Name: Easy Lasagna Soup with Sausage and Ricotta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ½ yellow onion (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage (casings removed); 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 14.5 ounce diced tomatoes ((1 can)); 14.5 ounce crushed tomatoes ((1 can)); 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary; 8 lasagna noodles (broken into 2-inch long pieces); 3 ounces baby spinach; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 8 ounces ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese; 3 tablespoons freshly chopped basil

This easy lasagna soup recipe brings all the cozy flavors of traditional lasagna into one warm, hearty bowl. It’s made on the stovetop with Italian sausage, tomatoes, fresh spinach, herbs and tender lasagna noodles, then topped with a creamy mixture of ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a comforting family dinner that comes together in about 45 minutes.

A white bowl filled with lasagna soup sits on a white countertop. A spoon sits in the bowl for serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Recipe Name: Easy Lasagna Soup with Sausage and Ricotta
Ready In: 45 minutes
Serves: 8 servings
Main Ingredients: extra virgin olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves, hot or sweet Italian sausage, chicken or vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste
Why You'll Love It: Lasagna Soup will soon become your favorite comfort food! It's served in a bowl and topped with cheesy goodness. Made with fresh spinach, tomatoes, Italian sausage, lasagna, herbs and more, this soup is perfect for the entire family!

This is one of our favorite soups to make during the fall and winter when we want something filling without assembling and baking a traditional lasagna. The tomato broth simmers while the noodles cook separately, making it easier to keep the pasta from becoming too soft.

The combination of savory sausage, lightly creamy tomato broth and fresh spinach makes this version especially satisfying. Add the basil ricotta topping just before serving so it melts into every cheesy spoonful.

Is This the Right Recipe for You?

Classic lasagna flavor in soup form: This recipe has a savory tomato broth, Italian herbs, tender noodles and a three-cheese topping without the layering or baking required for traditional lasagna.
Hearty Italian sausage: Using Italian sausage gives the soup a rich, well-seasoned flavor. Choose mild sausage for a family-friendly dinner or hot sausage for extra heat.
Lightly creamy but still brothy: A small amount of heavy cream softens the tomato flavor without turning the soup into a thick cream-based dish.
Extra vegetables: Fresh spinach adds color and substance while blending easily into the tomato, sausage and cheese flavors.
Ready in about 45 minutes: This is a practical weeknight meal when you want something warm and filling without committing to a baked lasagna.
Cheesy finish in every bowl: The ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and basil topping melts into the hot soup, so each person can add as much or as little as they like.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Italian sausage: Mild or hot Italian sausage adds plenty of savory flavor to the tomato broth. Use mild sausage for a family-friendly soup or hot sausage if you prefer a little heat.
Onion and garlic: These aromatics create the flavor base for the soup and complement the sausage, tomatoes and herbs.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add texture, while crushed tomatoes and tomato paste give the broth a rich tomato flavor and fuller consistency.
Broth: Chicken broth adds savory flavor, but vegetable broth also works well. The broth keeps the soup spoonable rather than as thick as traditional lasagna sauce.
Italian herbs: Dried basil, oregano, thyme, parsley and rosemary season the broth. Fresh basil in the cheese topping adds a bright finish.
Lasagna noodles: Use regular lasagna noodles and break them into bite-sized pieces before cooking. Avoid oven-ready noodles because their thinner texture can become too soft in the soup.
Fresh spinach: Baby spinach wilts quickly and adds color and vegetables without overpowering the other lasagna flavors.
Heavy cream: A small amount softens the acidity of the tomatoes and makes the broth lightly creamy without making it heavy.
Ricotta, mozzarella and Parmesan: These three cheeses form a creamy topping that melts into the hot soup and gives each bowl its classic lasagna flavor.

How To Make Lasagna Soup

This lasagna soup is made by simmering Italian sausage in a seasoned tomato broth while the pasta cooks separately. Just before serving, stir in the noodles, spinach and cream, then finish each bowl with the basil ricotta topping.

Step 1 – Cook the onion and garlic. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften and the garlic smells fragrant.

Step 2 – Brown the sausage. Add the Italian sausage and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains and the sausage is lightly browned. Drain any excess fat from the pot, if needed.

Cooking the sausage in a Dutch oven with spices.

Step 3 – Simmer the soup. Add the broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, dried basil, oregano, thyme, parsley and rosemary. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover and simmer for 20 minutes so the tomato broth can develop its flavor.

Step 4 – Cook the lasagna noodles. While the soup simmers, cook the broken lasagna noodles in a separate pot according to the package directions. Stop cooking when the noodles are al dente, meaning tender but still slightly firm in the center, then drain them well.

Pro tip: Cooking the noodles separately gives you better control over their texture and keeps them from soaking up too much of the broth.

A spoon stirs the soup mixture before adding the spinach and lasagna noodles.

Step 5 – Finish the soup. Add the cooked noodles, fresh spinach and heavy cream to the tomato broth. Stir gently over low heat until the spinach wilts and the ingredients are evenly combined, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove the pot from the heat once the soup is hot throughout.

Step 6 – Make the cheese topping and serve. Stir the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan and fresh basil together in a medium bowl. Ladle the hot soup into bowls and add a generous scoop of the cheese mixture to each serving. The cheese will soften and melt into the soup as you stir it in.

Expert Tips

Use a large, deep pot. The extra room makes it easier to stir the soup without splashing and gives the noodles and spinach enough space when they are added.
Break the noodles into similar-sized pieces. Even pieces cook at roughly the same rate and are easier to eat with a spoon.
Use a gentle heat after adding the cream. High heat can cause dairy to separate. Keep the soup over low heat just long enough to wilt the spinach and warm everything through.
Keep components separate for planned leftovers. Store the noodles and cheese topping apart from the soup base when possible. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much broth and keeps the ricotta mixture fresh.

Variations and Substitutions

Change the protein: Substitute lean ground beef, ground turkey or ground chicken for the Italian sausage. Because sausage provides much of the seasoning, the finished soup may have a milder flavor with another ground meat.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. Mushrooms, zucchini, carrots or bell peppers can be added for a heartier soup.
Use a different pasta: Mafaldine, bow ties, rotini or another medium pasta shape can replace the broken lasagna noodles. Cook the pasta according to its package directions.
Substitute the ricotta: Small-curd cottage cheese can be used in place of ricotta for a similar creamy topping with a slightly different texture.
Add or change the vegetables: Kale can replace the spinach, although it will need more time to soften. You can also add mushrooms, zucchini or carrots.

A red Dutch oven filled with lasagna soup that is ready for serving.

Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Refrigerator: Store leftover lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For the best texture, keep the noodles, soup base and ricotta topping in separate containers so the pasta does not absorb too much broth.

Freezer: For the best results, freeze the tomato and sausage soup base without the noodles, spinach, cream or cheese topping. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat and add freshly cooked noodles, spinach and cream before serving.

Stovetop reheating: Warm the soup in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened, then stir in the noodles and heat until warmed through. Add the ricotta topping after serving.

Microwave reheating: Place an individual portion in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring between each one, until hot throughout. Add a little broth as needed to restore the original consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you freeze lasagna soup?

Yes, lasagna soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. For the best texture, freeze the tomato and sausage base without the noodles, spinach, cream or cheese topping. Add those ingredients after thawing and reheating the soup base.

Why are the lasagna noodles cooked separately?

Cooking the noodles separately gives you more control over their texture and prevents them from absorbing too much broth. It also makes the soup easier to store and reheat without the pasta becoming overly soft.

What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

Small-curd cottage cheese is the best substitute for ricotta in lasagna soup. It has a slightly different texture but still creates a creamy, cheesy topping. You can also omit the topping if you prefer the soup without ricotta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, another medium pasta shape can replace the broken lasagna noodles. Mafaldine, bow ties, rotini and penne all work well. Cook the pasta according to its package directions before adding it to the soup.

Is lasagna soup spicy?

Lasagna soup can be mild or spicy depending on the Italian sausage you choose. Use mild or sweet Italian sausage for a family-friendly soup, or hot Italian sausage for more heat.

Other Easy Soup Recipes

If you enjoyed this hearty lasagna soup, try one of these comforting recipes next:

Lentil and Kale Soup is a wholesome, filling option made with tender lentils, vegetables and leafy greens.
Cabbage Soup is packed with vegetables and makes a lighter meal for busy days.
Slow Cooker Chicken and Wild Rice Soup is a cozy, hands-off dinner with tender chicken and hearty wild rice.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup is rich, creamy and full of cheesy comfort.

Try this easy Spinach lasagna soup recipe and let us know what you think by leaving a recipe review and rating below.

Spoonful of Flavor