Sausage Lasagna Soup Comfort

This sausage lasagna soup brings all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something comforting but easy to make. The combination of Italian sausage, fresh vegetables, and a blend of cheeses captures the spirit of traditional lasagna in a satisfying soup form.

I first made this during a cold weekend when I wanted lasagna but did not have the time for all the layers. It quickly became a favorite in my household with everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage, mild or spicy: provides the savory, meaty base opt for high-quality fresh sausage without fillers for best flavor
• Yellow onion: adds sweetness and depth when sautéed slowly
• Garlic cloves: essential for aromatic flavor use fresh and finely minced for impact
• Red bell pepper: brings sweetness and color balancing the richness of the sausage
• Zucchini: adds lightness and texture helps stretch the soup with fresh veg
• Low-sodium chicken broth: keeps the soup flavorful and lets you control salt levels
• Crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes in their juices: form the rich tomato base choose good quality canned tomatoes for sweetness and acidity
• Tomato paste: intensifies the tomato flavor cooking it briefly before adding liquids is key
• Lasagna noodles: broken into bite-sized pieces they replicate the pasta feel of lasagna in spoonable form
• Dried basil, oregano, thyme: classic Italian herbs building that familiar warmth and aroma
• Red pepper flakes: optional gives gentle heat if desired
• Salt and black pepper: seasoning to taste essential for balancing flavors
• Mozzarella cheese shredded: melts into the soup adding creaminess
• Parmesan cheese grated: sharp and salty it enhances the overall richness
• Ricotta cheese: used as a creamy dollop on top mimicking one of lasagna’s classic layers
• Fresh parsley chopped: adds freshness and color for garnish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook until it is fully cooked and no longer pink about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat if there's too much to keep your soup from feeling greasy.

Incorporate the Tomato Paste:

Add the tomato paste to the pot and stir it into the sausage and vegetables. Cook it for about 1 minute to slightly caramelize it which helps deepen the tomato flavor and avoid any raw tomato bitterness later.

Simmer the Soup Base:

Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add the dried basil oregano thyme and if you like a bit of warmth red pepper flakes. Stir everything together well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Cook the Pasta:

Add the broken lasagna noodles to the bubbling mixture. Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer. Let the soup cook uncovered stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom for 12 to 15 minutes or until the noodles are al dente. This timing ensures the pasta is tender with a slight bite maintaining texture.

Final Seasoning and Cheese Finish:

Taste the soup and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. Right before serving stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese and half of the grated Parmesan. This enriches the soup with melty cheeses giving a creamy indulgent feel.

Serve it Up:

Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan on top. Finish with a scattering of fresh chopped parsley for freshness and a pop of green.

I love the fresh ricotta topping because it adds that creamy layer that makes a perfect bite every time. It reminds me of family dinners where everyone gathers around the table with bowls full of comforting warmth. This soup always sparks that feel-good vibe and cozy togetherness.

Storage Tips

This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat to preserve the noodle texture. When freezing omit the ricotta cheese topping and add fresh when serving. This prevents it from becoming watery or grainy after thawing.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken sausage for Italian sausage for a lighter version. If you prefer gluten-free use gluten-free pasta broken into pieces. For a vegetarian take replace sausage with mushrooms and use vegetable broth. Fresh herbs can be used in place of dried but add them towards the end of cooking for bright flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the soup with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil for balance. Crusty garlic bread or toasted focaccia pairs wonderfully for soaking up every last drop. A glass of your favorite red wine elevates the meal for a special touch.

This sausage lasagna soup is a perfect blend of comforting flavors and quick preparation. Enjoy creating cozy meals with a satisfying touch of Italian flair.

FAQs about Recipes

→ Can I use spicy sausage instead of mild?

Yes, spicy sausage can be used if you prefer a little heat in the dish. It will add a nice kick to the overall flavor.

→ What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Broken lasagna noodles are ideal as they hold up well in the broth and add a hearty texture to the soup.

→ How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or more vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian-friendly version.

→ When should I add the cheeses for the best flavor?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are stirred in just before serving to enrich the broth, while ricotta is added as a dollop on top for creaminess and texture contrast.

→ Can this soup be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it can be made in advance and reheated. Pasta will absorb broth over time, so add a bit more broth or water when reheating if needed.