This Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup combines the creamy goodness of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan with rich tomato flavor. It’s like lasagna but in a warm, cozy bowl!
I love how it’s easy to make and perfect for chilly nights. Plus, who doesn’t enjoy slurping up cheesy pasta? Just grab some crusty bread to dip, and you’re all set! 🧀🥣
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds great flavor. For a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken. You can also go meatless by substituting with lentils or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
Cheeses: Ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan are the stars here. If you’re short on mozzarella, I recommend using provolone or another melty cheese. For a lactose-free option, there are dairy substitutes for ricotta and shredded cheeses available.
Pasta: Small pasta shapes like mini wagon wheels work wonderfully. If you can’t find them, use elbow macaroni, mini shells, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb alternative.
Chicken Broth: Homemade is best, but store-bought works too. For a vegetarian version, substitute with vegetable broth. The flavor profile will slightly change, but it will still be delicious.
What’s the Best Way to Achieve Rich Flavors in This Soup?
Building layers of flavor is crucial, and it starts with sautéing. Heat the olive oil and cook the sausage until it’s nicely browned—don’t rush it! Then, add the onion and garlic to create a fragrant base.
- Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This helps release the sweetness of the onion.
- Add your herbs—oregano and basil—before the liquids to activate their flavors.
- Simmer the soup, uncovered, for about 15 minutes before adding the pasta to meld those flavors together.
Letting the soup sit for a few minutes before serving will help intensify the taste even more!
How to Make Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, your choice)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 8 ounces dry small pasta such as mini wagon wheels or orzo
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese Toppings:
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Crusty garlic bread or toasted bread slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and approximately 30 minutes to cook. All together, you should have your delicious Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the diced onion to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Then stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and the red pepper flakes (if you’re using them). Cook for another minute until everything is fragrant.
3. Combine the Liquid Ingredients:
Pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir everything well to combine, and bring the soup to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to let those flavors blend beautifully.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Now, add the small pasta to the soup. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 7-9 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.
5. Season:
Before serving, taste your soup and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking.
6. Add the Cheese:
Take the pot off the heat and stir in half of the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
7. Serve the Soup:
Ladle the soup into bowls. Top each bowl with dollops of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and the remaining Parmesan cheese.
8. Garnish:
Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley and an extra crack of black pepper for a lovely finish.
9. Enjoy!
Serve the soup hot with slices of crusty garlic bread or toasted bread on the side for the perfect dipping experience!
Enjoy your warm, comforting Three-Cheese Lasagna Soup that delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple, hearty soup form! 🧀🍲
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground Italian sausage with ground beef for a different flavor profile. Just be sure to season it with Italian herbs like oregano and basil to mimic that classic Italian taste!
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! To create a vegetarian version, simply omit the ground sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to make it hearty and flavorful!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a splash of broth or water as the pasta absorbs liquid over time.
Can I Freeze this Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
