We love lasagna as the ultimate comfort food, but let's be honest, it's a bit of a chore to make. So this soup is absolutely perfect. It will satisfy all your best lasagna cravings but with half the work and all the flavor. You get delicious bites of Italian sausage, all pasta, a flavorful tomato broth, and the most delicious dollops of cheese on top.
If you want to make a whole lasagna, try ours The most amazing Lasagna or us White Spinach Artichoke Lasagna.
Why our recipe?
- All your favorite flavors from lasagna in a comforting, one-pot soup.
- A creamy ricotta topping loaded with mozzarella and parmesan is served on top for all the cheesy goodness.
- Ready in under an hour, it's perfect for weeknight cooking.
We love a quick, easy recipe that still packs a ton of flavor, and this is one of those. And we don't play when it comes to cheese! A creamy ricotta topping, loaded with mozzarella and parmesan, takes this soup to the next level. It melts right into the broth for that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave.
Material notes
- Italian Sausage: If you like things spicy, grab the hot Italian sausage for an extra kick, or stick mild for a crowd-pleaser.
- White Onion: A yellow onion would also work here.
- Garlic: Fresh mince is always going to give you the best flavor, but straight from a jar is the next best thing.
- Beef Broth: Use low sodium beef broth so you can better control the salt level in your soup.
- Tomato Sauce and Chopped Tomatoes: Fire-roasted diced tomatoes will add more flavor.
- Bay leaves: These little guys add subtle flavor as the soup simmers. Don't forget to fish them out before serving!
- Lasagna Pasta: You will add the dried pasta to the soup by shredding it. Other pasta shapes will also work like bowties or pens.
- Ricotta Cheese: Use whole milk ricotta for a creamy result. You can use cottage cheese as an alternative.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Crumble your own if you can as it melts better and gives the topping that juicy texture.
- Parmesan Cheese: Again, shred or grate your own for the best melt.
Variations and additions
Meatless Alternatives: Swap Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or a mix of minced mushrooms, zucchini and spinach. You can use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Additional Vegetables: Sneak in extra nutrients by adding chopped carrots and bell peppers to the onions. Add chopped kale during the last 5 to 7 minutes of cooking, or a handful of baby spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
Add heat: Love spices? Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of red pepper to the broth and use spicy Italian sausage.
Change the pasta: Use different pasta shapes such as bowtis, penne or other fun tube shapes and bite-sized pastas.
Adjust the amount of broth
Pasta has a sneaky way of soaking up liquid, especially as your soup sits. If you notice that your lasagna soup is turning into more of a stew, don't worry—it's an easy fix!
Cooking time: If the soup seems too thick while the pasta is cooking, simply add an extra cup or two of beef broth or even water. If you dilute the broth, be sure to adjust the taste and seasoning.
After cooking: As the soup cools, the pasta will continue to absorb the liquid. While reheating, stir in additional broth or water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. Heat gently to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Serving advice
Personal Service: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture. The heat from the soup will gently melt the cheese, creating a delicious, gooey layer with each bite.
All-in-one pot: For family style, spoon the cheese topping directly into the pot after the pasta is done cooking. Let it melt a bit and people will naturally mix it up when they serve themselves.
Side Dish: It's a meal in itself, but also goes great with it Garlic bread or Homemade breadsticks For something a little lighter to soak up the broth, a classic Caesar salad or a simpler one Arugula salad Both are great options.
Storage and reheating instructions
Keep in fridge the remainder Up to 4 days in an airtight container. If possible, store soup and cheese toppings separately. If you've already added the cheese topping to the soup, don't worry! The soup may thicken as it sits, so add more water or broth as needed when reheating.
Freezing is not recommended As the pasta gets seasoned.
Reheat in a saucepan Over medium heat, stir occasionally. If the soup becomes thick, add a little more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency. Once warm, top with cheese mixture and serve separately.
Reheat in microwave in individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and reheat in 1-minute increments, stirring between each, until heated through. Add a dollop of cheese topping just before serving.
