One Pot Lasagna Soup: Easy Recipe for a Delicious Weeknight Meal

One Pot Lasagna Soup: Imagine all the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna, but without the fuss of layering and baking! This isn’t just a weeknight dinner; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, ready in under an hour. Forget spending hours meticulously assembling lasagna; this recipe delivers the same incredible flavor profile with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.

Lasagna, a dish deeply rooted in Italian culinary tradition, has evolved over centuries. From its humble beginnings as a simple pasta dish, it has transformed into a globally beloved comfort food. While the classic baked lasagna holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes we crave that familiar taste without the time commitment. That’s where this One Pot Lasagna Soup shines!

People adore lasagna for its rich, layered flavors – the savory meat sauce, the creamy ricotta, and the perfectly melted mozzarella. This soup captures all those elements in a convenient and comforting format. It’s the perfect balance of hearty and satisfying, with a delightful combination of textures. Plus, who can resist a dish that’s both delicious and easy to clean up? This One Pot Lasagna Soup is sure to become a family favorite!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix), removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Optional: Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Browning the Sausage and Vegetables

Okay, let’s get started! The first step is to brown our Italian sausage. This is where we build a lot of flavor, so don’t rush it!

1. Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. I like to use my Dutch oven because it distributes heat evenly, but any large pot will work just fine.
2. Add the Italian sausage to the pot. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. We want it to be nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
3. Once the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside. We’ll add it back in later. Don’t drain the grease! We’re going to use that to cook our veggies. That’s where all the flavor is!
4. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper to the pot. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. You want the onions to be translucent and the peppers to be tender.
5. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. The aroma should be amazing at this point!

Building the Soup Base

Now that our sausage and veggies are ready, it’s time to build the foundation of our lasagna soup. This is where all the delicious tomato flavors come together.

1. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and water to the pot. Give everything a good stir to combine.
2. Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Remember, you can always add more salt and pepper later, but you can’t take it away!
3. Return the browned Italian sausage to the pot. We want all those delicious juices to mingle with the tomato broth.
4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the richer the flavor will be.

Adding the Noodles and Finishing Touches

Almost there! Now we’re going to add the lasagna noodles and finish off our soup with the creamy ricotta and Parmesan cheese.

1. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Stir to ensure they are submerged in the liquid. We want them to cook evenly.
2. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Keep an eye on the liquid level; if the soup becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
3. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the ricotta cheese mixture. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. This creamy mixture will be the perfect topping for our soup.
4. Once the noodles are cooked, remove the soup from the heat.
5. Ladle the soup into bowls.
6. Top each bowl with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. You can also add some fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Tips and Variations

This recipe is super versatile, so feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it up: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the soup for a little kick.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach to the soup. Just add them along with the onions and peppers.
• Use different noodles: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even small shells. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some cooked lentils or beans for extra protein.
• Add a touch of cream: For an even creamier soup, stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
• Cheese it up: Add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese on top of the ricotta for an extra cheesy experience.

Serving Suggestions

This One Pot Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a few simple sides:

• Crusty bread: Perfect for dipping into the flavorful broth.
• Garlic bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread?
• Side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.

Make Ahead and Storage

This soup is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. Here’s how to make it ahead and store it:

• Make ahead: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, bring the soup to a boil, add the noodles, and cook until tender.
• Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Freezing: This soup freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the noodles may become a bit softer after freezing and thawing.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 per serving
• Protein: 25-35 grams
• Fat: 20-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-40 grams

Enjoy your delicious and comforting One Pot Lasagna Soup! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This One Pot Lasagna Soup isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue, and a weeknight dinner savior all rolled into one. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy meal. Forget spending hours layering lasagna – this soup delivers all the classic flavors in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup.

Why is this a must-try? Because it’s ridiculously delicious, incredibly convenient, and surprisingly versatile. The rich tomato base, the savory Italian sausage, the creamy ricotta, and the perfectly cooked pasta all come together in perfect harmony. It’s a crowd-pleaser that even the pickiest eaters will love. Plus, who doesn’t love a one-pot meal? Less dishes mean more time to relax and enjoy your delicious creation!

But the fun doesn’t stop there! This One Pot Lasagna Soup is also incredibly adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Go Vegetarian: Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based crumbles or add extra vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
* Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
* Cheese Please: While ricotta is the classic topping, feel free to use mozzarella, parmesan, or even a dollop of pesto for added flavor.
* Bread on the Side: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all that delicious broth. Garlic bread is always a winner!
* Make it Creamier: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for an extra decadent soup.
* Pasta Power: While I used broken lasagna noodles, you can easily substitute other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even ditalini. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
* Herb Heaven: Fresh basil and parsley are fantastic additions, but feel free to experiment with other herbs like oregano, thyme, or rosemary.

I’m confident that this One Pot Lasagna Soup will become a staple in your recipe rotation. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or any time you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal. It’s also a great option for meal prepping – it tastes even better the next day!

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, fire up your stove, and get ready to experience the magic of this incredible soup. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any variations? What did you think? Share your photos and comments below. I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your feedback. Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy this One Pot Lasagna Soup as much as I do!