Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe
There’s nothing quite like the feeling of cozying up with a bowl of my Lazy Lasagna Soup—it’s like wrapping yourself in a warm, cheesy hug, minus all the hassle of layering pasta sheets. 😋
I adore that Lazy Lasagna Soup melds the robust flavors of lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot dish in which everything cooks together. I mean, who wants to cook layers in a lovely lasagna when you can let the big flavors steep in a pot, wait for the pasta to get al dente, and then serve up big bowls of lasagna-flavored soup?
It’s not quite as hearty as the layered kind—it doesn’t sit up straight on a plate—but it’s definitely cozy, and topped with mozzarella, it’s very melty.
Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe Ingredients
- Italian Sausage: Provides rich protein and savory flavor; adds heartiness.
- Onion: Adds a sweet and earthy base; contains antioxidants.
- Garlic: Offers pungent, warm flavor; known for immune-boosting properties.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Rich in antioxidants and provides a sweet, tangy balance.
- Lasagna Noodles: Source of carbohydrates; adds comforting texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: Creamy texture; adds protein and calcium; mild flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, nutty taste; enhances creaminess; rich in protein.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts beautifully; mild taste; source of calcium.
- Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fat; adds a smooth richness to the soup.
Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces broken lasagna noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
How to Make this Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe
1. In a big pot, warm olive oil over a medium flame. Toss in Italian sausage and cook until it’s not just warm, but also browned and broken apart into smaller pieces. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. The diced onion goes into the pot, and you sauté it for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then you stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken broth and water, then mix to integrate.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce until combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. In the broken lasagna noodles, stir. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender, the noodles, stirring occasionally.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste to the soup.
7. Combine the ricotta cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese in another bowl.
8. When the noodles are done cooking, turn the heat down to low. Stir in the mixture of ricotta until you have a nice, smooth, and homogenous blend.
9. Slowly mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and the soup is creamy.
10. Hot soup with Lazy Lasagna Soup! Enjoy it garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley.
Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Bowl for cheese mixture
7. Ladle for serving
8. Grater (if grating Parmesan from a block)
FAQ
- What type of Italian sausage should I use?Depending on your preference, you may use either mild or spicy Italian sausage. It is important to remove the casing before cooking.
- Can I substitute the lasagna noodles with another type of pasta?Yes, you can use other pasta like bowties or ziti, but broken lasagna noodles will give the most true-tasting flavor.
- Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?A vegetarian version can be made by omitting the sausage and using either plant-based ground meat or additional mushrooms and vegetables.
- How can I make the soup spicier?Amplify the heat level by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or opt for spicy Italian sausage.
- Can I make this soup ahead of time?Store the cooked noodles separately, yes, to avoid them becoming too soft when reheated. The key is to keep the noodles and sauce apart until you’re ready to serve.
- How do I store leftovers?Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to eat it after that time, throw it in the freezer and save it for later. For reheating, use the microwave or the stove; use extra broth or water if the soup seems too thick.
- What can I use instead of ricotta cheese for the topping?Cottage cheese or a blend of cream cheese and Greek yogurt may be used to achieve a similar creamy outcome.
Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations
1 pound Italian sausage (or replace with ground turkey or chicken)
1 small leek, finely chopped, in place of onion
Substitution for Italian seasoning: Use dried basil or oregano. Amount: 1 teaspoon.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper instead of crushed red pepper flakes.
Substitute 1 cup of cottage cheese for ricotta cheese.
Pro Tips
1. Brown Evenly: When browning the Italian sausage, make sure to break it into small, equally-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum flavor throughout the soup. This also helps the sausage integrate better into the soup base.
2. Layered Flavor: Sauté the onion until it’s translucent before adding the garlic. This prevents the garlic from burning and gives the onion more time to release its sweetness, which adds depth to the soup.
3. Noodle Texture: Add the broken lasagna noodles gradually, and stir frequently while they cook to prevent them from sticking to each other or to the bottom of the pot. Be mindful not to overcook the noodles—they should be tender but still have some bite.
4. Cheese Mixture: For a creamier texture, combine the ricotta and Parmesan with a bit of the hot broth from the pot before adding it to the soup. This will help temper the cheeses and allow them to meld smoothly into the soup.
5. Garnish Fresh: Add the fresh basil or parsley just before serving to maintain a vibrant color and fresh taste. These herbs not only add visual appeal but also lift the flavor of the soup, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy base.
Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe
My favorite Lazy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Wooden spoon or spatula
3. Measuring spoons
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Bowl for cheese mixture
7. Ladle for serving
8. Grater (if grating Parmesan from a block)
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casing removed
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
- 8 ounces broken lasagna noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a big pot, warm olive oil over a medium flame. Toss in Italian sausage and cook until it’s not just warm, but also browned and broken apart into smaller pieces. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. The diced onion goes into the pot, and you sauté it for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then you stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes, sautéing for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the chicken broth and water, then mix to integrate.
4. Stir in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce until combined. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. In the broken lasagna noodles, stir. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until tender, the noodles, stirring occasionally.
6. Add salt and pepper to taste to the soup.
7. Combine the ricotta cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese in another bowl.
8. When the noodles are done cooking, turn the heat down to low. Stir in the mixture of ricotta until you have a nice, smooth, and homogenous blend.
9. Slowly mix in the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and the soup is creamy.
10. Hot soup with Lazy Lasagna Soup! Enjoy it garnished with freshly chopped basil or parsley.