Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving all the hearty, cheesy goodness of traditional Italian lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, you are going to adore this Lasagna Soup Recipe. Imagine all those classic flavors melded together in a comforting, bubbling pot of soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. This dish brings together savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, fresh herbs, and creamy cheeses for a bowlful of warmth that feels like a big hug from your favorite meal. Whether you’re serving it up for family or friends, this Lasagna Soup Recipe never fails to impress with its rich texture and luscious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a vital role, creating a beautiful balance of flavors and textures. From the spicy Italian sausage that adds a punch of savory richness to the fresh basil that brightens every spoonful, this list is simple yet essential.

• Sweet Italian sausage (1 pound): Adds bold, savory depth with a touch of spice that forms the flavorful base.
• Chopped onions (3 cups): Provides sweetness and aromatic warmth as they soften during cooking.
• Minced garlic (4 cloves): Packs a fragrant punch that enhances the overall Italian flair.
• Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): Brings classic herbal notes reminiscent of traditional lasagna.
• Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon): Gives just a hint of heat to balance the richness.
• Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds a silky texture.
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes (1 28-ounce can): Imparts smoky sweetness and chunky texture.
• Bay leaves (2): Add subtle earthiness and depth during simmering.
• Chicken stock (6 cups): Creates the savory broth, rich enough to soak up all the flavors.
• Mafalda or fusilli pasta (8 ounces): Holds sauce beautifully with their fun shapes and tender bite.
• Fresh basil, finely chopped (1/2 cup): Lends a fresh, peppery aroma that brightens the soup.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Ricotta cheese (8 ounces): Offers creamy, mild richness as a luscious dollop topping.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the ricotta mixture.
• Salt (1/4 teaspoon for the cheese mixture): Balances and enhances the creamy cheese.
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (2 cups): Melts wonderfully on top, giving that gooey, cheesy finish.

How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the sweet Italian sausage. Break it into smaller pieces as it browns, allowing those savory aromas to fill your kitchen. This step builds the hearty foundation for your soup’s richness.

Step 2: Soften the Onions

Next, add the chopped onions and sauté them until they become soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The natural sweetness of the onions mellows the meat’s robust flavor and lends a smooth base for the soup.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Oregano, and Red Pepper Flakes

Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about a minute to awaken these fragrant ingredients without burning the garlic, setting the tone for authentic Italian flavor.

Step 4: Incorporate Tomato Paste

Mix in the tomato paste and let it cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. This step deepens the tomato essence and gives your broth a lovely, velvety texture.

Step 5: Add Fire-Roasted Diced Tomatoes and Bay Leaves

Pour in the canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes with all their juices, along with the bay leaves. These add layers of smokiness and complexity, essential to capturing that classic lasagna taste in soup form.

Step 6: Pour in Chicken Stock and Boil

Stir in the chicken stock and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. This allows all the flavors to marry beautifully and begins the process of simmering your hearty soup.

Step 7: Simmer the Soup

Lower the heat and let your soup gently simmer for 30 minutes. This step allows the ingredients to meld and develop a rich, comforting flavor that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta

Add the mafalda or fusilli pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. The pasta shapes are perfect for soaking up the broth and holding onto every delicious bite.

Step 9: Add Fresh Basil and Season

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the fresh chopped basil. Season the soup with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking, balancing all the savory and bright notes.

Step 10: Prepare the Ricotta Cheese Mixture

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and a pinch of salt. This creamy blend will become your signature topping, adding richness and silky texture once spooned over the soup.

Step 11: Serve and Top with Ricotta

Ladle the finished soup into bowls and add a generous dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture on top. The warm soup gently melts the cheese, creating perfect little pockets of creaminess.

Step 12: Sprinkle Mozzarella Cheese

Finally, sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over each bowl and wait a moment for it to melt into gooey perfection before digging in. This finishing touch truly brings the essence of lasagna right to your spoon.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your Lasagna Soup Recipe, fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top add brightness and extra flavor. A crack of black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also give a delightful finishing touch that enhances the soup’s richness.

Side Dishes

Serve your soup alongside warm, crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. These sides offer a satisfying contrast, soaking up the broth and balancing the richness of the cheese beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or individual ramekins topped with mozzarella and broiled until bubbly and golden. You can also offer a build-your-own topping station with extra ricotta, fresh herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes to make it interactive and festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Lasagna Soup Recipe stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and rich broth. The pasta will continue to soak up liquid, so you might want to add a splash of chicken stock or water when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing is possible, but since the soup contains pasta and cheese, texture may change slightly upon thawing. If freezing, consider storing the broth and cooked sausage mixture separately from the pasta and cheese for best results. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat your soup slowly on the stove over low to medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and add a bit of broth if the soup seems too thick. Top with fresh ricotta and mozzarella again after reheating for that freshly made feel.

FAQs

Can I make this Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. The soup will still have wonderful flavor and satisfy those lasagna cravings.

What pasta is best for Lasagna Soup Recipe?

Mafalda or fusilli pasta works best because their curly shapes hold onto the broth and cheese beautifully. However, other small or twisted pasta shapes like rotini or penne can also work nicely.

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, ground beef can be substituted if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t have sausage on hand. Just add your own seasoning to boost the taste so it still sings with Italian flair.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy pasta, cook it separately and add it just before serving or cook it in the soup but only until al dente. Leftover soup pasta tends to soak up broth over time, so reheating with a little added liquid helps maintain texture.

Is this soup spicy?

This Lasagna Soup Recipe has just a gentle hint of heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, which you can adjust or omit according to your spice preference. It’s designed to be comforting and flavorful without overwhelming heat.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Lasagna Soup Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort meal with an Italian twist. It’s cozy, cheesy, and filled with layers of flavor that are surprisingly easy to come together. I encourage you to give it a try and share the warmth—your taste buds (and anyone lucky enough to join you) will thank you. Happy cooking and buon appetito!

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