Lasagna Soup Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of lasagna, but let’s be honest—traditional lasagna can take a while to prepare. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Lasagna Soup Recipe with you. It captures all those rich, hearty flavors you love from a classic lasagna but comes together much faster and with less fuss. Perfect for weeknights when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What really makes this Lasagna Soup Recipe special is how it balances savory Italian sausage, herbs, and tomato goodness with tender bowtie pasta, creating a cozy, slurp-worthy dish. I first tried making this when I needed a last-minute dinner to please my family, and let me tell you—it’s been a staple ever since. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just craving that homemade lasagna flavor in an easy bowl, this recipe is worth trying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe combines familiar pantry staples and fresh flavors that work beautifully together, giving you that traditional lasagna taste in a soup form. When buying ingredients, I recommend choosing high-quality Italian sausage—it’s the star here—and fresh herbs if you can, for the best flavor boost.

• Italian sausage: I like using spicy or sweet based on mood—both add great depth.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme; homemade or store-bought works fine.
• Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory note without the texture of actual onions.
• Steak seasoning: This might sound surprising, but it brings a nice smoky, peppery edge to the soup.
• Paprika: Adds color and a hint of warmth without overwhelming the dish.
• Ground black pepper: Freshly cracked for the best flavor punch.
• Tomato sauce (canned): Look for plain or lightly seasoned to keep control of your soup’s flavor.
• Diced tomatoes with Italian herbs (canned): These bring texture and an extra layer of herbaceous flavor.
• Minced garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch; garlic really lifts the entire recipe.
• Chicken broth: A rich broth makes this soup hearty; low sodium is best so you can season to taste.
• Water: Simply balances the broth and keeps the soup from being too thick.
• Bowtie pasta (uncooked): Bowties are my favorite here because they hold up well without turning mushy.
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and mimics that classic lasagna feel in the soup.
• Parmesan (optional): Freshly grated on top for an amazing cheesy finish.
• Parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley lifts the dish visually and adds a fresh pop of flavor.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Lasagna Soup Recipe depending on who I’m cooking for and what I have on hand. It’s easy to make your own version, and trust me, little tweaks can become new favorites.

• Vegetarian variation: Swap Italian sausage for hearty mushrooms or lentils. I once tried mushrooms to please a vegetarian friend, and it was surprisingly rich and satisfying.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage for an extra zing. I find it really wakes up the flavors without overpowering.
• Dairy-free option: Omit the ricotta and Parmesan, and maybe stir in a dollop of coconut cream for richness.
• Seasonal twist: Toss in some spinach or kale near the end of cooking for a green boost—great for using up leafy veggies from your fridge.

How to Make Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage with Seasonings

Start by crumbling the Italian sausage into a large pot over medium heat. As it cooks, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, steak seasoning, paprika, and black pepper. Stir frequently to evenly coat the meat and avoid burning. You want the sausage nicely browned with those spices fragrant—this is where your soup’s flavor foundation builds, so don’t rush it! Once browned, drain excess grease if needed to keep the soup from being too oily.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Garlic, Broth, and Water

Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté briefly until aromatic—usually 30 seconds to a minute. Immediately add the canned tomato sauce, diced tomatoes with Italian herbs, chicken broth, and water. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. This combination gives the soup that classic lasagna tomato base you’re craving, but with a lovely lightness since it’s a soup, not a casserole.

Step 3: Cook the Bowtie Pasta Right in the Soup

Now add the uncooked bowtie pasta directly to the pot. Be sure your soup is at a gentle boil and stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb flavors from the broth while softening to a perfect al dente texture in about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t go mushy—test a piece a minute or two before you think it’s done.

Step 4: Finish with Ricotta and Serve

Once the pasta’s cooked through, remove the soup from heat and stir in generous spoonfuls of ricotta cheese. The ricotta melts into creamy pockets throughout the soup, recreating that rich lasagna texture in a way that just feels cozy and indulgent. Give it one final stir and it’s ready to ladle into bowls.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of topping this Lasagna Soup Recipe with freshly grated Parmesan and a few sprigs of chopped parsley—it’s those finishing touches that make it feel homemade. Sometimes I add a drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a bit of flair. These simple garnishes add brightness and a little extra texture that I know you’ll enjoy.

Side Dishes

This soup is quite filling, but I like pairing it with some crisp garlic bread or a simple green salad to round out the meal. Toasted bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up every last drop of that tomato-rich broth, making the whole experience extra comforting.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in mini bread bowls—it’s fun and unexpected, plus adds an extra carb hit for those hungry guests! You can also drizzle a little pesto on top to give it an elegant twist. This Lasagna Soup Recipe really shines when you get creative with presentation, making it feel like a cozy dinner party dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store any leftover Lasagna Soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta tends to soak up broth when sitting, so before reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen it back up. This way, you still get that fresh soup feel rather than a thick stew.

Freezing

Freezing this soup is doable, but I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly if you plan to freeze it, so it doesn’t become mushy after reheating. I portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it keeps well for about 2 months. When thawed and reheated, it’s almost like fresh!

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of broth or water helps restore the soup’s original consistency. Microwaving works too—just do it in short bursts and stir between intervals.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I genuinely think this Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—easy to make but packed with so much flavor and comfort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or want something a little different for dinner, this soup has you covered. I love that it brings a classic favorite into a quicker form you can customize any way you like. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become as much of a go-to for you as it is for me.

Print