Winter evenings in my kitchen always call for something warm and satisfying, and this Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup has become my go-to comfort meal. It brings every layer of classic lasagna into a single, bubbling pot—savory Italian sausage mingling with tender noodles, creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and a rich tomato base. Each spoonful delivers a savory symphony: the spice of red pepper flakes balanced by the sweetness of crushed tomatoes, the earthy warmth of dried oregano and basil, and the punchy garlic onions sautéed to perfection. When those broken lasagna noodles soften just right, they become little pillows of goodness that soak up the robust broth. It’s like hitting the jackpot of cheesy, saucy, herb-infused joy all at once. I love how effortlessly it captures the essence of a hearty lasagna while still being totally slurpable—perfect for when you want all the flavors of your favorite casserole but in soup form.
What I adore most is how approachable this recipe is, even for beginner cooks. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than an hour from prep to table, it’s a busy-weeknight hero and a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings. There’s something deeply satisfying about stirring together simple ingredients—olive oil, onion, garlic, sausage, tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, broth, and broken noodles—and watching them transform into something that feels indulgent and indulgently cozy. The combo of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan mixed in at the end gives each bowl that irresistible creamy finish. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate the little tricks I’ve discovered along the way—like making the cheese mixture ahead of time or adding a handful of fresh spinach for extra color and nutrients. So grab your ladle, because this lasagna soup is about to become your new favorite dish!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HEARTY ITALIAN SAUSAGE LASAGNA SOUP
Before we dive into cooking, let’s meet the cast of characters that make this lasagna soup so irresistibly tasty. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that come together in every spoonful.
- Italian sausage
A bold and savory protein that forms the flavor foundation of the soup. Removing the casings allows you to crumble and brown each morsel, releasing those deliciously spiced juices into the pot.
- Olive oil
The cooking medium for sautéing, olive oil adds a silky richness and helps tenderize the onion and garlic while imparting its signature fruity notes.
- Onion
When diced and sautéed until translucent, onion provides a sweet and aromatic base that balances the tomato’s acidity and the sausage’s savory punch.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the soup with its warm, pungent depth, creating that irresistible kitchen-filling fragrance as soon as it hits the pan.
- Dried oregano
A classic Italian herb that brings a warm, slightly bitter edge, tying together the tomato and cheese with a hint of rustic charm.
- Dried basil
Sweet and herbal, dried basil contributes that quintessential Italian flavor we all love in both soups and sauces.
- Red pepper flakes
Just enough to give the soup a gentle kick. Adjust the amount for more heat or dial it back if you prefer a milder simmer.
- Salt
Enhances all the flavors in the pot, ensuring every ingredient shines without tasting flat.
- Black pepper
Freshly ground adds a subtle warmth and complexity, complementing the sausage’s spices and the tomato’s acidity.
- Tomato paste
Concentrated tomato flavor that deepens the soup’s color and gives it body, making the broth luxuriously thick.
- Crushed tomatoes
The heart of the soup’s base—tangy, slightly sweet, and full-bodied, providing the perfect partner for broth and seasonings.
- Chicken broth
Creates a light yet savory liquid foundation, giving the soup enough body to be filling while letting other ingredients take center stage.
- Lasagna noodles
Broken into pieces and cooked right in the broth, these noodles soak up flavor and give you that classic lasagna texture in every bite.
- Ricotta cheese
Mixed into the cheese blend, ricotta adds a creamy, slightly sweet texture that mellows the sausage’s spice.
- Mozzarella cheese
Half of this cheese gets stirred into the ricotta mixture for creaminess, while the rest is reserved for melty, stringy toppings.
- Parmesan cheese
Grated Parmesan brings salty, nutty depth and a golden crust when melted on top of each bowl.
- Fresh parsley
Chopped parsley adds bright, herbaceous freshness and a pop of color just before serving.
- Fresh basil leaves
Used as a garnish, basil lends a final flourish of sweet, slightly peppery flavor that elevates the entire dish.
HOW TO MAKE HEARTY ITALIAN SAUSAGE LASAGNA SOUP
Let’s roll up our sleeves and turn those ingredients into a steaming, soul-warming bowl of lasagna soup. Follow these detailed steps to achieve the perfect balance of savory sausage, tender noodles, and creamy cheese.
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, using a spoon to break it into small pieces. Once the sausage turns golden and is cooked through, remove it from the pot and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until the mixture becomes fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes, ensuring the paste roasts slightly and integrates fully with the aromatics, which deepens its flavor and sweetens its profile.
4. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, then stir well to combine. Increase the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors marry for a few moments.
5. Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup. Gently stir to prevent sticking, then let the noodles cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until they reach a tender, al dente texture—about 12–15 minutes.
6. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the cheese mixture in a small bowl. Combine the ricotta cheese with half of the shredded mozzarella and all of the grated Parmesan, stirring until smooth and creamy.
7. Once the noodles are perfectly tender, return the cooked sausage to the pot. Stir to distribute it evenly throughout the soup, allowing the flavors to meld for another minute or two.
8. Ladle the soup into individual bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of the prepared cheese mixture, letting it melt gently on contact.
9. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella cheese and garnish with fresh parsley and basil leaves for a vibrant, herbaceous kick.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HEARTY ITALIAN SAUSAGE LASAGNA SOUP
Serving this lasagna soup is all about amplifying its cozy, comforting nature and showcasing its Italian roots. Whether you’re inviting friends over or simply treating yourself, presentation and pairings can elevate this meal into a full sensory experience. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility: it’s hearty enough to stand alone yet loves the company of crunchy sides, fresh greens, and fragrant breads. Let’s explore some creative ways to plate and serve your soup so that every spoonful feels like a special occasion.
- Crusty Bread Basket
Offer a variety of artisanal breads—such as ciabatta, baguette, or sourdough—sliced and lightly toasted. The crunchy texture is perfect for dipping into the tomato-sausage broth and wiping up any cheesy remnants at the bottom of the bowl.
- Garlic Herb Crostini
Spread thin slices of baguette with olive oil, garlic, and chopped parsley, then bake until golden and crisp. These crostini add a delightful garlicky crunch that complements the soup’s rich, creamy cheese topping.
- Simple Green Salad
Toss baby spinach or mixed greens with a light lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts. The refreshing acidity and crispness cleanse the palate between flavorful bites.
- Wine Pairing
Serve a medium-bodied red wine, like a Chianti or Sangiovese, to echo the tomato base and cut through the soup’s richness. For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a lightly spiced iced tea.
HOW TO STORE HEARTY ITALIAN SAUSAGE LASAGNA SOUP
Storing this hearty lasagna soup properly ensures that you’ll enjoy its full flavor and creamy texture long after dinner is over. Whether you’re saving leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch or making a big batch to freeze for later, following the right methods will prevent soggy noodles and preserve that rich, cheesy goodness. Here are some tips on how to keep your soup tasting fresh and delicious.
- Refrigerate in Airtight Containers
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This method is perfect for quick weekday lunches.
- Freeze Soup Base Separately
If you plan to freeze, remove the noodles before freezing the soup base. Portion the broth, sausage, and tomatoes into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat with Fresh Noodles
To serve from frozen, thaw the soup base overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it over medium heat until bubbling, then add fresh broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente. This avoids mushy, overcooked pasta.
- Cheese Mixture Storage
If you have leftover cheese blend, keep it in a small sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bring it to room temperature before topping your reheated soup so it melds smoothly.
CONCLUSION
Bringing together the heartiness of classic lasagna and the comfort of soup, this Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup has all the hallmarks of a perfect weeknight dinner or cozy family gathering dish. From browning the sausage to stirring in the broken noodles and swirling in that dreamy cheese mixture, each step infuses the pot with layers of savory, aromatic goodness. You’ve learned how to marry rich crushed tomatoes with fragrant herbs, create a luxuriously thick broth, and customize the heat level with red pepper flakes. Serving suggestions like crusty bread, garlic crostini, a crisp green salad, or a bold Chianti help you turn a humble bowl of soup into a full Mediterranean-inspired feast. And when it comes to leftovers, simple refrigeration or smart freezing tactics ensure you can savor every last drop without losing texture or flavor.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use—tuck it into your recipe binder or stick it on the fridge so you can dive into this warm, cheesy, sausage-packed soup whenever you need a dose of comfort. Don’t forget you can scroll down to find a handy FAQ section for answers to common questions about substitutions, cooking times, and freezing tips. I’d love to hear how your lasagna soup turns out, so please leave comments, questions, or feedback below if you try the recipe or need help troubleshooting. Your experiences and tips might inspire someone else to create their new favorite comfort food!
Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup
Description
This Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup is packed with savory sausage, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses, bringing all the classic lasagna tastes in a comforting bowl. A true crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Remove the sausage and set aside.
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In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the paste is well incorporated.
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Add the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add the broken lasagna noodles, stir, and let them cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 12-15 minutes.
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While the noodles are cooking, in a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
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Once the noodles are cooked, add the cooked sausage back to the pot. Stir to combine.
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Serve the soup in bowls, topping each serving with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture.
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Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top and garnish with fresh parsley and basil leaves.
Note
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Substitute ground beef or turkey if preferred over sausage.
- This soup is perfect for freezing; just cook the noodles fresh when ready to serve.
- Try adding a handful of fresh spinach to the soup for added nutrition.
- Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
