Lazagna Soup Recipe for a Cozy Weeknight Dinner

Pro Tips for Making This Lazagna Soup

To ensure your lazagna soup is absolutely perfect every time, I’ve gathered a few of my most cherished tips from years in the kitchen.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to slightly undercook the lasagna noodles when adding them to the soup. They’ll continue to absorb liquid and soften as the soup rests, preventing them from becoming mushy. This ensures a delightful al dente bite in every spoonful!

Don’t be shy with the fresh herbs at the end! A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and basil truly elevates the flavors and adds a beautiful, vibrant touch to your lazagna soup.

For an extra layer of richness and a touch of indulgence, I love to brown the Italian sausage until it’s wonderfully crispy before draining any excess fat. This adds incredible depth to the soup base.

Taste and adjust seasonings as you go! Everyone’s palate is a little different, and a pinch more salt, a dash of pepper, or a few extra red pepper flakes can truly make this lazagna soup your own.

Fun Variations for This Lazagna Soup

One of the beautiful things about cooking at home, my dears, is the freedom to play and make each dish truly your own! This lazagna soup is wonderfully versatile, and I love seeing how different bakers put their unique spin on it.

Veggie Boost

If you’re looking to add more greens, I often stir in a handful of chopped kale or Swiss chard along with the spinach. My friend Sarah always loves when I include diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.

Spicy Kick

For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding an extra pinch of red pepper flakes, or even a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the broth. My nephew, a true spice enthusiast, always asks me to add a diced jalapeño for a bolder flavor.

Cheesy Delights

While ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella are classic, don’t hesitate to experiment with other cheeses! A smoky provolone or a sharp white cheddar could add an interesting twist. My mom sometimes swirls in a little cream cheese for an extra creamy texture in her lazagna soup.

What to Serve With This Lazagna Soup

This comforting lazagna soup is a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can truly complete the experience and make your dinner feel extra special.

I love serving it alongside a warm, crusty loaf of garlic bread, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that rich, flavorful broth. There’s something so comforting about tearing off a piece of bread and dipping it into the hearty soup.

A simple, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is also a wonderful counterpoint to the richness of the soup. It adds a refreshing brightness that balances the meal beautifully. My family often pairs it with a Caesar salad for a classic combination.

And for a truly cozy touch, especially on a chilly evening, a warm mug of your favorite tea or a glass of dry red wine makes for a lovely pairing. My husband always says a hearty soup and a good glass of wine are the perfect end to a long day.

How to Store This Lazagna Soup

A close-up of a white bowl filled with hearty Italian Sausage Soup with pasta, vegetables, and a basil garnish.

Hearty Lazagna Soup

A comforting, deconstructed lasagna in a bowl, this soup captures all the classic flavors with savory sausage, rich tomato broth, tender lasagna noodles, and creamy ricotta, all in one satisfying spoonful.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 lb Ground Italian Sausage mild or hot, casing removed if applicable
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion chopped
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 28 oz Crushed Tomatoes canned
  • 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes canned, undrained
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 cup Water
  • 1 tsp Dried Oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried Basil
  • 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes optional, for heat
  • 1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper or to taste
  • 6-8 sheets Lasagna Noodles uncooked, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
  • 5 oz Fresh Spinach optional, roughly chopped
  • 1 cup Ricotta Cheese whole milk recommended
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley chopped, for ricotta topping
  • 1/2 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese for garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large Dutch Oven or Pot
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Ladle

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the sausage aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped yellow onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  3. Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, water, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  4. Return the cooked Italian sausage to the pot. Add the broken lasagna noodle pieces, stirring gently to ensure they are submerged. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender but still al dente.
  5. If using, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. While the soup simmers, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and mix well.
  7. Ladle the hot lazagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella cheese, and fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty lazagna soup!

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini with the onion for more depth. This soup reheats well; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.

Keeping your delicious lazagna soup fresh for another day is wonderfully easy, ensuring you can enjoy its comforting flavors even after the initial meal. Proper storage means you can savor every last spoonful!

Fridge Storage

Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover lazagna soup to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water if it’s thickened too much.

Freezer Tips

For longer storage, this lazagna soup freezes like a dream! Allow the soup to cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. My personal tip: I always freeze it in individual portions so I can pull out just what I need for a quick, comforting lunch.

Nutritional Benefits

This hearty lazagna soup offers more than just comforting flavors; it’s a bowl packed with goodness! The ground Italian sausage provides a good source of protein, while the tomatoes contribute valuable vitamins and antioxidants. With fresh spinach adding a boost of iron and fiber, this is a treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of creating wholesome dishes with simple, loving ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this lazagna soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this lazagna soup vegetarian, simply substitute the ground Italian sausage with a plant-based ground meat alternative or a mix of lentils and mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious meat-free option.

Faq 2

What kind of lasagna noodles should I use?
For this lazagna soup, regular lasagna noodles work best! Break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup. Oven-ready or no-boil noodles can also be used, but adjust cooking time as they tend to soften faster.

Faq 3

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the base of the lazagna soup (sautéing the sausage and aromatics, simmering the broth) a day or two in advance. Store it in the fridge, then add the noodles and spinach when you’re ready to serve.

Faq 4

How can I make this lazagna soup creamier?
To make your lazagna soup extra creamy, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end, just before serving. A little extra ricotta cheese swirled in also does wonders for a luscious texture!

Conclusion

There you have it, sweet friends – a recipe for lazagna soup that I hope brings as much warmth and joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. This dish is a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the most comforting and satisfying meals are born from familiar flavors reimagined. It’s a testament to the magic of homemade food, meant to be shared with loved ones, creating those precious memories that truly last a lifetime. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and let’s create something wonderfully delicious together!

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