Easy Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup: Your New Favorite One-Pot Comfort Meal
Are you in the mood for a soup recipe that offers a delightful departure from the usual chicken noodle or minestrone? If your taste buds are craving something truly special, something that wraps you in a warm, comforting hug, then this easy recipe for Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup may be just the thing to perk them up. Imagine all the rich, savory flavors of your favorite Italian baked dish, perfectly combined into a hearty, satisfying bowl of soup – without the fuss of layering or baking!
This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary masterpiece that brings the essence of traditional lasagna to your stovetop in a fraction of the time. Loaded with crumbled Italian sausage, tender vegetables, a rich tomato base, perfectly cooked pasta, and an irresistible blend of cheeses, every spoonful is a symphony of flavor. It’s the ultimate comfort food, ideal for a cozy night in, a quick family dinner, or even a gathering with friends. Prepare to impress with minimal effort and maximum deliciousness!
Why This Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup is a Game-Changer
Traditional lasagna is undeniably delicious, but it can be quite time-consuming with all the layering and baking involved. This Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup offers a brilliant solution, condensing all those beloved flavors and textures into a convenient, one-pot wonder. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Skip the intricate assembly. Everything cooks together in one large pot, simplifying the process from start to finish.
- Quicker Cooking Time: Enjoy the taste of lasagna in about 25 minutes of total cooking time, a stark contrast to the hour-plus required for a baked casserole.
- Less Cleanup: A single pot means significantly less washing up, leaving you more time to savor your meal.
- Incredible Flavor Profile: The harmonious blend of savory Italian sausage, aromatic vegetables, robust tomatoes, and melty cheeses creates a deeply satisfying and complex taste.
- Hearty and Filling: This is a substantial soup that easily stands alone as a main course, providing a fulfilling and warming meal.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a casual lunch, or a comforting dish to share, this soup fits the bill.
Ingredients Spotlight: Crafting the Perfect Lasagna Soup
The magic of this Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup lies in its carefully selected ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its incredible flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what makes this soup so special:
- Italian Turkey Sausage: We recommend lean Italian turkey sausage for a healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Its inherent seasoning (fennel, garlic, paprika, etc.) provides a robust foundation for the soup. If you prefer, regular Italian pork sausage (mild or spicy) can be used. Just ensure casings are removed and the sausage is well-browned and crumbled.
- Aromatic Vegetables (Onions, Mushrooms, Garlic): These form the aromatic backbone of the soup. Chopped onions soften and sweeten as they cook, while fresh sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth. Minced garlic, of course, is essential for that classic Italian flavor. You can add more veggies like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Rich Tomato Base (Tomato Sauce, Diced Tomatoes): A combination of canned tomato sauce and Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes creates a rich, tangy, and slightly chunky base that mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna. The seasoning in the diced tomatoes further enhances the Italian profile. For a smoother soup, you could use crushed tomatoes.
- Hearty Chicken Broth: This liquid gold brings everything together, providing moisture and a savory depth. Good quality chicken broth (or even vegetable broth for a lighter touch) is key.
- Mafalda Pasta: This unique pasta, with its ruffled edges, is an ideal choice as it resembles mini lasagna noodles, catching the rich broth and cheese beautifully. If you can’t find mafalda, feel free to break up regular lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces, or use other small, sturdy pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or even rotini.
- Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the end, spinach wilts perfectly, adding a pop of color, a touch of freshness, and a boost of nutrition without overpowering the other flavors.
- Cheesy Goodness (Mozzarella, Parmesan): The star of the show! Shredded mozzarella melts into luscious strings, providing that signature cheesy pull, while grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty, umami kick that is essential for any lasagna-inspired dish.
- Fresh Basil: A final flourish of thinly sliced fresh basil brightens the entire dish, lending a fragrant, herbaceous aroma and taste that completes the Italian experience. Don’t skip this for the best flavor!
Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup
3.2 from 18 votes
4
servings
10
minutes
15
minutes
25
minutes
This cheesy sausage lasagna soup is a hearty and flavorful meal that is incredibly simple to make. Start by browning the Italian sausage with aromatic vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and garlic in a large stock pot. Next, stir in rich chicken broth, savory tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes to form the flavorful base. Add the mafalda pasta and cook until almost tender. Finally, fold in fresh spinach and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to make it wonderfully creamy and absolutely delicious. Serve hot with a slice of garlic bread and prepare to enjoy!
Ingredients
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1 pound Italian turkey sausage, casings removed (or Italian pork sausage)
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2 cups chopped onions (about 1 large onion)
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2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
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1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
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1 (14.5 ounce) can Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes, undrained
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1 cup uncooked mafalda pasta (or broken lasagna noodles)
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2 cups chopped fresh spinach
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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4 teaspoons thinly sliced fresh basil, for garnish
Directions
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to cook and stir until the sausage is thoroughly browned, which usually takes about 5 minutes. If using pork sausage, carefully drain off any excess fat. Once the sausage is browned, stir in the chopped onions, sliced mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté for another 3-5 minutes, or until the onions have softened and become translucent, and the mushrooms have released some of their liquid.
- Step 2: Build the Soup Base and Cook Pasta. Pour in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, and the can of Italian-seasoned diced tomatoes (do not drain). Stir everything together well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the soup mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked mafalda pasta. Reduce the heat to medium-low, allowing the soup to simmer gently. Cook, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking, until the pasta is almost tender, about 10 minutes. It should still have a slight bite to it, as it will continue to cook off the heat.
- Step 3: Finish with Cheese and Spinach. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the fresh chopped spinach, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. The residual heat from the soup will quickly wilt the spinach and melt the cheeses, creating that signature creamy, rich texture. Stir until the cheeses are fully incorporated and melted.
- Step 4: Serve and Garnish. Stir in the thinly sliced fresh basil. Let the soup stand for about 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the pasta to fully tenderize. Ladle the hot Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup into bowls and serve immediately. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, a fresh basil leaf, or a dash of red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your delicious one-pot lasagna experience!
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup
Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect your Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup experience:
Q: What kind of texture does the soup have?
A: The soup boasts a wonderfully creamy and rich texture, yet it remains delightfully hearty. The crumbled sausage provides a satisfying bite, while the tender vegetables (onions, mushrooms, and spinach) add varying degrees of softness. The mafalda pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, offers a lovely chew, and the melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses combine to create a luscious, velvety broth that clings to every ingredient. It’s a perfect balance of smooth and chunky, making it incredibly satisfying.
Q: How can I add more flavor or heat to the soup?
A: If you’re looking to elevate the flavor profile of this lasagna soup, there are several delicious options. For a touch of mild heat, try adding a few dashes of red pepper flakes along with the onions and mushrooms. This will infuse a subtle warmth throughout the soup. For an intensified fresh herb flavor, you can stir in extra fresh basil or a pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning during the simmering process. A splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of tomato paste stirred in with the broth can also deepen the savory notes. Don’t forget a final grind of fresh black pepper just before serving!
Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: This hearty soup pairs perfectly with a variety of simple sides. A classic choice is a warm, crusty slice of garlic bread, ideal for soaking up every last drop of the flavorful broth. A fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. For an extra flavorful touch, consider topping individual bowls of soup with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, a dollop of creamy ricotta cheese, some finely chopped fresh parsley, or even a few homemade croutons. Breadsticks, foccacia, or a simple green salad are also excellent accompaniments.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can! The flavors of this Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day. However, keep in mind that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, potentially making the soup thicker. If preparing ahead, you might want to cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings, or simply add an extra splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to achieve your desired consistency. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Q: Is this soup freezer-friendly?
A: This soup can be frozen, but with a slight caveat regarding the pasta and cheese. Cooked pasta can sometimes become mushy or break down after being frozen and thawed. The cheesy base might also separate slightly. For best results, if you plan to freeze, we recommend cooking the soup without the pasta and cheese. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup base, bring it to a simmer, then add fresh pasta and the cheeses, cooking until heated through and melted. If you freeze the entire soup, it will still be edible, but the texture might be slightly different upon reheating. Store in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
Q: Can I make a vegetarian version of this soup?
A: Absolutely! To make this Cheesy Lasagna Soup vegetarian, simply omit the Italian turkey sausage. Instead, you can substitute with a plant-based ground “sausage” alternative, or use a can of drained and rinsed lentils, or even a mixture of diced zucchini, bell peppers, and extra mushrooms. Ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the recipe can remain the same, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meat-free version of this comforting soup.
Tips for Success: Making Your Lasagna Soup Perfect
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Pasta continues to cook even after being removed from the heat. Cook it until it’s just al dente (slightly firm to the bite) in the soup, as it will soften further as the soup stands.
- Drain Sausage Fat: If using a fattier Italian pork sausage, make sure to drain off any excess grease after browning to prevent the soup from being too oily.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried basil can be used, fresh basil stirred in at the end truly brightens the flavor profile. Don’t skip it if possible!
- Adjust Thickness: If your soup becomes too thick (especially if making ahead), thin it out with a little extra chicken broth or water when reheating. If it’s too thin, you can simmer it gently for a few more minutes (before adding cheese and spinach) to reduce it slightly, or mash a small portion of the vegetables to help thicken it naturally.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Always taste your soup before serving. You might want to add a pinch more salt, pepper, or a touch of dried Italian seasoning to suit your preference.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Bowl
This Cheesy Sausage Lasagna Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to savor the comforting, familiar flavors of a beloved Italian classic in an entirely new and convenient way. With its rich, creamy texture, savory Italian sausage, tender vegetables, and irresistible cheesy goodness, it truly delivers on its promise of a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your stove, and prepare to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort. We’re confident that this easy one-pot lasagna soup will quickly become a cherished favorite in your home. Enjoy every delicious spoonful!