There’s something incredibly satisfying about spooning a rich, bubbling broth that tastes just like your favorite lasagna—cheesy, meaty, and loaded with comforting tomato flavor. This Hearty Italian Lasagna Soup brings together all the elements you love from classic lasagna but in a cozy, one-pot twist. Whether you’re stirring it gently on a chilly afternoon or ladling it into bowls for a casual weeknight dinner, this soup is sure to become your go-to comfort food. With tender noodles, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious ricotta-cheese topping, every bite feels like a warm Italian hug.
Beyond its delightful taste, this soup is remarkably approachable. Designed for home cooks of any level—from beginners looking for an easy recipe to seasoned chefs craving simplicity—it takes just 15 minutes of prep and about 30 minutes of cooking. No complicated layers or lengthy assembly required! The combination of chicken broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes creates a vibrant base, while herbs like Italian seasoning and fresh basil add those authentic Mediterranean notes. Each serving clocks in around 450 calories, making it a hearty lunch or dinner option that won’t leave you too stuffed to enjoy dessert. Get ready to dive into a bowl that’s bursting with flavor and brimming with cozy vibes.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN HEARTY ITALIAN LASAGNA SOUP
Before you get cooking, let’s take a quick stroll through the star ingredients that make this soup so special. From pantry staples to fresh herbs, each component plays a crucial role, adding layers of taste, texture, and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive oil
A foundation for sautéing, this high-quality oil brings a fruity, slightly peppery note and helps gently cook the aromatics and sausage without burning.
- Italian sausage
Packed with fennel, garlic, and spices, the sausage releases its rich, savory juices as it browns, infusing the entire soup with meaty depth and a touch of heat.
- Onion
When diced and sautéed until translucent, onions provide a natural sweetness and soft texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Garlic
Minced and added just before the tomatoes, garlic offers a fragrant, slightly pungent kick that wakes up all the other flavors.
- Chicken broth
A silky, savory liquid base that carries the tomato, herb, and cheese flavors throughout the pot, ensuring every noodle and spoonful is soaked in goodness.
- Marinara sauce
This tomato sauce adds body and depth, delivering a bright, tangy backbone that ties together the sausage and broth.
- Diced tomatoes
With their juices intact, these tomatoes contribute fresh, slightly chunky texture and an extra hit of vibrant tomato flavor.
- Italian seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, this seasoning mix injects the soup with warm, aromatic Mediterranean herbs.
- Red pepper flakes
Just a pinch adds a gentle heat that livens up the soup without overpowering the other flavors.
- Lasagna noodles
Broken into bite-size pieces, these noodles soften to a pillow-like texture as they simmer, mimicking traditional lasagna layers in spoonfuls.
- Ricotta cheese
Light and creamy, ricotta creates a luscious topping when mixed with herbs and Parmesan, adding richness and a velvety mouthfeel.
- Parmesan cheese
Freshly grated for maximum flavor, Parmesan brings nutty, salty, umami notes that complement the ricotta mixture and overall soup depth.
- Fresh basil
Chopped and stirred into the ricotta mixture, basil adds herbal brightness and a pop of color; extra leaves make a lovely garnish.
- Mozzarella cheese
Shredded and sprinkled on top, mozzarella melts into gooey, stringy perfection, making each spoonful extra decadent.
- Salt and black pepper
Simple seasonings that tie everything together, adjustable to your taste for perfect balance.
HOW TO MAKE HEARTY ITALIAN LASAGNA SOUP
Now that you’ve assembled all your delicious ingredients, let’s walk through how to transform them into a soul-warming bowl of lasagna soup. This one-pot method is quick, straightforward, and perfect for busy cooks or anyone craving a hearty meal without the fuss.
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, using a spoon to break apart each piece. Cook until the meat is beautifully browned and no pink remains, about 6–8 minutes. Scoop out any excess fat to keep the soup from getting greasy.
2. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it softens and becomes translucent, around 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for 1 minute, releasing its fragrant aroma without burning.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once bubbling, reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and let everything cook until the noodles are tender, about 10–12 minutes. The soup will thicken slightly as the noodles soften.
5. While the noodles finish, whisk together the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped basil in a separate bowl. Season this creamy mixture with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. To serve, ladle the hot soup into individual bowls. Drop a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture on top of each bowl, then sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Garnish with extra basil leaves if you like, and serve immediately so the cheese melts into beautifully gooey swirls.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR HEARTY ITALIAN LASAGNA SOUP
When it comes to presenting your lasagna soup, a few special touches can elevate the experience from homey comfort to restaurant-quality delight. Here are some creative ways to serve and enjoy this bowl of goodness:
- Garlic Bread Croutons
Slice a baguette, brush with garlic-infused olive oil, and bake until golden. Break into crouton-sized pieces and sprinkle on top for a crunchy contrast that soaks up the soup’s rich broth.
- Fresh Herb Garnish
Just before serving, add sprigs of fresh basil or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. The vibrant green herbs add visual appeal and a burst of freshness with each bite.
- Cheesy Broil Finish
After ladling the soup into oven-safe bowls, top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, then place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese bubbles and browns. Serve with caution—bowls will be hot!
- Side Salad Pairing
Balance the hearty soup with a crisp, arugula salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens cut through the richness and leave the palate refreshed.
HOW TO STORE HEARTY ITALIAN LASAGNA SOUP
Proper storage ensures you can enjoy every last spoonful of this hearty soup without sacrificing flavor or texture. Whether you have leftovers or want to meal-prep for the week, follow these tips to keep your lasagna soup tasting fresh:
- Refrigerator Storage
Cool the soup to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. Note that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating.
- Freezer Method
For longer storage, freeze the cooled soup in a sealed, freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
- Avoid Cheese Separation
To prevent the ricotta and mozzarella from becoming grainy when stored, store the cheese toppings separately in small containers. Add them to each bowl when reheating for that freshly-topped feel.
- Reheating Tips
Warm the soup over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, stir in a little extra broth until you reach your desired consistency. Top with reserved cheese and basil right before serving for best results.
CONCLUSION
As you can see, this Hearty Italian Lasagna Soup truly delivers on its promise of warm, comforting flavors in a delightfully simplified form. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cooking time of 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekend lunches. The blend of Italian sausage, marinara, and fresh herbs creates a taste that transports you straight to a cozy trattoria in the heart of Tuscany. Layer in broken lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella, and you’ve got everything you love about classic lasagna—without the fuss of baking. Plus, at around 450 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that balances hearty richness with lean protein and fresh veggies.
Feel free to print this article and save it for your recipe binder or pin it to your kitchen board. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply craving a solo comfort-food feast, this soup is a winner. Below you’ll find a FAQ section to answer any lingering questions you might have about substitutions, reheating, or ingredient swaps. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop a comment, share your tips, or ask for help if you hit any snags. Happy cooking, and buon appetito!
Hearty Italian Lasagna Soup
Description
This Hearty Italian Lasagna Soup combines rich sausage, vibrant tomatoes, and cheesy goodness, all simmered to perfection. Each spoonful delivers a taste of Italy that will warm your heart.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Remove any excess fat.
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Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
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Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and freshly chopped basil. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
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To serve, ladle the soup into bowls. Add a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture into each bowl and sprinkle with shredded mozzarella cheese.
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Garnish with additional basil if desired and serve immediately.
Note
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the Italian sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; however, the noodles may absorb more liquid.
- Feel free to adjust the level of spice by modifying the amount of red pepper flakes.
- A splash of balsamic vinegar added at the end can enhance the flavors of the soup.
- For an extra cheesy experience, broil the soup bowls in the oven just before serving to melt the mozzarella cheese.
