Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
When the chill of winter settles in, there’s nothing quite like the warm embrace of a big bowl of hearty soup. Picture this: a bubbling pot of rich, savory broth filled with tender pieces of sausage, layers of decadent cheese, and al dente pasta, all simmering together to create a soul-nourishing meal.
This is where Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup comes in—striking the perfect balance between your favorite lasagna and a cozy, comforting soup.
Inspired by the classic lasagna that once graced my grandmother’s table, this dish brings all the flavors we love into an easy, one-pot recipe that can become a family favorite in just about 45 minutes. You’ll love how the aroma fills your kitchen as it comes together—a mix of Italian herbs, melty cheese, and the unmistakable richness of sausage. Let’s dive into this delightful dish.
What is Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup?
Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup is a warm, flavorful twist on traditional lasagna, served in a comforting, broth-based form. Instead of building layers in a baking dish, we bring together all the essential lasagna components—savory Italian sausage, rich tomato base, garlic, herbs, noodles, and gooey cheese—into one pot.
Lasagna, with its Italian roots, is known for layers of pasta, sauce, meat, and cheese. In soup form, those same elements simmer together, creating a robust flavor profile that is both rich and incredibly satisfying.
With finely crumbled sausage, tender noodles, and plenty of cheese, this soup captures the essence of lasagna while being far easier and quicker to prepare. There’s no layering, no baking—just one pot and a bit of simmering. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or anytime you want comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup
- Quick & Weeknight-Friendly: Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish.
- Big, Bold Flavor: Savory sausage, garlic, herbs, and cheese deliver a rich Italian taste in every spoonful.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love it—great for picky eaters and pasta lovers.
- Nutrient-Packed: Protein from sausage and cheese plus fiber and vitamins from tomatoes and spinach.
- Easy to Customize: Swap the pasta, change the protein, add more veggies, or make it lighter.
- Great for Meal Prep: Reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
- Leftover Heaven: Flavors deepen over time, making leftovers extra delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, casings removed)
Choose spicy for a kick or sweet for a milder, family-friendly flavor. - 1 onion, diced
Yellow onion adds sweetness and depth that holds up to simmering. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic brings a rich, aromatic base—avoid pre-minced if possible. - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
Canned crushed tomatoes keep it easy; choose no-sugar-added for a lighter option. - 4 cups chicken broth
Low-sodium broth helps you control the salt level while creating a savory base. - 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Use traditional or whole wheat. Breaking them helps distribute pasta evenly in the soup. - 2 cups fresh spinach
Adds color, nutrients, and a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. Fresh or frozen (thawed and drained) both work. - 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
A classic blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and more for true lasagna flavor. - Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Melts into the soup for that classic lasagna creaminess and stretch. - Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Adds a salty, nutty finish to each bowl.
How to Make Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through.
Pro Tip: Let the sausage sit undisturbed for a minute or two at a time to develop caramelization before stirring.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot with the browned sausage. Cook for about 3 minutes, or until the onion softens and turns translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute, stirring frequently until fragrant.
Mini Tip: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning. Mix well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s pure flavor!).
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to start melding the flavors.
Step 4: Introduce the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Return to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente.
Pro Tip: Noodles can overcook quickly. Start checking around the 8–10 minute mark so they stay pleasantly firm rather than mushy.
Step 5: Embrace the Greens
Fold in the spinach and stir until it wilts and is evenly distributed throughout the soup. This only takes 1–2 minutes.
Mini Tip: Using frozen spinach? Thaw it first and squeeze out excess liquid before adding.
Step 6: Mix in the Cheese
Once the noodles are cooked and the spinach is wilted, stir in the shredded mozzarella. Let it melt into the hot soup, making it rich and creamy.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The cheese will add some saltiness, so season at the end.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve with toasted bread, garlic bread, or a simple salad to complete the meal. Each spoonful delivers layers of flavor—like a deconstructed lasagna in a cozy, steaming bowl.
Chef’s Tips, Variations & Substitutions
- Lighten It Up:
Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage for a lower-fat option while still keeping things flavorful. - Boost the Veggies:
Add diced zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots when sautéing the onions to increase fiber, nutrients, and color. - Gluten-Free Option:
Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional lasagna noodles. Adjust cooking time according to package instructions. - Dairy-Free Version:
Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for dairy-free cheese alternatives or stir in a spoonful of nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor without dairy. - Meal Prep Magic:
If you plan to freeze the soup, cook the noodles just al dente or cook them separately and add them fresh when reheating to prevent them from getting too soft.
What to Serve With Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup
- Garlic Bread or Garlic Knots – Perfect for dunking into the rich, cheesy broth.
- Caesar Salad – Crisp and creamy, it balances the richness of the soup.
- Caprese Salad – Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil echo the Italian flavors.
- Sautéed Vegetables – A side of seasonal veggies adds color and extra nutrition.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator:
Let the soup cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. - Freezer:
Freeze in individual portions or a large container for up to 3 months. Leave a little headspace in the container for expansion. - Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low–medium heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it has thickened. The flavors often taste even better the next day.
Nutrition Highlights
Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup is:
- Protein-Rich: Sausage and cheese provide satisfying protein to keep you full longer.
- Fiber-Friendly: Tomatoes, spinach, and any added veggies support digestion and fullness.
- Vitamin-Packed: Spinach and tomatoes contribute vitamins A and C, supporting immunity and overall health.
- Customizable for Your Goals: Easily tweak the recipe to be higher in protein, lower in carbs, or more veggie-heavy depending on your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It’s great for meal prep. Store it in the fridge for a couple of days or freeze for longer. For best texture, cook noodles al dente if you plan to reheat or freeze.
What can I substitute for Italian sausage?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, beef, or a vegetarian sausage alternative. Each brings a slightly different flavor but still works beautifully.
Can I use fresh lasagna noodles?
Dried noodles work best here. Fresh lasagna sheets can become very soft in the soup, but if you use them, add them toward the very end and watch closely.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Warm in a saucepan over low–medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Add a bit of broth or water if it looks too thick.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Definitely! Omit the sausage, use vegetable broth, and add more beans or veggies (like mushrooms and lentils) for a hearty vegetarian version.
Hearty Sausage Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal—it’s cozy comfort in a bowl, perfect for chilly days and family evenings. Try this recipe tonight—your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will be asking for seconds!
