Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting dish that captures the rich flavors of Italy in every spoonful, this Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup Recipe will be your new best friend. It combines the meaty goodness of Italian sausage, the warmth of tender lasagna noodles, and layers of melty cheeses in a tomato-infused broth that tastes like lasagna in a bowl. Perfect for chilly nights or any time you want something satisfying and soul-warming, this soup delivers all the joy of a classic Italian meal with a twist that’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple yet powerful, each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the spicy sausage to the fresh herbs, these essentials come together to create a bowl of pure comfort.

• Italian sausage, 1 pound: Provides rich, savory flavor and protein; remove casings for crumbly texture.
• Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: Adds depth and helps sauté the vegetables and sausage with a touch of fruitiness.
• Large onion, diced: Brings subtle sweetness and a tender bite when sautéed.
• Garlic, 3 cloves minced: Boosts aroma and layers of flavor with pungent warmth.
• Dried oregano, 1 teaspoon: Offers classic Italian herb notes that marry perfectly with tomato.
• Dried basil, 1 teaspoon: Adds sweet, peppery undertones reminiscent of fresh basil.
• Red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon: Gives the soup a gentle kick without overpowering.
• Salt and black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon each: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
• Tomato paste, 2 tablespoons: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the broth.
• Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): The heart of the soup, lending acidity, sweetness, and body.
• Chicken broth, 6 cups: Creates the flavorful base that unites every ingredient.
• Lasagna noodles, 8 ounces, broken: Noodles bring hearty texture and soak up the flavorful broth.
• Ricotta cheese, 1 cup: Adds creaminess and mild richness to the finishing cheese topping.
• Mozzarella cheese, 1 1/2 cups shredded: Melts beautifully in the soup and on top for gooey goodness.
• Grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup: Sharp and nutty, it balances the mild cheeses perfectly.
• Fresh parsley, 2 tablespoons chopped: Gives a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness.
• Fresh basil leaves: Garnish with classic Italian flair and fragrant flavor.

How to Make Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Sausage

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Browning the sausage well adds that irresistible caramelized flavor. Once cooked through, remove the sausage and set it aside – this will keep the meat tender and ready for later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, toss in the diced onion and sauté until it turns translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir and cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant – this step layers the soup with all those wonderful Italian herb scents and a subtle spice.

Step 3: Build the Tomato Base

Mix in the tomato paste, cooking for about 2 minutes to deepen its flavor and slightly caramelize it. This technique is key to developing the rich, tangy foundation that makes the soup taste so multi-dimensional.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to begin thickening.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

Add the broken lasagna noodles into the pot. Let them cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 12 to 15 minutes until tender yet still holding their shape – this ensures every bite has just the right texture without getting mushy.

Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

While the noodles are cooking, combine ricotta cheese, half a cup of shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. This creamy, cheesy combo is the finishing touch that captures the comfort of classic lasagna in soup form.

Step 7: Reintroduce the Sausage

Once the noodles are perfectly tender, add the cooked sausage back into the pot and stir everything together. This final meld brings the hearty elements back to the forefront, ready for serving.

Step 8: Serve with Cheese Topping

Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous scoop of the ricotta and cheese mixture. This adds a luscious, creamy layer that melts beautifully into the warm soup.

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy

Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella over the top, then finish with fresh parsley and basil leaves for a vibrant, fresh flavor and appealing presentation. Now dig in and savor the comforting depths of the Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup Recipe.

How to Serve Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnish adds brightness and a pop of color that invites you to enjoy each spoonful even more. Fresh basil leaves introduce a fragrant, sweet herbal note, while chopped parsley adds a lovely peppery freshness. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese can give that extra savory hit every Italian dish deserves.

Side Dishes

Serve this soup with a warm, crusty baguette or garlic breadsticks to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a crisp, refreshing contrast. You can also offer roasted vegetables for a hearty, well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the soup in bread bowls for a rustic, cozy presentation that doubles as edible serving ware. Alternatively, layering small portions in clear glass mugs shows off the beautiful interaction of noodles, sausage, broth, and cheese. Whether for family dinner or entertaining guests, presentation makes every meal feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup Recipe leftovers store wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal taste even better. Just be sure to keep the cheese mixture separate until reheating to maintain its creamy texture.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the soup without the cheese topping, which can change texture after thawing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh cheese or the ricotta mixture when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Add the cheese mixture fresh just before serving for melty, gooey goodness every time.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage adds bold, traditional flavor, turkey or chicken sausage can be a leaner alternative. Just choose a well-seasoned variety to keep that delicious sausage punch in your soup.

What if I don’t have lasagna noodles? Can I use something else?

You can swap in other pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or broken spaghetti. Keep in mind different pastas have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly to maintain that perfect tender bite.

Is this soup spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

This recipe has a mild kick from the red pepper flakes, but you can easily adjust the spiciness. Omit or reduce the red pepper flakes for a gentler flavor, or add extra if you love spice!

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or hearty mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still enjoy a rich, comforting soup packed with flavor.

How do I store and reheat leftover soup with the cheese topping?

It’s best to store the cheese mixture separately and add it fresh when reheating. If the cheese topping is mixed in before storing, it may separate or become grainy upon reheating.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a fan of classic lasagna or simply love soups that warm your heart and belly, this Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup Recipe ticks every box. It’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and perfect for sharing on any occasion. Give it a try—you’ll soon discover why it’s become a personal favorite and why it might just become yours too!

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