The Best Lasagna Soup: A Cozy, Flavorful Twist on a Classic

Lasagna has always been a go-to comfort food, a dish that wraps you up in a warm embrace, with layers of cheesy goodness and rich tomato sauce. But what if you could enjoy all those delicious lasagna flavors without the hassle of layering and baking? That’s where this Best Lasagna Soup comes in! It’s a quick, easy, and comforting way to bring the beloved flavors of lasagna into a cozy, slurpable bowl. Perfect for chilly nights or busy weeknights, this soup is not only a family favorite but also a recipe you can easily customize to suit your needs. Whether you’re looking for a healthy comfort food, easy weeknight dinners, or high-protein meals, this lasagna soup fits the bill!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this lasagna soup because it takes all the flavors you adore from a classic lasagna—savory sausage, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese—and combines them into a simple, one-pot meal. It’s everything you love about lasagna but in a way that’s perfect for those quick family meals or easy high-protein high-calorie meals you crave when you’re short on time.

The soup is hearty enough to satisfy, yet not too heavy, making it an ideal option for those busy days when you need something nourishing. Plus, it’s versatile—you can easily make it keto by substituting noodles or gluten-free by using the right pasta. Whether you need a meal planning chicken recipe or a dish that fits into your high-protein microwave meals plan, this one is bound to be a hit.

What Makes This Recipe Special?

This isn’t just any lasagna soup; it’s the best lasagna soup. Why? Because it’s packed with flavor, requires minimal prep time, and uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. The richness of the tomato base, combined with the hearty Italian sausage, makes for a deeply satisfying meal. And the cheese mixture? It’s the real star—creamy ricotta and melty mozzarella elevate each bite, making it feel indulgent without being too heavy.

Not to mention, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can swap in ground turkey for a leaner option, add vegetables like zucchini and spinach for extra nutrition, or even use high-protein ready-made meals like pre-cooked sausage to save time. The beauty of this dish is that it adapts to whatever dietary needs you have while still delivering a comforting, flavorful meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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Here’s what you’ll need to make the best lasagna soup ever:

• For the Soup Base:
  • 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the Lasagna Noodles:
  • 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (or use mini lasagna noodles)
• For the Cheese Mixture:
  • 15 ounces ricotta cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 egg (optional, for added creaminess)
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How to Make It Step-by-Step

This lasagna soup comes together easily in just a few simple steps:

1. Cook the Sausage
   In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. If there’s excess fat, drain it. Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Build the Soup Base
   Add the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer and let it cook for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Noodles
   While the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook them according to package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes) until they’re tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
4. Prepare the Cheese Mixture
   In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and the egg (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Assemble and Serve
   Once the noodles are done, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture, then sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, and enjoy!

Tips for Best Results

• Customize Your Protein: Feel free to swap out the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Or use plant-based sausage if you want a vegan meal prep plan or just a vegetarian alternative.
• Extra Flavor: Add a splash of red wine when cooking the sausage for an extra layer of richness. You can also stir in some fresh herbs like thyme or oregano to boost the flavor.
• For a Creamier Soup: If you prefer a creamier texture, try adding a small amount of heavy cream or a splash of milk to the soup base.
• Add More Veggies: This recipe is a great base to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. It’s a wonderful way to sneak in some extra healthy eating for two.

Ingredient Substitutions & Variations

• Ground Sausage Alternatives: If you don’t have Italian sausage, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage.
• Noodles: For a keto meal plan, you can swap traditional noodles with zucchini noodles, or use gluten-free lasagna noodles if necessary.
• Cheese: Use ricotta or mascarpone for a creamier texture. If you’re looking to lower fat, try using part-skim ricotta and mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions

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This lasagna soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect sidekick to this comforting soup.
• Simple Green Salad: For something light and fresh, a salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing will complement the richness of the soup.
• Parmesan: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top will add a salty, savory finish.

For an extra-special touch, serve the soup in individual bowls and let everyone customize their own by adding extra cheese, fresh herbs, or a dollop of pesto for added flavor.

Pairing Ideas (Drinks, Sides, etc.)

• Drinks: Pair this soup with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon.
• Sides: For a cozy meal, add a side of roasted vegetables or a baked potato to round out the meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the soup cool to room temperature before sealing it.
• Freezing: If you want to freeze this lasagna soup, it’s best to leave out the noodles before freezing. Store the cooled soup in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a bit of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

Make-Ahead and Freezer Tips

• You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just add the noodles and cheese mixture when you’re ready to serve.
• If you’re making a large batch, divide it into smaller portions before freezing. This way, you can easily reheat just the amount you need for a quick meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Noodles: Since the noodles cook directly in the soup, make sure not to overcook them. They should be tender but still al dente.
• Not Draining the Meat: If there’s excess fat from the sausage, be sure to drain it off to keep the soup from being too greasy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?
   Yes! You can make the soup base ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Just add the noodles and cheese mixture when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
   Absolutely! Freezing works best if you leave out the noodles. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup in the fridge overnight, reheat it, and add freshly cooked noodles.
3. What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
   Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage work great as substitutes. For a meatless version, simply add more veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini.
4. How can I make this soup healthier?
   Use whole wheat noodles, add more vegetables, and opt for leaner meat like ground turkey. You can also reduce the cheese or use lower-fat versions.

Cooking Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Soup ladle
• Cutting board and knife
• Cheese grater
• Mixing bowls

If you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to save it on Pinterest or share it with a friend! Enjoy your delicious bowl of the best lasagna soup!