Lasagna Soup is a bowl full of everything you love about classic lasagna: savory sausage, a rich tomato broth, tender noodles, and a cloud of creamy cheese. It perfectly captures the spirit of that baked Italian favorite, but in a simple, soul-warming soup that comes together faster than you’d expect. This is comfort food at its coziest, making Lasagna Soup ideal for busy weeknights, chilly weekends, or any time you’re craving that familiar lasagna hug but don’t want to fuss with layers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Lasagna Soup is all about using everyday ingredients that come together to create something special. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s building flavor, adding texture, or giving your finished bowl a beautiful pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need:

Italian sausage (or ground beef, or a mix): Delivers that signature savory, meaty depth that’s essential for the classic lasagna flavor.
Olive oil (if needed): Adds a touch of richness and helps sauté the veggies if your meat is lean.
Onion: Lends a sweet, aromatic base that melds with the tomato broth for irresistible flavor.
Garlic: Brings warmth and that unbeatable Italian aroma—don’t skip it!
Dried basil and oregano: These dried herbs anchor the soup with classic Italian notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle kick of heat; use more or less to match your crowd.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
Crushed tomatoes: Forms the heart of your savory broth—choose a good quality brand if you can.
Chicken broth (or beef broth): Gives your soup body and a rich, savory foundation.
Lasagna noodles (or other short pasta): Broken noodles make every spoonful fun and soak up all the flavors.
Bay leaf: An aromatic that deepens the complex flavors as the soup simmers.
Salt and black pepper: Simple but crucial for balancing all the big flavors in the pot.
Ricotta cheese: Adds luscious creaminess when stirred into each bowl.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to bring those gooey, cheesy lasagna vibes.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Packs a salty-savory punch and finishes the cheese blend.
Fresh basil or parsley: Brightens the soup with color and freshness just before serving.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat, then cook your Italian sausage (or ground beef) until it’s browned and crumbly. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain most of it off. You want all that good flavor, but not a greasy soup base!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add the diced onion right into the same pot. Cook for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and starts to turn translucent. Next, stir in your minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Let these sizzle for about a minute—your kitchen will start smelling amazing.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Flavor

Stir in the tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute, stirring constantly. This gives the paste a chance to caramelize and develop its full flavor, which makes a difference in the final soup.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth and Pasta

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken (or beef) broth, then add the bay leaf and your broken lasagna noodles. Give everything a good stir, bring it up to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. You want the pasta to be tender but not mushy. This is when the flavors get cozy with each other and really develop that Lasagna Soup magic!

Step 5: Season and Finish

Before serving, season your Lasagna Soup with salt and black pepper to taste, and remember to remove the bay leaf. It’s a small step, but it keeps bitter flavors out of your perfectly balanced bowl.

Step 6: Make the Cheese Topping

While the soup’s bubbling away, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses together in a small bowl. When ready to serve, ladle your soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of this creamy cheese mixture on top. It melts right in and gives each spoonful that unmistakable lasagna richness.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

A finishing sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of color and a hint of fresh flavor that brightens up the whole bowl. For an extra-special touch, add a few curls of Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil over the cheese.

Side Dishes

Lasagna Soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it shines brightest alongside warm, crusty bread or garlic knots—perfect for dunking and scooping up the last drops. A simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette brings balance and freshness to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Lasagna Soup in deep, wide bowls so everyone can see (and smell) that cheesy topping instantly. For a fun twist, set out the cheese mixture and fresh herbs so each person can top their soup exactly how they like. If you’re entertaining, mini soup shooters with a tiny swirl of cheese could make a memorable appetizer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your leftover Lasagna Soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the flavors seem to deepen and meld as it sits. If the soup thickens, just add a splash of broth while reheating.

Freezing

To freeze, consider leaving the pasta out of the soup itself; cooked pasta doesn’t always hold up well after freezing and reheating. Simply freeze the broth and meat mixture in containers for up to 2 months, then add fresh pasta when you’re ready to enjoy another bowl.

Reheating

Warm Lasagna Soup gently in a pot over medium heat. If you made it ahead without pasta, add the noodles during reheating and simmer until they’re just tender. Don’t forget to stir in or top with your cheese blend—this is the moment that unites all those lasagna flavors!

FAQs

Can I make Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the sausage for hearty lentils or your favorite plant-based meat alternative. Vegetable broth in place of chicken broth keeps it fully vegetarian while maintaining those satisfying, savory notes.

What other pasta shapes work if I don’t have lasagna noodles?

You can use any short pasta—such as rotini, penne, or even broken spaghetti. The key is to ensure it cooks to a tender consistency but doesn’t turn mushy, so keep an eye on it as the soup simmers!

How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?

If you anticipate leftovers or want to make this recipe ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls as you serve. This way, it stays perfectly al dente every time you reheat.

Can I add vegetables to this soup?

Definitely! Sautéed bell peppers, baby spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms are wonderful additions that fold seamlessly into Lasagna Soup, adding both nutrition and flavor.

What’s the best way to make this soup extra cheesy?

For next-level cheese factor, stir some of the cheese mixture directly into the soup before serving in addition to the usual dollop on top. The extra creaminess takes the whole Lasagna Soup experience over the top!

Final Thoughts

I hope making Lasagna Soup brings some cheesy, cozy joy to your dinner table! It’s the kind of meal that satisfies every time, and I think you’ll love how approachable and comforting it is. Give it a try the next time you need a bowl of pure comfort—your friends and family will be asking for seconds!