Lasagna Soup Is Like A Bowl of Comfort with Authentic Italian Flavors
There’s something truly magical about Italian cuisine—it’s comforting, rich, and deeply rooted in tradition. Just imagine all the irresistible flavors of a classic lasagna—savory meat, robust tomato sauce, and creamy cheese—now reimagined and transformed into a hearty, satisfying soup. This traditional lasagna soup recipe is ideal for home cooks who want to enjoy authentic Italian flavors but in a simpler, quicker way. Whether you’re planning to host a cozy family dinner, need a crowd-pleaser for a gathering, or simply crave a comforting meal for a chilly evening, this soup will not only delight your taste buds but also warm your heart and soul.
My Own Twist On Lasagna Soup
For my lasagna soup recipe, I preferred to use crushed tomatoes; however, you are absolutely free to use diced or whole tomatoes instead—after all, it's your recipe now! Another twist I like to incorporate into this dish is related to my goal of maintaining a high-protein diet. Because of this, I decided to add more Italian sausage than the original recipe calls for. In addition, I break my lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces, which is quite different from the larger pieces you might typically see. I do this so that each spoonful includes a perfect mix of soup, meat, noodles, and cheese, creating a well-balanced bite every time.
Oh, and one more thing! When it’s time to taste the soup, be cautious. I slightly burned my tongue while sampling it straight from the pot. Was it worth it? Definitely. But still—be careful, lol!
Cultural and Historical Significance
Lasagna has roots in Italy, dating back to the Middle Ages, where early versions featured layers of flat pasta and savory fillings. Over time, regional variations emerged, each showcasing unique ingredients and techniques. For example, Northern Italy often incorporates béchamel sauce, while Southern regions favor ricotta and robust tomato sauces. This soup distills those rich traditions into a convenient, modern dish that resonates with today’s home cooks seeking both authenticity and simplicity. Lasagna has roots in Italy, dating back to the Middle Ages. While the traditional layered dish requires time and effort, this soup captures the same comforting essence in a fraction of the time. It’s a modern twist on an Italian classic, perfect for today’s busy home cooks.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lasagna soup recipe combines the beloved flavors of an Italian classic with the ease of a one-pot dish. It’s a versatile recipe that’s perfect for beginners but still satisfying for experienced cooks. Plus, it’s packed with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry, making it an excellent go-to option for a last-minute dinner. Let’s dive into how to create this heartwarming dish.
Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic Italian dish with the ease of a one-pot meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. What’s your favorite twist on lasagna? Try this recipe and let us know how it turned out for you in the comments below!
Share Your Recipe!
Don’t forget to share your creations on social media by using #ItalianCookingIdeas. Furthermore, we invite you to join other Italian Foodies in our Facebook group, where we come together to connect, exchange tips, and share our favorite Italian recipes. Lastly, as always, Buon appetito!
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Equipment
Honestly, you don't need much cookware for this. Use your favorite pot and keep the ingredients on standby as I give the step-by-step instruction on when to add everything together.
I made this entire recipe only using the Green Life 4.7L Stock Pot (<< check it out using the link to Amazon.) It comes in pretty colors like Cream, Soft Pink (I have this one thanks to my girlfriend), Turquoise and many others. Worth it if you're looking to add some color to your kitchen.
Lasagna Soup Ingredient List
- Olive oil
- Ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix)
- Medium onion
- Garlic cloves
- Red chili flakes (optional)
- Dried oregano
- Dried basil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Tomato paste
- Can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
- Chicken or Vegetable broth
- Lasagna noodles
- Heavy cream (optional)
- Ricotta cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Mozzarella cheese
- Basil leaves, for garnish
Pairing Suggestions for Your Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Beverages: A glass of Chianti wine enhances the tomato base’s richness.
- Appetizers: Pair with garlic bread or bruschetta for a complete meal.
- Salads: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the soup’s hearty flavors.
Variations
You can make opt to make the recipe to meet you diet desires, such as:
- Vegetarian: Replace the meat with diced mushrooms or plant-based crumbles.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes. (I do already have Red Chili Flakes in the recipe but feel free to keep spicing it up!)
How to Make Lasagna Soup
Cook the Meat
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red chili flakes, oregano, and basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Build the Soup Base
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to coat the meat and onions.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Cook the Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add the Cream (Optional)
- Stir in the heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as needed.
Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and set aside.
Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture to each bowl.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Optional: Broil for Melted Cheese
- Transfer the bowls to an oven-safe dish.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this in advance? Yes, prepare the soup base ahead and cook the noodles when reheating.
How should I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Can I freeze this soup? Yes, but freeze without the noodles and add fresh ones when reheating.
What are the dominant flavors? Rich tomato, savory meat, and creamy cheese with fragrant herbs.
Top Tip: Don’t overcook the noodles. Add them just before serving for the best texture.
Lasagna Soup
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Print Pin Save Recipe_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ pound ground beef or Italian sausage or mix
- ½ medium onion diced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ teaspoon red chili flakes optional
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can 14 oz crushed or diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 4 lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ cup heavy cream optional
For the Cheese Mixture:
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
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Equipment
- 5-quart Pot
- Bowl for the Cheese Mixture Small to Medium size
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Meat
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat, if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red chili flakes, oregano, and basil. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
- Stir in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to coat the meat and onions.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Add Cream (Optional)
- Stir in the heavy cream for a richer texture.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, as needed.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and set aside.
Step 7: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Add a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture to each bowl.
- Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Optional Step: Broil for Melted Cheese
- Transfer the bowls to an oven-safe dish.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes to achieve a bubbly, golden top.
Richard says
my recipe came out great! thank you