up every last drop.
• A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese completes the Italian experience.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 890mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portions.

From My Kitchen to Yours

There’s something magical about transforming a beloved classic into something new yet familiar. This Best Lasagna Soup Recipe carries the heart of traditional Italian comfort food but fits seamlessly into our modern, busy lives. It’s become my signature dish for everything from family dinners to potlucks, earning rave reviews and recipe requests wherever it goes.

The next time you’re caught between craving lasagna and needing dinner on the table before bedtime, remember this soup. It’s more than just a meal—it’s comfort, connection, and culinary creativity in a bowl.

I’d love to hear how this recipe works in your kitchen! Did you try any variations? Did it become an instant family classic? The best recipes are the ones we make our own, so don’t hesitate to add your personal touch to this lasagna soup journey.