Name: Easy Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 onion (diced); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 can (28 oz crushed tomatoes); 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 8 ounces mafalda or broken lasagna noodles; 1 cup ricotta cheese; 1/4 cup grated parmesan; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella; Fresh basil (for garnish)

Lasagna soup delivers all the cheesy, saucy comfort of traditional baked lasagna without the time-consuming layering or long baking process. Made with Italian sausage, tender ruffled noodles, a rich tomato broth, and plenty of cheese, this easy one-pot meal brings your favorite Italian-inspired flavors straight to the dinner table. Every bowl is finished with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and fragrant basil for a comforting meal that feels special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

This easy lasagna soup recipe comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or relaxed family dinners. The ingredients simmer together in one pot, allowing the savory sausage, tomatoes, garlic, and Italian herbs to create a deliciously rich broth. Serve it with crusty garlic bread for a cozy dinner everyone will want to enjoy again.

Recipe at a Glance

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Category: Soup / Dinner
Cooking Method: Stovetop

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup recipe combines everything you love about classic lasagna in an easier, more approachable format.

One-pot convenience: Cook the sausage, prepare the broth, and simmer the noodles in the same pot for less cleanup.
Rich Italian flavor: Italian sausage, garlic, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and herbs create a deeply savory broth.
Creamy, cheesy topping: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan deliver the familiar flavor of baked lasagna.
Quick and satisfying: Have a hearty homemade dinner ready in around 40 minutes.
Family-friendly comfort food: The familiar pasta and cheesy topping make this soup a favorite for adults and children.
Easy to customize: Swap the meat, add vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lasagna Soup

Simple pantry staples and everyday ingredients make this recipe easy to prepare.

1 pound Italian sausage: Mild or spicy sausage adds rich flavor and satisfying texture.
1 medium onion, diced: Creates a flavorful foundation for the broth.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic, savory depth.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and gives the soup a richer taste.
1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: Forms the hearty tomato base.
4 cups chicken or beef broth: Thins the tomatoes into a delicious soup while adding savory flavor.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings together classic herbs such as oregano, basil, and thyme.
8 ounces mafalda or broken lasagna noodles: Provides the signature lasagna-style texture.
1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy topping.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture.
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella: Melts beautifully over the hot soup.
Fresh basil: Adds freshness and color before serving.
Salt and black pepper: Season to taste.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook for approximately 6–8 minutes, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Continue cooking until browned and cooked through. If there is excessive grease, carefully drain some of it, leaving a little behind for flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Onion and Garlic

Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste. Cook for another minute to release the garlic’s aroma and deepen the tomato flavor.

Step 3: Prepare the Tomato Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or beef broth. Add the Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt as needed. Stir everything together, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add the Lasagna Noodles

Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces, or use mafalda pasta for a traditional ruffled appearance. Add the noodles to the simmering soup and stir well. Reduce the heat and simmer for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but still holds its shape.

Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. If the soup becomes too thick, add a little extra broth.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Ricotta Topping

While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan in a small bowl. Add a pinch of salt and black pepper, mixing until smooth. This simple topping adds a creamy contrast to the tangy tomato broth.

Step 6: Add the Cheese and Serve

Ladle the hot lasagna soup into serving bowls. Add a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture, followed by shredded mozzarella. Finish with freshly torn basil and additional Parmesan.

For a bubbly, golden cheese topping, place oven-safe bowls under the broiler briefly, if desired. Always use broiler-safe bowls and handle them carefully.

Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup

Brown the sausage properly: Browning develops savory flavors that make the broth taste richer.
Cook the tomato paste: A brief cooking period removes its raw taste and adds depth.
Avoid overcooking the noodles: Pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits, so cook it just until tender.
Keep extra broth handy: Add more when reheating to restore the soup’s consistency.
Add cheese just before serving: Freshly added ricotta and mozzarella create the best creamy texture.
Use fresh basil: A handful of fresh herbs brightens the rich tomato and sausage flavors.

Variations to Try

This recipe is flexible enough to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Ground beef lasagna soup: Replace the Italian sausage with ground beef for a milder flavor.
Vegetable lasagna soup: Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or chopped spinach for extra vegetables.
Spicy lasagna soup: Choose hot Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
Creamy lasagna soup: Stir a small splash of heavy cream into the broth before serving.
Slow cooker version: Cook the sausage and tomato broth in a slow cooker, then add the pasta near the end so it doesn’t become mushy.
Gluten-free version: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and check that the sausage and broth are gluten-free.

What to Serve with Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but a few simple sides make dinner even better. Garlic bread is ideal for soaking up the rich tomato broth, while a crisp Caesar salad or Italian chopped salad adds freshness. Roasted broccoli, green beans, or sautéed spinach also pair nicely with the cheesy soup.

For a complete Italian-inspired dinner, serve the soup with warm breadsticks and finish with a simple dessert, such as vanilla panna cotta or fresh berries.

How to Store and Reheat Lasagna Soup

Allow leftover soup to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store the ricotta and other toppings separately when possible.

To reheat, warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water because the noodles will absorb liquid during storage. You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through heating.

For longer storage, freeze the tomato and sausage broth without the noodles or cheese toppings for up to 3 months for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat, and cook fresh pasta directly in the broth or separately before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What noodles work best for lasagna soup?

Broken lasagna noodles and mafalda are excellent choices because their ruffled edges resemble traditional lasagna sheets. However, bow-tie pasta, rotini, and other short pasta shapes work well too.

Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the sausage and tomato broth in advance and refrigerate it. When you’re ready to serve, bring the broth to a simmer and cook the noodles until tender. Add the cheese toppings just before serving.

Can I freeze lasagna soup?

Yes. For the best results, freeze the broth and meat mixture without pasta or cheese. Add freshly cooked noodles and the ricotta and mozzarella toppings after reheating.

How do I keep lasagna soup from becoming too thick?

The noodles absorb broth as they cook and sit. Add extra chicken or beef broth as needed, especially when reheating leftovers.

Can I make lasagna soup without sausage?

Absolutely. Ground beef, ground turkey, or plant-based meat alternatives can replace the sausage. You can also omit the meat and add mushrooms or extra vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This easy lasagna soup recipe is the perfect way to enjoy classic Italian comfort food with less effort. Tender noodles, savory sausage, rich tomato broth, and creamy melted cheese come together in one pot for a satisfying dinner that’s ready in about 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a cozy weekend meal, or stocking the fridge with leftovers, this cheesy one-pot comfort food deserves a place in your regular dinner rotation.