If you adore the comforting, hearty flavors of lasagna but want something quicker and cozier for chilly evenings, this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the rich tomato sauce, seasoned sausage, and cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna but transforms it into a warm, slurpable soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Every spoonful feels like a big hug, combining the best of Italian comfort food with the simplicity of a one-pot meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients will set you up for success with this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe. Each component brings something special—Italian sausage adds savory depth, tomatoes give bright richness, and fresh herbs create that inviting aroma that makes you feel right at home.
- Olive oil: Used to brown the sausage and veggies, contributing a smooth richness.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 pound): The star protein giving the soup its robust, spicy flavor.
- Medium white onion, diced: Adds a gentle sweetness and aromatic base.
- Red bell pepper, diced: For a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Garlic cloves (5, pressed or minced): Essential for that unmistakable garlicky aroma that warms the soul.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle kick, adjustable to your spice preference.
- Dry white wine (1 cup): Deglazes the pan and deepens the flavor complexity.
- Stock (4 cups, beef, chicken, or vegetable): Forms the hearty base of the soup, boosting savory notes.
- Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 15-ounce can): Bring smoky sweetness and texture.
- Crushed tomatoes (1 15-ounce can): Provide a smooth and rich tomato foundation.
- Italian seasoning (1 1/2 tablespoons): A fragrant blend of herbs that brings authentic Italian flair.
- Bay leaf (1): Infuses subtle earthy undertones during simmering.
- Mafalda pasta (8 ounces, uncooked): Or your preferred pasta shape, for that comforting bite reminiscent of lasagna noodles.
- Fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper: To perfectly season and balance the soup’s flavors.
- Toppings: Shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped basil to finish off with creamy, cheesy joy and fresh herbaceous notes.
How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Water
Start by bringing a medium pot of salted water to a rolling boil. This will be for cooking the pasta separately, ensuring it reaches the perfect al dente texture without overcooking in the soup.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage and Vegetables
In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground Italian sausage, diced onion, and red bell pepper. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage as it browns, immersing yourself in that comforting aroma for about 8 to 10 minutes. Just when the sausage is golden, stir in the garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another couple of minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Pour in the dry white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—these little pockets of flavor are what makes homemade cooking magical. Then add your stock, both cans of tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and the bay leaf. Stir well to combine all the goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Lower the pasta into the boiling water and cook until it’s just shy of al dente—this step ensures the noodles won’t become mushy after joining the soup.
Step 5: Simmer the Soup
Bring your soup to a gentle simmer. Then reduce to medium-low, cover, and let it cook until the pasta reaches al dente. This process allows all the flavors to harmonize and develop into that familiar lasagna taste you crave.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Season
Use a strainer to transfer the cooked pasta directly into the soup pot. Give it a good stir to meld everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, black pepper, extra Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes if you want a little more spark.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Dish up generous bowls of this comforting Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe, then lavish each serving with heaps of shredded mozzarella, creamy ricotta, Parmesan, and sprinkle with fresh basil for that final burst of freshness and rich creaminess.
How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing makes this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe more irresistible than toppings. Think melty mozzarella, dollops of velvety ricotta, grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of fresh basil. These garnishes elevate every spoonful, adding layers of creamy, cheesy goodness and a pop of green brightness that contrast perfectly with the hearty soup.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some warm garlic bread for dipping. Either side complements the soup’s robust flavors without overpowering the main event.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup inside hollowed-out sourdough bowls or mini bread loaves—this doubles as a delicious edible container! Another idea is to ladle it into shallow bowls topped with cheese and place under the broiler for a minute or two, creating a bubbly, golden crusted finish reminiscent of classic lasagna’s cheesy top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your leftover Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or second dinners during the week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Pour the cooled soup (without the cheese toppings) into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It will maintain its flavor and texture for up to 3 months, perfect for those days when you need a nourishing meal in a flash.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat until steamy. Add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. Once heated through, reapply your favorite cheese and fresh basil to capture that just-made freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or extra mushrooms and use vegetable stock to keep it fully vegetarian while maintaining rich, satisfying flavors.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Mafalda pasta is a great choice because its ruffled edges mimic lasagna noodles. However, feel free to use rigatoni, penne, or even broken lasagna noodles. Just ensure the pasta holds up well during cooking and reheating.
Can I use canned regular diced tomatoes instead of fire-roasted?
Yes, regular diced tomatoes work perfectly fine, but fire-roasted adds a lovely subtle smokiness that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
Is it okay to add the cheese directly into the soup while cooking?
For best results, add cheese as a topping after cooking. This keeps the cheese fresh and melty, preventing it from melting away into the soup and losing its wonderful texture.
How spicy is this recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that’s easily adjustable—add more for extra kick or omit for a milder dish suitable for the whole family.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a total winner when you want a comforting, flavorful meal without the fuss of layered baking. It’s cozy, quick, and packed with all the flavors you love in traditional lasagna but served in a bowl ready to warm you up on any night. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become one of your go-to favorites—give it a whirl soon and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Description
This easy lasagna soup combines all the classic flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting, hearty soup that’s quick to prepare. Ground Italian sausage, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and pasta simmer together to create a delicious and satisfying meal, perfect for weeknights or anytime you crave the taste of lasagna in a warm, bowl-friendly form.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 5 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup dry white wine
- 4 cups beef, chicken, or vegetable stock
- 1 (15-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
- 1 bay leaf
Pasta
- 8 ounces uncooked mafalda pasta (or your preferred shape of pasta)
Seasonings and Toppings
- Fine sea salt and freshly-cracked black pepper, to taste
- Toppings: shredded mozzarella, ricotta, and/or Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Pasta Water: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil in preparation for cooking the pasta.
- Cook the Sausage and Veggies: In a large stockpot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, diced onion, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté them while breaking up the sausage with a wooden spoon, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the sausage is browned. Add the minced garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, and sauté for an additional 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Add the Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pot, scraping the browned bits off the bottom with a wooden spoon for extra flavor. Add the stock, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and bay leaf. Stir everything to combine well.
- Cook the Pasta: While the soup base is coming together, add the mafalda pasta to the boiling salted water. Cook until the pasta is just shy of al dente, as it will finish cooking in the soup.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the soup base to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook until the pasta is fully al dente.
- Combine Pasta and Soup: Using a strainer, transfer the cooked pasta directly into the soup pot. Stir gently to incorporate the pasta with the soup ingredients.
- Season to Taste: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with fine sea salt, freshly cracked black pepper, extra Italian seasoning, or crushed red pepper flakes as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top generously with shredded mozzarella, ricotta, Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting taste of lasagna in soup form.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you like if mafalda is unavailable; small shapes like penne or rotini also work well.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable stock.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level.
- This soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Leftover soup can be thickened by simmering uncovered for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian