Sausage Lasagna Soup Bowl

Sausage lasagna soup is the ultimate cozy meal that combines everything you love about classic lasagna with the ease of a warming pot of soup. Each spoonful is loaded with tender pasta, flavorful Italian sausage, and melty cheese, making it a delicious choice for chilly evenings or family get-togethers.

One winter night when my pantry was running low, I decided to transform our lasagna craving into a soup. Now whenever there is a cold snap, my family gathers around this soup and it feels just as special as any Sunday dinner.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage: This gives the soup a deep savory flavor. Choose mild or spicy based on your preference. Look for sausage with a good meat to fat ratio for maximum taste.
• Yellow onion: Adds natural sweetness and body. Firm onions with dry skin give the best result.
• Garlic: Gives that classic Italian aroma. Use fresh cloves for the most robust flavor.
• Red bell pepper: Brings color and subtle sweetness. Crisp peppers with smooth skin are ideal.
• Zucchini: Adds lightness and extra nutrients. Smaller zucchinis tend to be the most tender.
• Low sodium chicken broth: Lets you control the saltiness. Look for clear broth with a golden hue.
• Crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes: Provide the rich tomato base. Try to use good quality canned tomatoes for superior taste.
• Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor. Choose paste with only tomatoes as the ingredient.
• Lasagna noodles: Create the signature lasagna feel. Use regular or gluten free as needed and break into small pieces.
• Dried basil, oregano, and thyme: These herbs build classic Italian notes. Buy from a store with good turnover so your spices stay fresh.
• Red pepper flakes: Add gentle heat, totally optional. Choose flakes that are vibrant in color.
• Salt and black pepper: Season and bring out every flavor. Use fresh ground pepper for a peppery spark.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts smoothly into the soup. Use block cheese and shred yourself for the best melt.
• Parmesan cheese: Offers nutty richness. Freshly grated right before serving adds the most flavor.
• Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy dollops reminiscent of lasagna filling. Use whole milk ricotta for creaminess.
• Fresh parsley: Gives a pop of green and freshness. Look for bright unblemished leaves.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the sausage:

Place the Italian sausage into a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about five minutes. Drain any extra fat if there is a lot in the pot. This creates the deeply savory base for your soup.

Sauté the aromatics and vegetables:

Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, and zucchini to the pot. Stir and cook for five to seven minutes until everything is softened and releases its fragrance. The vegetables not only add flavor but also heartiness to each bite.

Toast the tomato paste:

Spoon in your tomato paste and stir constantly for one minute. Letting it cook briefly like this makes the tomato flavor deeper and adds richness to your broth.

Build the broth:

Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, dried basil, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good mix. Bring to a gentle boil so that all the flavors meld while heating up.

Simmer the pasta:

Toss in your broken lasagna noodles. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles do not stick. Cook uncovered for twelve to fifteen minutes or until the pasta is just tender. This allows the noodles to soak up all the tasty broth.

Season to taste:

Dip in a spoon and taste your soup. Sprinkle in salt and black pepper to your liking. This small step can be the difference between good and amazing flavor.

Add cheese to enrich:

Just before serving, stir in half of the mozzarella and half of the Parmesan cheese. Let it melt into the soup for a cheesy, silky finish.

Serve and garnish:

Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan, plus a scattering of fresh parsley. This adds that signature lasagna finish.

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Each time I use fresh parsley in this soup it reminds me of my grandmother’s garden. She always finished her pasta dishes with a shower of herbs and I love carrying on that tradition especially with this bold comforting recipe.

Storage Tips

Keep any leftover soup in an airtight container in your fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much. If you want to freeze it, do so before adding the final cheesy toppings. Pasta can become a bit softer once frozen and reheated, but the flavors remain delicious.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use turkey or chicken sausage for a leaner version and it is just as flavorful. For gluten free needs, simply choose certified gluten free lasagna noodles. If you are out of zucchini, you can swap in spinach, kale, or even mushrooms. Ricotta can be swapped with cottage cheese for an even more budget friendly option.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your sausage lasagna soup with a chunk of garlic bread to soak up all the tomatoey goodness. A crisp green salad helps balance out the richness. For a fun twist, set out a toppings bar with extra cheese and fresh herbs so everyone can finish their bowl just the way they like it.

Cultural Touchpoints

This soup borrows from classic Italian American lasagna but offers a modern shortcut while keeping the soul of the dish alive. Lasagna became a staple in Italian immigrant kitchens for its affordability and ability to feed a crowd. This soup version streamlines the process but keeps every spoonful cozy and celebratory.

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Common Questions

→ Can I use a different sausage?

Yes, turkey or chicken sausage can be substituted for a lighter option, or use spicy sausage for extra kick.

→ How do I make it gluten-free?

Simply swap the lasagna noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Ensure labels are checked for allergens.

→ What cheeses work best?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta create a classic lasagna flavor. You can add more mozzarella for extra melting.

→ Can this soup be prepared ahead?

Yes, leftovers keep well chilled for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth to refresh.

→ What other vegetables can I add?

Chopped spinach, kale, or mushrooms work well for extra color and nutrition. Add with the other vegetables.