Savor the flavors of a classic lasagna in a comforting soup form with this Creamy Lasagna Soup! This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or casual weeknight meals. Its rich combination of Italian sausage, marinara sauce, and creamy cheeses creates a delightful warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this soup is sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with filling ingredients, this soup will keep you full and satisfied.
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in under an hour.
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal and relax afterward.
- Comfort Food Classic: Enjoy the familiar flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and cheese.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite proteins or veggies for a personal touch!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to ensure a smooth experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and accommodating all ingredients comfortably.
- Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface and breaking up sausage easily.
Ingredients
For this delicious Creamy Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Protein & Vegetables
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Base Ingredients
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Noodles & Dairy
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
In a large pot over medium heat, add the Italian sausage. Cook until browned while breaking it up with a spoon. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the chopped onion to the pot. Cook until softened for about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the crushed tomatoes along with the broth. Stir well to combine everything and bring it to a simmer over medium heat.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles into the pot. Cook according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes) until they are al dente.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese
Once noodles are cooked, reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and creamy.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!
How to Serve Creamy Lasagna Soup
Creamy Lasagna Soup is a delightful dish that brings together the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient bowl. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some serving suggestions to enhance your meal.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted with garlic and butter, it’s perfect for dipping.
- Italian Breadsticks: Soft and chewy, these are a great addition to soak up the soup.
Add Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil: Adds a burst of freshness and color to each bowl.
- Parsley Sprigs: Brighten the dish with this simple garnish.
Serve with Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and tangy dressing complement the rich soup.
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the creaminess.
Provide Toppings
- Extra Cheese: Offer shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for cheese lovers.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a kick of heat.
How to Perfect Creamy Lasagna Soup
To create the ultimate Creamy Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time.
- Flavor Base: Start with high-quality Italian sausage for rich flavor.
- Proper Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: This prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheese enhance overall taste.
- Simmer Gently: Allowing the soup to simmer melds all flavors beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Lasagna Soup
Complement your Creamy Lasagna Soup with these tasty side dishes that will elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options:
- Caprese Salad: A refreshing mix of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze.
- Antipasto Platter: A selection of cured meats, cheeses, olives, and marinated vegetables for variety.
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory mushrooms filled with cheese and herbs for a delightful bite-sized treat.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until tender make a healthy side option.
- Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes infused with garlic and cheese pair wonderfully with the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Slightly sweet muffins that add texture contrast to the creamy soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Creamy Lasagna Soup is simple, but small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the sausage properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Always ensure the sausage is cooked until browned for the best taste.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking lasagna noodles too long can make them mushy. Follow package instructions closely and check for al dente texture.
- Using low-quality cheese: Subpar cheese can ruin the creaminess. Invest in good-quality cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella for a rich flavor.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient has its own salt content. Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as needed to enhance flavors.
- Rushing the simmering process: A good simmer helps meld flavors together. Allow your soup to simmer gently for a richer taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The soup can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heating until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.
- Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat, stirring frequently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Creamy Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that combines classic lasagna flavors into a delicious soup form, featuring sausage, tomatoes, and creamy cheeses.
How long does it take to make Creamy Lasagna Soup?
This recipe takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick option for weeknight dinners.
Can I customize Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Yes! You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms or substitute meats according to your preference.
Is Creamy Lasagna Soup gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or another type of pasta that meets your dietary needs.
What should I serve with Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Pair this delicious soup with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Lasagna Soup offers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in an easy-to-make soup format. It’s perfect for cozy nights or family dinners. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or toppings for a personal touch!
Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves about 6
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Creamy Lasagna Soup, a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish that encapsulates all the beloved tastes of lasagna in an easy-to-make soup. This hearty recipe combines savory Italian sausage with rich marinara sauce, tender noodles, and a blend of creamy cheeses for a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or cozy nights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into pieces.
- Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Stir in minced garlic and seasonings.
- Mix in crushed tomatoes and broth; bring to a simmer.
- Add broken lasagna noodles; cook until al dente.
- Lower heat and stir in cream and cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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