Introduction

Rich, comforting, and packed with bold Italian flavors, Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage and Cheese is a cozy twist on the classic lasagna we all love. Instead of layered pasta, tender noodles swim in a savory tomato and herb broth, mingling with flavorful Italian sausage, melted cheese, and aromatic vegetables. Each spoonful delivers all the satisfying flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty, and easy-to-serve soup form.

This recipe celebrates the ultimate comfort food experience with a lighter, approachable format. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, casual family meals, or anytime you crave the hearty, cheesy, savory goodness of lasagna without the fuss of baking a full pan. Creamy, cheesy, and bursting with flavor, this lasagna soup is a true crowd-pleaser that warms both the stomach and the soul.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage and Cheese because it captures all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty, and easy-to-serve soup. The savory Italian sausage adds depth and richness, while tender noodles, melted cheese, and aromatic vegetables create a perfectly balanced and satisfying meal. Every spoonful is indulgent, cheesy, and packed with familiar Italian flavors that make it impossible to resist.

What makes this recipe special is how it transforms the layered lasagna into a simple, quick-to-make soup without sacrificing any of the flavor or heartiness. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage and Cheese is a must-try because it delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a convenient, comforting, and delicious soup. Here’s why:

1. Savory Italian Sausage – Adds rich, meaty flavor that complements the cheesy broth.
2. Tender Noodles and Melted Cheese – Create a comforting, indulgent texture in every bite.
3. Flavorful Tomato-Based Broth – Infused with herbs and vegetables for depth and aroma.
4. Quick and Easy to Prepare – All the satisfaction of lasagna without hours of baking.
5. Perfect for Any Occasion – Ideal for weeknight dinners, family meals, or cozy gatherings.

Trying this recipe guarantees a hearty, flavorful, and comforting meal that’s both satisfying and crowd-pleasing.

Recipe Info

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: ~430 calories per serving

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
• 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or tomato basil pasta sauce)
• 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil (or fresh basil for garnish)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Cheese Topping

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or oregano

For Garnish

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Directions (Step-by-Step Preparation)

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
• Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (5–7 minutes).
• Remove excess grease if necessary.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

• Add diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until softened (3–4 minutes).
• Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add Liquids & Seasonings

• Stir in marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes.
• Bring to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

• Add broken lasagna noodles to the soup.
• Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Prepare Cheese Mixture

• In a small bowl, combine ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
• Mix well—this will be the creamy, cheesy topping.

Step 6: Serve

• Ladle hot lasagna soup into bowls.
• Dollop a spoonful of cheese mixture on top of each serving.
• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with garlic bread or toasted baguette slices for dipping.
• Add a fresh Caesar salad or Italian side salad for a complete meal.
• Pair with a glass of red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese.

Tips & Variations

• Make it Creamier: Stir in ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half before serving.
• Spicy Kick: Use spicy Italian sausage or extra chili flakes.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap sausage for mushrooms, zucchini, or plant-based crumbles.
• Short on Time? Use short pasta (like penne or rotini) instead of lasagna noodles for quicker cooking.
• Cheese Lovers: Add extra mozzarella directly into the soup for melty goodness.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store soup (without cheese topping) in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Add cooked pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on stovetop over medium heat, adding extra broth if soup has thickened.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large soup pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon (for breaking up sausage)
• Ladle for serving
• Small mixing bowl (for cheese mixture)

FAQ

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the soup base without noodles, refrigerate or freeze, then add pasta fresh when reheating.

Q2: Do I have to use lasagna noodles?
No—you can use any pasta (penne, bowtie, rotini) if you prefer.

Q3: Can I use ground beef instead of sausage?
Yes, though sausage adds more flavor. You can also use a 50/50 mix of beef and sausage.

Q4: How do I prevent noodles from soaking up too much broth?
If storing leftovers, cook pasta separately and add it when serving.

Q5: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Skip the cheese mixture or use dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella.

Conclusion

Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage and Cheese is a comforting, hearty, and flavor-packed dish that captures everything you love about lasagna in a cozy bowl. It’s faster and easier than traditional lasagna, but just as satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, chilly evenings, or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup will quickly become a family favorite.