This One-Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It combines all your favorite lasagna flavors into a cozy soup, complete with juicy sausage, tender noodles, and creamy cheese.
What’s not to love? It cooks in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze! I can’t resist topping mine with fresh basil and extra cheese for that yummy finish. Perfect for chilly nights!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This is the star of the dish! You can use mild or spicy based on your taste. For a lighter option, substitute with ground turkey or chicken, or even veggie sausage for a meatless version.
Pasta: Lasagna noodles provide that classic texture. If you can’t find them, feel free to use other pasta like fusilli or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Ricotta Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based ricotta or blended silken tofu for a similar texture.
Heavy Cream: Makes the soup extra creamy! For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or whole milk, but the texture might not be quite as rich.
How Can You Perfect the Soup’s Flavor?
Building flavor in your soup is essential. Start by cooking the sausage until it’s nice and browned; this caramelizes the meat and adds depth. Don’t skip the onions and garlic; they bring a wonderful aromatic foundation to the dish!
- Cook the sausage well to develop a rich flavor base.
- Add garlic just until it’s fragrant to avoid bitterness.
- Use good-quality chicken broth for the best flavor; homemade is fabulous if you have it!
Lastly, adjusting the seasoning as you go is key. Taste before serving and add salt and pepper as needed. This little step makes a big difference!
One-Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Seasoning & Creamy Mix:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnishes:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook, making the total time approximately 45 minutes. You’ll be enjoying this delicious and creamy lasagna soup in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step is essential to develop flavor!
2. Add Onions and Garlic:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook it until it’s softened, around 3-4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until fragrant. The aroma will be wonderful!
3. Incorporate the Tomatoes and Broth:
Pour in the canned diced tomatoes (including their juices) and the chicken broth. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), and add salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all those lovely flavors!
4. Add the Noodles:
Once the mixture is boiling, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered until the noodles are tender, which should take around 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them!
5. Make it Creamy:
Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese into the soup. Mix gently until the cheeses melt and the soup turns creamy and well combined. This is where the magic happens! Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil on top. For an extra treat, enjoy it with some crusty bread on the side. This is one cozy and comforting meal!
Enjoy the rich, creamy, and comforting flavors of classic lasagna transformed into a hearty soup all made in just one pot!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat?
Absolutely! While ground Italian sausage adds great flavor, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian option. Adjust the seasonings to enhance the flavor based on your choice.
What If I Don’t Have Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use cottage cheese blended until smooth or a dairy-free alternative like blended silken tofu for a similar texture. You may want to season it slightly to mimic the flavor of ricotta.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time! Cook it according to the recipe and let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
How Do I Store Leftover Soup?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just be cautious that the noodles may become softer when reheated, so adding fresh noodles during reheating may help maintain texture!
