Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup is like all the best parts of a classic lasagna in a cozy, easy-to-eat bowl. You get the hearty Italian sausage, tender noodles, rich tomatoes, and melty cheese all mixed together with comforting herbs and spices. It feels like a hug in soup form, full of big flavors and warm textures.
I love making this soup when I want something filling but not too fussy to prepare. The sausage adds just the right amount of spice, and the gooey cheese on top is my favorite part—I always sprinkle extra mozzarella before serving! Plus, it’s one of those recipes that everyone seems to enjoy, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.
My favorite way to serve it is with some crusty bread on the side to soak up all that tasty broth. It’s simple, cozy, and feels like a little celebration of lasagna without the long bake time. This soup always reminds me of chilly evenings when I just want something warm, cheesy, and a bit hearty without turning on the oven for too long.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This brings bold flavor and a bit of spice. Choose mild or spicy based on your heat preference. If you want a lighter option, you can swap it for ground turkey or chicken sausage.
Lasagna Noodles: I like breaking them into small pieces for easier spooning. You can also use broken penne or rigatoni if you don’t have lasagna noodles.
Ricotta Cheese: It adds creaminess and mild tang. If ricotta isn’t available, cottage cheese works well in a pinch. For dairy-free, try a cashew cream substitute.
Tomatoes and Broth: The diced tomatoes and tomato paste create a rich base, balanced by chicken broth. You can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist (replace sausage with a plant-based option).
How Do You Get the Best Flavor From Browning the Sausage and Onions?
Cooking the sausage and onions right is key! Here’s how I do it:
- Start with medium heat; add olive oil before the sausage to keep it from sticking.
- Break up the sausage as it cooks, so you get smaller crumbles that soak in flavor.
- Once browned, drain excess fat to avoid greasy soup, but keep some for flavor.
- Add onions after the sausage is mostly cooked. Sauté until translucent, so they soften and sweeten.
- Add garlic last; it burns easily, so just stir for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant.
This process builds a rich, flavorful base that makes the whole soup taste fantastic. Take your time here—it pays off!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large heavy-bottomed pot – perfect for browning sausage and simmering the soup evenly.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – great for breaking up sausage and stirring without scratching.
- Chef’s knife and cutting board – for chopping onions, garlic, and herbs quickly and safely.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep your seasoning and liquids just right.
- Ladle and soup bowls – for easy serving and enjoying every cheesy, hearty bite.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for ground beef or turkey for a milder taste or leaner option.
- Add chopped spinach or kale toward the end for extra color and a health boost.
- Mix in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like your soup spicy and bold.
- Try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky twist that pairs well with sausage.
Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Noodles and Cheese:
- 4 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll spend some time browning the sausage and sautéing the veggies, then simmering the soup until the noodles are tender. Altogether, plan for about 40 minutes from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage and Veggies:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Cook until nicely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. If there’s extra fat, drain some out. Next, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
2. Make the Soup Base:
Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and water. Give everything a good stir. Add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), and some salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes so the flavors blend together well.
3. Cook the Noodles and Finish the Soup:
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the pot. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom, for 7 to 9 minutes until the noodles are tender.
4. Serve and Garnish:
Turn off the heat and spoon the soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top, then garnish with some freshly chopped parsley or basil for a fresh touch. Serve hot with crusty bread for dipping if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Italian Sausage?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the sausage in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. This helps it brown evenly and breaks apart easily for the soup.
Can I Make the Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles, then cool and refrigerate. When ready to eat, reheat gently and add fresh noodles to cook just before serving to avoid mushy pasta.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
What If I Don’t Have Lasagna Noodles?
No problem! You can substitute broken pieces of penne, rigatoni, or even bowtie pasta. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose so it stays perfectly tender.
