Nothing beats a cozy dinner that comes together quickly, and our One Pot Lasagna Soup with Italian sausage and ricotta delivers just that. Simply layer your ingredients and simmer for 20 minutes until the pasta is tender. This fuss-free meal offers all the comfort of classic lasagna with minimal cleanup, making it a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight family dinner.
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Your New Favorite Cozy Soup
- Effortless Cleanup – Everything cooks in one pot, so you can spend less time washing dishes and more time relaxing.
- Unbeatable Comfort – It’s a rich and creamy tomato pasta soup that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening.
- Weeknight Fast – From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, perfect for those busy nights.
- Family-Pleasing Flavor – The cheesy baked lasagna style soup is a hit with both kids and adults.
🍴 You Will Find in This Article
What You’ll Need for One Pot Lasagna Soup
For the Soup
- Olive Oil – Just a tablespoon to get things started.
- Italian Sausage – Remove the casings—this is important for those perfect crumbles.
- Yellow Onion – Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness.
- Garlic – Freshly minced for that irresistible aroma.
- Chicken Broth – The base of the soup that brings it all together.
- Marinara Sauce – A whole jar for that classic lasagna flavor.
- Lasagna Noodles – Broken into pieces to make it spoon-friendly.
- Heavy Cream – Adds that creamy richness we all love.
- Salt – Just a pinch to balance the flavors.
- Black Pepper – A hint of warmth to round it out.
For the Topping
- Ricotta Cheese – Whole milk ricotta is creamy and dreamy.
- Mozzarella Cheese – Shredded for that gooey, melty goodness.
- Fresh Basil – Thinly sliced for a pop of color and freshness.
Your Quick, Cozy Timeline
I know how precious your weeknight hours are, so I designed this One Pot Lasagna Soup to be wonderfully fast. You won’t be stuck over the stove for long—just about 15 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of hands-off simmering. In under 40 minutes total, you’ll have a hearty, comforting dinner ready to share.
This timeline makes it an ideal easy family dinner for those evenings when you’re juggling homework, work emails, and everything in between. The hands-off simmer time is perfect for setting the table or just taking a quiet moment for yourself. For another quick comfort food idea, check out my Creamy Tortellini Soup.
One Pot Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage casings removed
- 1 yellow onion finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil thinly sliced for garnish
Method
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound of Italian sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, using a spoon to break it into small crumbles, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until it becomes fragrant.
- Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and the entire jar of marinara sauce, stirring to combine. Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and al dente.
- Turn off the heat and stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. The soup will become creamy and slightly orange in color.
- In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and mozzarella cheese to make a dollop for serving.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the cheese mixture and a sprinkle of fresh basil.
Nutrition
Notes
Private Notes
Making This Soup Work for You
I love hearing from readers who adapt my recipes to fit their lifestyles, especially those who are sugar-conscious or managing their blood sugar. This One Pot Lasagna Soup is quite forgiving! Firstly, you can easily make it a low-sugar meal by choosing a marinara sauce with no added sugar. Secondly, for a more glucose-friendly option, consider using whole-wheat or legume-based pasta, which has a lower glycemic impact. Finally, remember that balancing your bowl with a side salad can also help with glycemic control.
My Favorite Ways to Make It Perfect
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really elevate this simple soup from good to “can I have seconds?” great. Here are my favorite pro-tips.
- Boost the Savory Flavor: For an even deeper flavor, try browning the sausage really well—those little crispy bits are gold! If you love a meaty soup, you might also enjoy the flavors in my Italian Sausage Soup.
- Lighten It Up: To make it a bit lighter, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. The soup will still be wonderfully creamy.
- Avoid Mushy Noodles: Be sure to taste the pasta a minute or two before the timer goes off. You want it al dente, as it will continue to soften a bit in the hot soup.
- Reheat Like a Pro: Store leftovers in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the perfect soupy consistency. This trick also works wonders for my Slow Cooker Chicken Soup.
The Goodness in Your Bowl
While this is definitely a comfort food meal, it’s made with real ingredients that offer some nutritional perks. The Italian sausage provides protein to keep you full, and the tomatoes in the marinara sauce are a great source of lycopene. Using a quality chicken broth as the base adds depth without too many calories. For more on the benefits of using a traditional Italian pasta sauce, you can explore how it builds flavor. Remember, balance is key, so pairing a serving with a simple green salad makes for a well-rounded meal.
A Lighter Take on Lasagna Soup
If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, this recipe is happily adaptable. You can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage for less fat. Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy twist, or simply leave it out for a brothier soup. For more inspiration on creating satisfying yet lighter meals, my Vegetable Beef Soup is another great option. You can also explore different aromatics and herbs to build flavor without relying on fat.
Serving Your Soup with Style
I love serving this soup on a crisp autumn evening, with the kitchen windows slightly open and a cozy sweater on. It reminds me of big family dinners at my grandma’s house, where the table was always crowded with bowls and laughter.
The perfect pairing for this savory one pot pasta dinner is a thick, crusty slice of garlic bread for dipping into the rich broth. A simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette on the side cuts through the richness beautifully. For a heartier spread, consider adding my Pesto Meatball Soup to the menu for a soup-themed dinner night. A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon completes the cozy feast.
Common Mistakes (So You Don’t Make Them)
I’ve made my share of kitchen blunders so you don’t have to! Here are a few pitfalls to avoid for the best One Pot Lasagna Soup.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the noodles during the last few minutes of cooking. You want them tender but still with a bit of bite (al dente), as they will soften further off the heat.
- Not Breaking the Noodles: It might seem like a small step, but breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller, spoon-friendly pieces is key to making this an easy lasagna soup to eat.
- Adding Cheese Too Early: Always add the ricotta and mozzarella dollop at the end, right when serving. If you stir it into the hot pot, the cheeses will melt unevenly and can make the soup grainy.
- Skimping on the Searing: Take the time to get a good brown on the sausage. Those caramelized bits add a huge amount of savory lasagna soup flavor to the entire pot. For more tips on building flavor in soups, see this guide on pressure cooking techniques.
Learning these little lessons has made my soup nights so much more relaxing. For another forgiving and delicious option, my Loaded Baked Potato Soup is always a crowd-pleaser.
Keeping Your Soup Cozy for Later
This soup makes fantastic leftovers—sometimes I think it tastes even better the next day! The flavors have more time to mingle and get to know each other. I often pack it for my husband’s lunch, and he says it’s the perfect midday comfort.
Let the soup cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will keep for 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb some broth, so when you reheat it, just add a splash of water or broth to thin it out. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, though I recommend freezing it without the pasta for best texture. If you love meal prepping, my Slow Cooker Italian Beef Soup is another great make-ahead option. For a different freezer-friendly favorite, try my Mushroom Wild Rice Soup.
Time to Make Some Cozy Memories
I truly hope this One Pot Lasagna Soup becomes a cherished recipe in your home, just like it is in mine. There’s something so special about gathering around a steaming pot of soup with loved ones. Don’t stress about perfection—just enjoy the process and the delicious results.
If you’re looking for more cozy inspiration, I think you’ll adore my Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup for another easy family meal. For a classic comfort option, my Creamy Tomato Basil Soup is always a winner. And if you’re a potato lover, you can’t go wrong with my ultra-creamy Creamy Potato Soup or the indulgent Loaded Potato Bacon Soup.
More Cozy Soup Recipes You’ll Adore
When the weather turns chilly, my kitchen pretty much becomes a soup factory. Here are a few more of my go-to recipes for warming up from the inside out.
- Italian Beef Soup – A hearty, savory soup packed with tender beef and robust Italian herbs.
- Creamy Tortellini Soup – Cheesy pasta pillows swimming in a creamy, comforting broth.
- Hearty Chicken Vegetable Soup – The ultimate feel-good classic, loaded with veggies and tender chicken.
- Pesto Meatball Soup – A vibrant and flavorful twist on meatball soup with a fresh pesto finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this One Pot Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can easily adapt this for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage, onion, and garlic first on the stovetop for the best flavor, then transfer everything (except the cream, cheeses, and pasta) to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cream, then cook until the pasta is tender. Top with cheeses to serve.
What’s the best way to thicken lasagna soup?
This soup is naturally thickened by the starch released from the pasta as it cooks. If you’d like it even thicker, you can mash some of the pasta and tomatoes against the side of the pot with a spoon during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, let the soup sit for 10-15 minutes off the heat before serving—the pasta will continue to absorb liquid.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You sure can! While lasagna noodles give it that classic feel, other short pasta shapes like mafalda, campanelle, or even rotini work wonderfully. The key is to adjust the cooking time according to the package directions for the pasta you choose. For another soup that uses a fun pasta shape, check out my Creamy Tortellini Soup.
How can I make a creamy soup without heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the soup will be slightly less rich. For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk is a fantastic alternative that adds a lovely creaminess. You could also blend a portion of the soup with a can of white beans for a creamy, protein-packed thickener.
