Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup
Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup is a comforting bowl packed with all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, cozy soup form. You get tender Italian sausage, ribbons of lasagna…
Tip: save now, cook later.Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup is a comforting bowl packed with all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, cozy soup form. You get tender Italian sausage, ribbons of lasagna noodles, tomato sauce, and plenty of gooey cheese all simmered together for an easy meal that feels like a big, flavorful hug.
I love making this soup when I want something hearty without the fuss of baking a whole lasagna. It’s perfect for busy nights because it all cooks in one pot, and the sausage gives it just the right amount of spice and depth. Plus, the noodles soak up that tasty broth and cheese—every bite tastes like a little bit of Italy!
My favorite way to serve this is topped with extra shredded mozzarella and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley to brighten it up. It’s also great with some crusty bread on the side to scoop up every last drop. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making dinner for yourself, this soup is sure to become a go-to comfort meal.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This gives the soup its bold flavor. Mild works well if you want less heat, but spicy adds a nice kick. You can substitute with ground pork or turkey for a leaner option.
Tomatoes: Both crushed and diced tomatoes build a rich base. If you don’t have canned, you can use fresh tomatoes cooked down into a sauce, but canned is easier and consistent.
Lasagna Noodles: Breaking them into pieces cooks faster and fits perfectly in the soup. If you prefer, you can use broken spaghetti or penne as a substitute.
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan create that creamy, cheesy texture lasagna is known for. If you need a dairy-free option, try using a plant-based ricotta and cheese or omit and add extra herbs for flavor.
How Do I Prevent the Noodles from Getting Mushy in the Soup?
Keeping noodles from overcooking is the tricky part. Here’s how I do it:
- Add the noodles after the soup has simmered and flavors have developed.
- Cook them just until tender — usually 8-10 minutes — and stir often so they don’t stick together.
- If you’re making leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add when reheating to keep them from soaking up too much broth.
- Avoid covering the pot tightly while cooking noodles to prevent excess moisture buildup.
These tips help keep your noodles perfectly tender and your soup delicious anytime!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – perfect for browning sausage and simmering the soup all in one pot.
- Wooden spoon – great for stirring the sausage, veggies, and noodles without scratching your pot.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and herbs easily.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get your spices and broth just right.
- Ladle – helps serve the hot soup neatly into bowls.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter soup that’s still full of flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes for a boost of greens and color.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like an extra spicy kick.
- Mix in mushrooms or bell peppers when sautéing onions for added texture and taste.
How to Make Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Soup:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
For The Cheese Mixture and Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for serving
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Olive oil (if needed)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Getting this soup ready will take about 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes to cook. You’ll spend time browning sausage, simmering the tomato broth, and cooking the noodles gently in the flavorful liquid. In under 40 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, warming lasagna soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook The Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Break it up as it cooks and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave any fat in the pot. If the sausage is lean, add a bit of olive oil for the next step.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Then add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously to avoid burning.
3. Build The Soup Base:
Return the browned sausage to the pot. Add chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, dried oregano, dried basil, crushed red pepper flakes if using, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
4. Cook The Noodles:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not mushy, about 8 to 10 minutes.
5. Add The Cheeses:
Turn off the heat. Stir in the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until melted and the soup is creamy and rich.
6. Serve And Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Add an extra dollop of ricotta or a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil. Enjoy your soup with some crusty bread on the side for dipping!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Italian Sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef if you prefer, but the sausage adds a unique spiced flavor that’s key to this soup’s taste. Consider adding some Italian seasoning to mimic the sausage flavor.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Make the soup up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. For best texture, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, keep the noodles separate or add fresh noodles when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Noodles?
Yes! Just substitute the lasagna noodles with a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Cook times may vary, so check the package instructions and adjust accordingly in the soup.
