Easy Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe

If you love all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna but want something quicker and easier to whip up any night, you’re going to be obsessed with this Easy Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe. It’s like diving into your favorite Italian dinner in a cozy bowl — loaded with rich tomato broth, tender pasta, hearty sausage and beef, plus the creamiest dollops of ricotta and mozzarella cheese. I love this recipe because it’s fuss-free yet so satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want that warm, comforting vibe without all the effort of layers and baking. Stick around—I’m sharing all my tips to make sure yours turns out perfect every single time!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating that rich, comforting lasagna vibe in soup form. I always recommend fresh garlic and diced onions sautéed in olive oil for the best foundation, and I like using Mafalda noodles because their shape holds onto the sauce nicely. Grab good-quality crushed tomatoes and some fresh spinach for a nice pop of color and nutrition.

• Olive Oil: Use a good extra virgin olive oil—it adds a subtle fruitiness to the base flavor.
• Yellow Onion: Diced finely for sweetness and depth; I like medium-sized ones for balance.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really makes this recipe sing, not the jarred stuff.
• Sweet Italian Sausage: Adds hearty, flavorful meatiness; you can choose mild or spicy based on your preference.
• Ground Beef (90% lean): Lean enough to keep it from being greasy but still tender and tasty.
• Chicken Broth (low sodium): Controls saltiness and adds richness without overpowering the tomato base.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Gives that chunky tomato texture and vibrant flavor.
• Tomato Sauce and Tomato Paste: Concentrate the tomato depth, balancing acidity and sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to cut down on tomato acidity—trust me, it’s magic.
• Italian Seasoning & Dried Basil: Essential Italian herb flavors that elevate the soup.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste; I prefer starting light and adjusting as we go.
• Crushed Red Pepper: Optional, but I recommend for a gentle kick.
• Mafalda Noodles: Their ruffled edges hold onto sauce beautifully, making every bite delicious.
• Fresh Spinach: Stirred in at the end for freshness and a hit of green.
• Mozzarella Cheese (shredded): Melts into gooey, creamy goodness.
• Ricotta Cheese (whole milk): The creamy topping that makes this soup feel indulgent and special.
• Parmesan or Parmesan Romano Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish.
• Cream Cheese (softened): Optional but I like how it adds extra creaminess to the ricotta mixture.
• Fresh Parsley: Brightens flavors and adds a lovely fresh herb garnish.

Variations

I like to tweak this “Easy Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe” depending on the season and what everyone’s craving. It’s super easy to personalize—trust me, you’re not locked into one way only!

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the sausage and beef with sautéed mushrooms and lentils to keep that savory richness.
• Spicy Kick: I sometimes add extra crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce for those who like a punch.
• Cheese Variations: Swap ricotta for goat cheese or add shredded provolone for a different tang.
• Greens Swap: Tried kale once instead of spinach—delicious but takes a bit longer to soften. Just cook a couple minutes more.

How to Make Easy Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté your aromatics for the perfect base

First things first: heat that olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss in your diced yellow onion and cook until soft and translucent—usually about 5 minutes. This step is crucial because those softened onions build the soup’s flavor foundation. Then, add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn, or you’ll get bitterness. I always stir constantly here to get that perfect garlic aroma without any harsh bites.

Step 2: Brown the sausage and beef together

Next up, add your Italian sausage and ground beef straight into the pot. I love that this recipe calls for both because the sausage brings an herby spice and fat, while the lean beef rounds it out. Crumble the meat as you cook and let it brown evenly. Here’s a tip: I don’t drain the fat because it adds flavor, but if you prefer leaner, feel free to spoon out excess grease before moving on.

Step 3: Build your tomato-rich broth and simmer

Now, add the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and granulated sugar to the pot, stirring well to combine. This is where the soup’s classic lasagna tomato flavor comes alive. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper if you’re using it. Bring everything to a boil, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom. Once boiling, add your Mafalda noodles and cook for about 10 minutes or until tender but still with a slight bite—al dente is perfect here.

Step 4: Simmer, add spinach, and prepare your cheesy topping

Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and let the soup bubble away for 15 minutes so all those flavors meld together beautifully. While it’s simmering, I like to mix up my ricotta cheese with softened cream cheese, grated parmesan, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper—this topping is what takes the soup from simple to show-stopping. Just before serving, stir in fresh chopped spinach and cook for a couple of minutes until it’s wilted but still bright green.

Step 5: Serve piping hot with dollops of cheesy goodness

Ladle your luscious lasagna soup into bowls, then spoon or dollop generous amounts of your ricotta-cheese mixture right on top. Finish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and a little fresh parsley if you like. I absolutely love how the cheeses melt into the broth and make each spoonful creamy and rich—the ultimate comfort food in a bowl!

How to Serve Easy Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I stick with the classic fresh parsley sprinkled over the cheese topping. Sometimes, I like to add a quick drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra zing. Fresh basil leaves are another lovely option if you want to amplify those Italian flavors even more. A little cracked black pepper on top always makes it look and taste better too!

Side Dishes

I usually keep sides simple since the soup is such a complete meal. Garlic bread or crusty baguette slices are my go-to—we use those to soak every last drop of the flavorful broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette and maybe some olives works well too, helping balance the soup’s richness.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this for a casual dinner party, I’ll bring out rustic bowls with wide rims and set the soup alongside a wooden board with an array of cheeses and fresh bread. For a cozy date night, lighting some candles and topping each serving with a small basil leaf adds an elegant touch. I once even served this in small cups as a starter for an Italian-themed meal—everyone loved the twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover lasagna soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Since the pasta continues to soak up liquid, the soup thickens quite a bit, so I always add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to the perfect consistency. This soup keeps its flavor beautifully, so you won’t lose that “just-made” taste.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this soup a few times with great results—just skip adding the fresh spinach and cheese topping before freezing. Cool the soup completely, then freeze in meal-sized portions. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir in fresh spinach and cheese after reheating. The texture of noodles can change slightly after freezing, but overall it’s a fantastic make-ahead option.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a bit of broth if it’s too thick. Stir often to prevent sticking and add your cheese topping right before serving for that fresh, creamy touch. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between intervals.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe holds a very special place in my weeknight dinner rotation. Whenever I make it, the whole family goes crazy—it’s one of those dishes that feel like a big, warm hug on a plate. I love how I can pull it together quickly, yet it feels indulgent and homemade. Honestly, I can’t recommend it enough if you want that classic Italian comfort without the fuss. Give it a try and let me know how your family likes it—I’m betting it’ll become a go-to soup for you too!

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