Truth be told, I’ve always felt that lasagna’s best moments are at the dinner table, not just on a plate. One chilly evening, I wondered: what if all that cheesy, meaty goodness could be turned into a warm, comforting bowl? That’s how I stumbled upon this recipe—an unlikely blend of two favorite comfort foods.
This soup marries rich tomato broth with crumbled lasagna noodles, melted cheese, and grounds of savory sausage. It’s a quick dish that hits the spot fast, perfect for those hectic weeknights when a full lasagna feels overwhelming. Plus, the aroma of garlic and basil filling the kitchen makes me feel right back at my childhood table.
WHY I LOVE THIS RECIPE?
- I love how it combines familiar flavors with a casual, less messy presentation.
- It’s a perfect way to use up leftover lasagna noodles without wasting any delicious sauce.
- The cheese pulls remind me of that gooey, happy moment every time.
- The balance of tangy tomatoes and savory sausage is a nostalgic hug in every bite.
- Fast to prepare, it’s a dish I turn to when comfort and speed are both needed.
AVOID MY DISASTER (You’re Welcome)
- FORGOT to drain the cooked noodles? They turn mushy fast—rinse immediately to keep texture firm.
- DUMPED too much cheese? The broth gets thick and greasy—add more broth to balance.
- OVER-TORCHED the cheese topping? It turns rubbery—cover the skillet and melt slowly.
- MISSED the seasoning? The soup feels flat—add a splash of balsamic or a pinch of sugar.
QUICK FIXES THAT SAVE YOUR DAY
- When soup is too salty, splash fresh lemon juice or add a potato to absorb excess salt.
- Pad the flavor by stirring in a splash of cream or milk for richness.
- Splash more broth when the noodles soak up too much flavor and thicken the soup.
- Patch burnt edges by gently scraping and adding fresh broth—smells like victory!
- When cheese isn’t melting well, turn the heat to low, cover, and wait a few minutes until silky.
As the seasons shift and comfort food becomes more of a necessity, this lasagna soup offers a familiar yet exciting alternative to traditional pasta dishes. It’s a bowl that warms from the inside out, perfect for sharing or savoring solo on a quiet night. Each spoonful brings a burst of savory, cheesy, tomato bliss you’ll want to keep revisiting.
Simple, satisfying, and adaptable, this dish reminds us that sometimes, the best ideas come from just mixing what we love. It’s a cozy, quick meal that’s ready in no time but feels like a special treat. And frankly, that’s exactly what we need right now.
Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground sausage. Cook, breaking it apart with your spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove any excess fat if necessary.to taste salt and pepper
- Add the chopped onion to the sausage and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. The kitchen will fill with a fragrant aroma of cooked onion and sausage.1 medium onion
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure it doesn't burn. You'll notice the mixture bubbling slightly as the garlic releases its aroma.3 cloves garlic
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring well to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, releasing a rich, savory smell as it heats up.28 oz canned crushed tomatoes, 4 cups beef or chicken broth
- Add the dried basil, season with salt and pepper, then cover the pot. Let the soup simmer gently for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.1 tsp dried basil
- Uncover the pot and stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Continue simmering, uncovered, for another 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente and have softened, thickening the broth slightly.8 oz lasagna noodles
- Use a spoon to check the seasoning, adjusting with more salt, pepper, or basil if needed. The soup should be bubbling gently and the noodles fully cooked.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, sprinkle generously with shredded mozzarella cheese, and let the heat melt the cheese into gooey goodness. The dish will look lively with cheesy strings pulling when served.1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Finish with an extra sprinkle of basil or cheese if desired. Serve hot, enjoying the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors with each spoonful.
Notes
In the end, this lasagna soup is more than just a twist—it’s an expression of comfort through familiar ingredients. It’s great for nights when time is tight but craving something rich remains strong. The simple act of ladling hot soup feels like a small victory against the chaos of everyday life.
Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, this dish makes every spoonful worth the effort. It captures that cozy essence of homemade pasta with a fraction of the fuss. Sometimes, all we need is a bowl that feels like a warm welcome back to familiar flavors.