I remember shivering after a particularly brutal soccer practice, dreaming of something warm and comforting. My mom, bless her heart, always knew just what to do. One evening, she surprised us all with a bubbling pot of something new: Lasagna Soup! The aroma alone was enough to chase away the chill, and the taste? Pure heaven. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Lasagna Soup you’ll ever make!
Why You’ll Absolutely LOVE This Lasagna Soup
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love lasagna? But sometimes, the thought of layering all those ingredients can feel a bit daunting. That’s where this Lasagna Soup comes in to save the day! It captures all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna – the rich tomato sauce, the creamy ricotta, the savory Italian sausage, and, of course, the pasta – in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Trust me, this will become a family favorite!
What Makes This Lasagna Soup So Special?
- It’s incredibly easy: Seriously, you can have this on the table in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- It’s customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go for it! Prefer ground beef over sausage? No problem! This recipe is super flexible.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser: Everyone loves lasagna, and everyone will love this soup. It’s hearty, flavorful, and satisfying.
- It’s budget-friendly: Made with simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
- It’s pure comfort food: Warm, cozy, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you need a little hug in a bowl.
The Ultimate Lasagna Soup Recipe
Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe is straightforward, but I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure your Lasagna Soup is absolutely perfect.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix!), removed from casings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. You want it nice and crumbly. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing right now!
- Add the Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Then, add the chicken broth (or beef broth).
- Season Generously: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Simmer and Simmer: Bring the soup to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Add the Noodles: Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Prepare the Ricotta Mixture: While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Success Tips for PERFECT Lasagna Soup
Okay, my friend, you’re almost there! Here are a few of my top tips to ensure your Lasagna Soup is a smashing success:
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Nobody likes mushy noodles! Keep a close eye on them and test them frequently. They should be tender but still have a little bite to them.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add more salt, pepper, or Italian herbs to suit your preferences. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick!
- Use good quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the soup! Opt for high-quality Italian sausage, crushed tomatoes, and broth for the best flavor.
- Make it ahead of time: Lasagna Soup actually tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently.
- Customize with your favorite veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, celery, bell peppers, or zucchini to the soup. Just add them when you sauté the onion and garlic.
Variations and Add-Ins
The beauty of this Lasagna Soup recipe is how easily you can customize it! Here are some ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup while it’s simmering for a little extra heat.
- Vegetarian Lasagna Soup: Omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Creamy Lasagna Soup: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, creamier soup.
- Cheesy Lasagna Soup: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese to each bowl of soup just before serving.
- Add Some Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt down nicely and add a boost of nutrients.
Serving Suggestions
This Lasagna Soup is a complete meal in itself, but it’s also delicious served with a side of:
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Garlic bread
- A simple side salad
Other Delicious Soup Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a soup lover like me, you’re always on the lookout for new and exciting recipes to try! Here are a few of my other favorites that I think you’ll absolutely adore:
For a lighter, brighter option, you absolutely MUST try my ROASTED TOMATO SOUP. The roasting process brings out so much sweetness and depth of flavor – it’s incredible!
When I’m craving something hearty and comforting, I often turn to CHICKEN DUMPLING SOUP. Those fluffy dumplings are just irresistible!
For a quick and easy weeknight meal, you can’t beat my CREAMY TORTELLINI SOUP. It’s so simple to make and packed with flavor.
If you’re looking for something with a bit of a kick, you have to try the CAJUN CHICKEN SOUP HEAVEN. The spice blend is divine!
When the weather gets colder I love the SAUSAGE POTATO CHOWDER .It’s such a perfect choice.
For ultimate cozy feeling, I recommend the CREAMY POTATO SOUP . You will never regret making it!
If you’re a fan of Italian flavors, you’ll definitely want to try my ZUPPA TOSCANA. It’s a classic for a reason!
And last but not least, If you want to set and forget this one is perfect, check out the Crockpot Lasagna Soup!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Lasagna Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store it in an airtight container. To reheat, simply warm it up in a pot on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave.
Freezing Instructions
Lasagna Soup freezes beautifully! This is a great way to make a big batch and have it on hand for quick and easy meals. To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Then, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top freezer bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, transfer the soup to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Then, reheat as directed above.
Lasagna Soup Recipe
Here’s a printable version of the recipe for your convenience:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6-8
Ingredients:
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix!), removed from casings
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Then, add the chicken broth (or beef broth).
- Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Bring the soup to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Ladle the Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Final Thoughts
There you have it! My absolute favorite recipe for Lasagna Soup. I truly believe this will become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. It’s comforting, delicious, and oh-so-easy to make. So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a little bit of kitchen magic. I know you’re going to love it!
Can I customize the Lasagna Soup recipe?
Yes, the Lasagna Soup recipe is highly customizable! You can add more vegetables, substitute ground beef for sausage, or adjust the seasoning to your liking. The article also suggests variations like Spicy, Vegetarian, Creamy, and Cheesy Lasagna Soup.
How long does Lasagna Soup last, and can I freeze it?
Lasagna Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. It also freezes beautifully for up to 2-3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and leave some room in the container for expansion.
What are some serving suggestions for Lasagna Soup?
Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with crusty bread for dipping, garlic bread, or a simple side salad.
What kind of broth is recommended for Lasagna Soup?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of chicken broth, but you can also use beef broth for a richer flavor.
Lasagna Soup: Crazy Delicious!
This Lasagna Soup recipe captures all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna in a comforting and easy-to-make soup. With rich tomato sauce, creamy ricotta, savory Italian sausage, and lasagna noodles, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
- 1 pound Italian sausage sweet or hot, or a mix!
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth or beef broth for a richer flavor
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper or to taste
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease.
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Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Then, add the chicken broth (or beef broth).
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Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
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Bring the soup to a simmer. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes.
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Increase the heat to medium and bring the soup back to a gentle boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
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While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well combined.
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Ladle the Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a spoonful of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Don’t overcook the noodles, keep a close eye on them and test frequently. Adjust the seasoning to your taste and add vegetables like carrots, celery, or bell peppers. Lasagna soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for 2-3 months.