Ah, Creamy Lasagna Soup! This delightful dish holds a special place in my heart and kitchen. It was a chilly evening when my lovely neighbor, Maria, gifted me with a warm pan of her homemade lasagna. I loved the layers of flavors and textures but craved that comforting taste in a cozy, slurpable form. And just like that, Creamy Lasagna Soup was born! With a rich, velvety broth, tender bits of sausage, and those iconic lasagna noodles adding a playful twist, it envelops you in warmth. The aromatic scents of garlic and herbs fill the kitchen, making it feel like a hug from the inside out. I know you’re going to love it as much as I do—this soup is the perfect way to create cozy memories around your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: A simple one-pot meal that comes together in no time—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Wholesome Comfort: Packed with flavorful ingredients, this soup offers all the goodness of a lasagna in a comforting bowl.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Kids and adults alike will be clamoring for seconds—every bowl is sure to win hearts.
- Customizable: Feel free to make it your own! Add your favorite veggies, spice it up, or switch out the protein.
- Hearty & Satisfying: A bowl of this soup feels like home, filling you up and keeping you cozy!
Ingredients
- Italian Sausage: Adds a savory depth of flavor. Opt for sweet or spicy, depending on your mood!
- Mushrooms: They bring a lovely earthy quality. Make sure to slice them thin for even cooking.
- Spinach: Fresh or frozen, this leafy green sneaks in extra nutrients while adding a splash of color.
- Lasagna Noodles: Break them into pieces for a fun bite-sized twist; they soak up all the delicious broth!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated, it adds a nutty richness. Sprinkle a little on top for a beautiful finish!
- Onion: Sautéed onions create a savory base that smells heavenly. Here’s a tip: sauté until they’re golden!
- Garlic: Fresh garlic brings that irresistible aroma. Add it just before the onions finish cooking for a burst of flavor!
- Diced Tomatoes: Use fire-roasted for a smoky twist! They give the soup its rich, comforting color.
- Chicken Broth: The heart of your soup! Use low-sodium to control the salt level.
- Heavy Cream: This is where the creaminess comes from. Mix it in at the end for that luscious texture.
- Italian Seasoning: A mix of herbs to infuse your soup with those classic Italian flavors.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for adjusting the final taste—never skip these friends!
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. Brown the Italian Sausage
In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. You’ll love the way it sizzles and fills your kitchen with that delicious meaty aroma.
2. Sauté Vegetables
Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. The sweet scent of onion combined with garlicky goodness will have everyone wandering into your kitchen!
3. Add Mushrooms and Spinach
Stir in sliced mushrooms and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Watching those vibrant greens shrink down makes me smile every time!
4. Pour in Tomatoes and Broth
Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. The soup should start to look creamy and dreamy! Bring it to a gentle simmer, letting those flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Cook Lasagna Noodles
Bring the pot to a simmer, then add lasagna noodles and Italian seasoning. Let them cook until tender, usually about 10-12 minutes. Keep a watchful eye—it’s hard to resist sneaking a taste!
6. Stir in Cheese and Season
Once the noodles are perfect, stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it a good stir and let that cheese melt into the soup blissfully.
7. Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls, topping with more Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like. Grab some crusty bread, and enjoy the cozy comfort of your creation!
Pro Tips for Success
- Brown the sausage well for richer flavor.
- Use a mix of cheese for extra depth—try mozzarella or Ricotta!
- Feel free to play with spices—add red pepper flakes for a kick.
- If using gluten-free noodles, adjust cooking time as needed.
- Taste as you go! Adjust salt and seasoning to your preference.
Flavor Variations
- Veggie Twist: Swap out the sausage for chickpeas or even keep it all veggie!
- Seasonal Spin: Add zucchini or bell peppers in summer, or butternut squash in fall.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of crushed red pepper or cayenne will warm you right up!
Serving Suggestions
Pair this heartwarming soup with a fresh garden salad or crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. Placing a colorful garnish on top makes it look so inviting! For drinks, a light red wine or sparkling water balances the flavors beautifully.
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can prepare the soup base ahead of time without the noodles and cream. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.
Leftovers
Turn any leftovers into a delightful baked pasta dish! Just layer in a baking dish, sprinkle cheese on top, and pop it into the oven until bubbly!
Freezing
Yes, it can be frozen! Allow to cool, then store in freezer-safe containers. Keep in mind—noodles may soften after thawing, so you might want to cook those fresh right before serving.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for an even warm-up. You can microwave individual portions, but I recommend adding a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out!
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works beautifully and is a healthier option if you prefer.
What can I substitute for the heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even a plant-based cream alternative for a lighter version!
Is this soup spicy?
Not unless you add spicy sausage or additional spices! Adjust it based on your taste buds.
How do I thicken the soup?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer longer, or add a cornstarch slurry.
Final Thoughts
Every time I make Creamy Lasagna Soup, I’m reminded of the joy that comes from sharing a meal with loved ones—a warm bowl filled with flavors that hug you from the inside. Whether it’s a family gather or a quiet night in, this soup invites warmth, happiness, and a sprinkle of love into our homes. So grab your aprons, channel your inner chef, and dive into a bowl of comfort. Enjoy and happy cooking! With love, Chef Caroline.
Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb Italian Sausage Opt for sweet or spicy.
- 1 medium Onion, chopped Sauté until golden.
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced Add before onions finish cooking.
- 8 oz Mushrooms, sliced Thinly sliced for even cooking.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth Use low-sodium if preferred.
- 14.5 oz Diced Tomatoes Fire-roasted for a smoky flavor.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Add at the end for creaminess.
- 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning For classic Italian flavor.
- Salt to taste Essential for adjustment.
- Pepper to taste Essential for adjustment.
For Serving
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles Break into pieces.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated For stirring in and garnish.
- 2 cups Spinach, fresh or frozen Adds nutrients and color.
Instructions
Preparation
- Brown the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in sliced mushrooms and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add lasagna noodles and Italian seasoning; cook until noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Ladle into bowls and top with more Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.