Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup

This Hearty Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup brings together everything I crave in classic lasagna but with the ease and comfort of a savory soup. It is abundant with robust sausage flavor tender noodles and a blend of creamy cheeses that melt right into every spoonful. Whenever I want to make a meal that gets everyone around the table with big appetites and bigger smiles I turn to this recipe.

I first tried this on a cold night when we all needed some extra comfort food and now it is my go-to on busy weeks or when my family asks for something cozy and special.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: This is the flavor backbone Choose a good quality sausage with balanced seasoning
• Olive oil: Helps sauté everything evenly and builds flavor Pick extra-virgin for richest taste
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth Select firm and fragrant onions
• Garlic: For big Italian taste Fresh minced is best
• Dried oregano and dried basil: Delivers authentic Italian herbal notes Use recently bought dried herbs for best aroma
• Red pepper flakes: Brings subtle heat You can adjust to your taste
• Salt and black pepper: Rounds out all the flavors Use kosher salt for seasoning in layers
• Tomato paste: Adds rich concentrated tomato flavor Pick paste that is deep red and thick
• Crushed tomatoes: They are the soup’s soul Choose Italian-style for best balance of sweetness and acidity
• Chicken broth: Makes everything come together Use low sodium for controlling saltiness
• Lasagna noodles: Brings that classic lasagna texture Snap into bite-sized pieces for pleasant eating
• Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and richness Fresh and whole-milk ricotta gives the best result
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts into the soup for gooey bites Shred your own for ultimate meltiness
• Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty sharpness Use authentic Parmigiano for extra flavor
• Fresh parsley: For brightness and a finishing touch Always go for vibrant green bundles
• Fresh basil leaves: Traditional Italian aroma and lovely color Pick ones with no brown spots

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Sausage:

In a large soup pot heat olive oil over medium heat Add the Italian sausage breaking it into small chunks with a spoon Cook until sausage is well browned and slightly crisp on the edges about seven to eight minutes Remove the sausage to a bowl and set aside leaving any drippings in the pot because they add flavor

Sauté the Aromatics:

Add diced onion to the pot with sausage drippings Sauté over medium-low heat until translucent and soft about five minutes Add garlic dried oregano basil red pepper flakes salt and black pepper Stir well and cook until the aromas are very fragrant about one minute

Tomato Paste Magic:

Add tomato paste to the onions Stir and cook for about two minutes letting it darken in color This caramelizes the tomato and creates a deep savory base for your soup

Build the Broth:

Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth Scrape up the browned bits from the pot’s bottom with your spoon so nothing tasty is left behind Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer

Cook the Noodles:

Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot Stir so they do not stick together Simmer uncovered stirring frequently until noodles are just tender about twelve to fifteen minutes Make sure noodles do not overcook

Cheese Preparation:

While the noodles simmer combine ricotta cheese one half cup shredded mozzarella and all the Parmesan cheese in a bowl Stir until creamy and blended This cheese dollop will make every serving special

Finish the Soup:

Once noodles are tender return the browned sausage to the pot Give everything a good stir and let it heat through taste and adjust seasonings if needed

Serve and Garnish:

Ladle the soup into bowls Top with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture Sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and finish with chopped parsley and fresh basil leaves for bright flavor and color

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Mozzarella is my favorite part and I always sneak a little extra on top for that stringy cheesy lift My family remembers the first time we gathered for this soup on a stormy evening and it just felt like a big Italian hug in a bowl

Storage Tips

This soup holds up well in the fridge for up to four days Store leftovers in an airtight container The flavors deepen overnight so it is extra tasty the next day For freezing keep the soup and the noodles separate so they do not get soggy Boil fresh noodles and add them when reheating if you plan to freeze

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap the sausage for lean ground beef or turkey for a lighter version Vegetarian friends will love it with plant-based crumbles Instead of ricotta try cottage cheese or mascarpone for a slightly different texture Gluten-free noodles work perfectly as well

Serving Suggestions

Pair this hearty soup with crusty bread for soaking up every drop A crisp green salad with balsamic dressing makes a refreshing balance For a bigger gathering set up a garnish bar with extra cheese chopped herbs and maybe even a drizzle of nice olive oil so everyone can finish their bowl to their own taste

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Cultural Touchpoint

Lasagna is an iconic Italian comfort food and this soup brings all the same satisfaction in a weeknight friendly way Inspired by southern Italian home kitchens where soup and pasta are often combined it is a nod to old family recipes My grandmother would always set aside extra sauce for dipping bread and this is a tribute to those memories

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use a different meat instead of Italian sausage?

Yes! Ground beef or turkey are great options and offer a different flavor profile if you prefer something milder.

→ Is it possible to make this soup spicier?

Absolutely. Add more red pepper flakes to increase the heat or use a spicy sausage for extra kick.

→ How do I prevent the noodles from becoming too soft?

Only add the noodles once the soup is simmering and cook until just tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

→ Can I freeze this soup for later?

Yes, freeze the soup without the noodles. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating for best texture.

→ What can I serve alongside for a complete meal?

Crusty bread or a crisp green salad pair perfectly to round out this comforting dish.

→ Can fresh spinach be added to boost nutrition?

Definitely! Stir in a handful of fresh spinach at the end of cooking for added color and nutrients.