Best One-Pot Lasagna Soup

One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the revolutionary comfort food that delivers all the classic flavors you crave with a fraction of the cleanup. Imagine diving into a rich, savory broth packed with Italian sausage, tender pasta, and gooey cheese. This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changing weeknight dinner solution. You get the soul-satisfying essence of a layered lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen. I’m convinced this One-Pot Lasagna Soup will become your new favorite meal. It’s the perfect answer to a busy schedule and a hungry family.

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The Ultimate 5-Step Method for Perfect One-Pot Lasagna Soup

Mastering this dish is simpler than you think. The secret lies in building flavors directly in your Dutch oven or large pot. You start by browning the meat to create a flavorful fond. This technique is a cornerstone of great soup-making, as detailed by the Bon Appétit test kitchen.

Next, you’ll sauté the aromatics until they’re fragrant and soft. Then, the tomatoes and broth join the party, deglazing the pot and lifting all those tasty browned bits. Finally, the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful liquid, absorbing all that goodness. This One-Pot Lasagna Soup method is foolproof and efficient.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
6 cups chicken broth
8 ounces mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles
1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and black pepper to taste
For serving: ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and fresh basil

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until it becomes translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until it’s incredibly fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to get all the delicious browned bits. This is where the magic happens. Bring the liquid to a lively boil.
Stir in the broken pasta, dried basil, and oregano. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is perfectly al dente.
Turn off the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Season your amazing One-Pot Lasagna Soup with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle into bowls and top with a generous dollop of ricotta, a handful of mozzarella, and fresh basil.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup cooking process step

Storage Tips

Let your soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For more ideas, check out our guide on Taco Soup Frios Recipe. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

For longer storage, you can freeze this One-Pot Lasagna Soup for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it without the pasta or adding the pasta fresh when you reheat it. Thaw overnight in the fridge before warming on the stovetop.

7 Game-Changing Benefits of This Revolutionary Soup

This dish offers more than just incredible taste. It’s a practical powerhouse for modern home cooks. You’ll appreciate the minimal cleanup, which saves you time and energy after a long day. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing for countless dietary substitutions.

The nutritional profile can be quite balanced. Using a lean protein and whole wheat pasta boosts its health value, a concept supported by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. For more ideas, check out our guide on creamy chicken and vegetable soup. This One-Pot Lasagna Soup is a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults. It’s also budget-friendly and makes for fantastic leftovers.

Minimal Cleanup: Only one pot to wash. IMO, that’s a major win.
Time Efficient: Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters love this comforting bowl.
Meal Prep Hero: Makes a large batch perfect for lunches.
Customizable: Easily adapt it to be vegetarian or gluten-free.
Cost-Effective: Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
Comfort in a Bowl: The ultimate cozy meal for any season.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid overcooking the pasta. It will continue to soften in the hot broth, so aim for al dente when you turn off the heat. Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pot after browning the meat. Those browned bits are pure flavor gold.

Be cautious with salt. Broth and marinara sauce can be salty, so always taste before adding extra. TBH, I’ve made that mistake. Don’t add the dairy until the end, as high heat can cause it to curdle.

Alternatives and Variations

For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or a cup of lentils. You can use ground beef or turkey instead of Italian sausage. For more ideas, check out our guide on Old Fashioned Beef Stroganoff Recipe. Feel free to add chopped spinach or kale in the last few minutes of cooking for a veggie boost.

If you’re avoiding dairy, omit the cream or use coconut milk. Use a gluten-free pasta to make this One-Pot Lasagna Soup celiac-friendly. Feel free to spice it up with a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions

What is the best pasta to use for One-Pot Lasagna Soup?

Mafaldine or reginette pasta is ideal because its ruffled edges mimic lasagna noodles. You can also break regular lasagna sheets into uneven pieces. Campanelle or rotini also work well as they hold the broth beautifully.

How can I make this soup ahead of time?

You can prepare the soup base (through step 3) a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and then reheat it to a boil before adding and cooking the pasta. For more ideas, check out our guide on Potsticker Soup Recipe. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.

Can I freeze One-Pot Lasagna Soup?

Yes, but for best results, freeze it without the pasta or cream. The pasta can become very soft upon thawing. Add freshly cooked pasta and cream when you reheat the thawed soup base.

Why did my pasta absorb all the broth?

This happens if the soup sits for too long before serving. Pasta is thirsty! Simply add more warm broth or water when reheating to bring it back to your desired soupy consistency.

Is there a way to make this soup less heavy?

Absolutely. Use a lean protein like ground turkey, skip the heavy cream, and load up on extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. For more ideas, check out our guide on pumpkin cream cheese pancakes. You'll still get all the flavor with a lighter feel.

What can I use instead of ricotta for topping?

A dollop of whole-milk Greek yogurt or cottage cheese blended until smooth makes a fantastic substitute. It provides the same creamy, tangy contrast that makes this One-Pot Lasagna Soup so delightful.