If you love lasagna but don’t want to spend hours layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, this easy lasagna soup recipe is the perfect solution. It has all the cozy flavors of traditional lasagna—savory sausage, tender noodles, and a rich tomato broth—without the fuss. Plus, it all comes together in one pot.
This one pot pasta soup is also a great way to use up pantry staples. That half-empty box of lasagna noodles? Turn it into a warm and hearty dinner. With simple substitutions, you can adjust it to fit what you already have on hand—making this a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup
- Quick + easy (ready in under 40 minutes)
- Uses pantry staples you already have
- Comforting and hearty without being heavy
- Family-friendly and customizable
- One pot = minimal dishes
Key Ingredients for the Best Lasagna Soup
- Sweet Italian sausage – gives depth and that authentic lasagna flavor. But you can find easy subs below
- Lasagna noodles – broken into pieces for that classic lasagna texture. No lasagna noodles? Find substitutions below.
- Crushed tomatoes – the base of the soup, rich and flavorful.
- Chicken broth – keeps the soup light while still hearty.
- Cottage cheese – a creamy topping that makes this soup feel indulgent. Don’t want to use cottage cheese? Sub it out with ricotta
Lasagna Soup Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 6-8 sheets lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
- 1 lb sweet Italian sausage
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, if sausage is lean)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Salt + pepper, to taste
How to Make Lasagna Soup (Step by Step)
- Add aromatics – Stir in diced onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Cook the sausage – In a large pot, brown the sausage over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil if it’s lean.
- Build the flavor – Stir in tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened.
- Add liquids – Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring to a simmer.
- Cook the noodles – Add broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Blend the cottage cheese – Blending the cottage cheese makes it creamier and perfect for mixing. Not mandatory though. Mix the shredded mozzarella with the cottage cheese for the ultimate cheesy bite.
- Finish and serve – Taste, adjust seasoning, and ladle into bowls. Top with cottage cheese and mozzarella mix and garnish with fresh herbs.
Expert Tips for Perfect One-Pot Pasta Soup
- Break noodles unevenly for a rustic, homemade look.
- For meal prep: cook soup without noodles, then add fresh pasta when reheating.
- Make it creamier: stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving.
- Want extra cheese? Sprinkle parmesan on top.
Lasagna Soup FAQ’s
Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes! Freeze without the noodles. Add cooked pasta when reheating to avoid mushiness.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Swap the sausage for mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based sausage alternative.
What’s the best cheese for lasagna soup?
Cottage cheese, ricotta, or mascarpone work well. Mozzarella and Parmesan add melty richness.
Substitutions for Lasagna Soup
- Noodles: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, use penne, rotini, shells, or even broken spaghetti.
- Protein: Substitute sausage with ground beef, turkey, chicken, or a vegetarian protein.
- Cheese: Use ricotta, cottage cheese, mascarpone, or shredded mozzarella.
- Broth: Swap chicken broth for vegetable or beef broth.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your lasagna soup with:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- A crisp green salad
- Roasted veggies for a balanced meal
Final Thoughts
This easy lasagna soup recipe is cozy, simple, and versatile. It’s proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you stick to the classic version with sausage and noodles or mix it up with pantry substitutions, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
