One-Pot Lasagna Soup featured dish plated

Best One-Pot Lasagna Soup

One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the revolutionary comfort food that delivers all the rich, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort and cleanup. Imagine diving into a bowl filled with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and a robust tomato broth, all topped with a glorious blend of melted cheeses. This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changing weeknight dinner solution that will become an instant family favorite. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and incredible flavor. Forget about layering and lengthy baking times. This one-pot wonder is ready in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. Get ready to fall in love with the easiest, most delicious lasagna you’ve ever eaten.

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

Mastering this incredible 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, which is the key to a deeply rich broth.

Next, you’ll sauté the aromatics right in the same pot. This technique infuses every element with a complex, savory base. According to the Maillard reaction principles on Wikipedia, browning these ingredients unlocks hundreds of new flavor compounds.

The final magic happens when you simmer the broken lasagna noodles directly in the broth. They release starches that naturally thicken the soup, creating a luxuriously creamy texture without any cream. For more ideas, check out our guide on Cookies and Cream Cookies recipe. This One-Pot Lasagna Soup method is foolproof and delivers restaurant-quality results every single time.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup ingredients preparation

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, then add the broken lasagna noodles, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Give everything a good stir to combine.
  4. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the soup has thickened slightly.
  5. While the soup simmers, prepare the cheesy topping. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  6. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella. The residual heat will melt the cheese beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately.
One-Pot Lasagna Soup cooking process step

Storage Tips

Let your One-Pot Lasagna Soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating.

For freezing, it’s best to freeze the soup without the pasta or cheese topping. Cook the soup base and freeze it for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, cook fresh pasta separately, and add your cheese topping. This prevents a mushy texture.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. IMO, the flavors meld and deepen overnight, making the leftovers arguably even better than the first serving. Avoid boiling when reheating to prevent the dairy from separating.

7 Incredible Benefits of This Revolutionary Soup

This dish offers more than just amazing taste. It’s a practical powerhouse that simplifies your cooking routine. You get all the comfort of lasagna without the traditional hassle.

The health benefits are noteworthy too. By controlling the ingredients, you can make a healthier version than many restaurant options. The Harvard Healthy Eating Plate model emphasizes balanced meals with vegetables and lean proteins, which this soup easily accommodates.

  • Minimal Cleanup: Only one pot means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
  • Time Efficient: Ready in under 45 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
  • Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the familiar, comforting flavors of this lasagna soup.
  • Customizable: Easily adapt it for dietary needs by using plant-based meat and cheese alternatives.
  • Meal Prep Champion: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weekly lunch preparation.
  • Cost Effective: Uses simple, affordable ingredients without compromising on flavor or satisfaction.
  • Comfort in a Bowl: It provides the ultimate cozy, satisfying experience that truly nourishes both body and soul.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can have pitfalls. Being aware of these common errors will ensure your soup turns out perfectly every single time. For more ideas, check out our guide on Nutter Butter Ghost Cookies recipe. TBH, I’ve made a few of these myself over the years.

  • Overcooking the Pasta: The noodles will continue to cook in the hot liquid even off the heat. Aim for al dente to prevent mushiness.
  • Skimping on Browning: Don’t rush browning the sausage and aromatics. This step builds the foundational flavor for your entire One-Pot Lasagna Soup.
  • Using the Wrong Pot: Ensure your pot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients with room for bubbling. A 5-6 quart Dutch oven is ideal.
  • Adding Cheese Too Early: Never stir the ricotta mixture directly into the hot pot. It will curdle. Always add it as a fresh topping per bowl.

Delicious Alternatives and Variations

This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to get creative and make it your own. The basic method remains the same, but the flavor profiles can shift dramatically.

For a vegetarian version, swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative or use a full pound of chopped mushrooms and spinach. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter take.

Try different pasta shapes like mafalda, campanelle, or even simple elbow macaroni. They all work wonderfully and hold up well in the broth. For more ideas, check out our guide on No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheese combinations, too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions

Any traditional lasagna noodles work perfectly. You don't need the no-boil variety. Regular noodles break easily and cook directly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors as they soften.

For an extra creamy texture, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The ricotta topping also adds a wonderful creamy element to each bite.

Absolutely! Brown the sausage and onions on the stove first for best flavor. Then transfer everything except the cheese to your slow cooker. For more ideas, check out our guide on No-Bake Cottage Cheese Brownie Batter Protein Bites. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Yes, it's an excellent make-ahead meal. Prepare the soup base completely, but wait to add the pasta until you reheat it. Store the cheese topping separately. This keeps the pasta from becoming too soft.

Cottage cheese is a great substitute. Simply blend it until smooth for a similar texture and flavor. You can also use mascarpone for a richer, more decadent topping.

Pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. If your soup thickens too much upon standing, simply thin it out with a bit of warm broth or water when reheating. It's an easy fix.

You can, but for best results, freeze the soup without the pasta and cheese. The pasta can become mushy upon thawing. Cook fresh pasta when you're ready to serve the thawed soup base.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Lasagna Soup truly is a game-changer for home cooks seeking maximum flavor with minimal effort. It captures the soul-warming essence of a classic Italian dish in a convenient, spoonable format. I guarantee it will earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. For more inspiration on modernizing classic comfort foods, explore the incredible resources at America’s Test Kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations online. For more ideas, check out our guide on Old-Fashioned Sour Cream Doughnuts. Happy cooking!

One-Pot Lasagna Soup featured dish plated
Jessica

One-Pot Lasagna Soup

All the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna made easy in one pot. This hearty One-Pot Lasagna Soup is a weeknight-friendly comfort food that comes together in under 45 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 610

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 24 ounces marinara sauce
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • fresh basil for garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or large soup pot
  • wooden spoon
  • measuring cups & spoons
  • ladle
  • mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in marinara sauce, chicken broth, broken lasagna noodles, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15–20 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  4. Meanwhile, combine ricotta, Parmesan, and half of the mozzarella in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  5. Ladle soup into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the ricotta mixture and remaining mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil. Serve hot.

Notes

To freeze, prepare the soup base without pasta and cheese. Add cooked noodles and toppings when ready to serve. For a creamy twist, stir in 1/4 cup of cream during the final 5 minutes of simmering.

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Recipe Rating




One-Pot Lasagna Soup featured dish plated

Best One-Pot Lasagna Soup

One-Pot Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food hack for busy weeknights when you crave that classic Italian flavor without the lengthy assembly. Imagine all the rich, cheesy, meaty goodness of a traditional lasagna, but simmered to perfection in a single pot. This revolutionary dish delivers incredible flavor with minimal cleanup, making it a game-changer for home cooks everywhere. I first discovered this lifesaver during a chaotic Tuesday when my family demanded lasagna, but my schedule screamed for simplicity. The result was so phenomenal it’s now in our regular dinner rotation. This One-Pot Lasagna Soup captures the soul-warming essence of the original with a fraction of the effort.

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

Mastering this dish is simpler than you think, thanks to a streamlined cooking process. The secret lies in building layers of flavor directly in your Dutch oven or large stockpot. You start by browning the meat with aromatics, which creates a flavorful foundation for your soup. This technique, known as the Maillard reaction, is a cornerstone of great cooking explained by scientific principles on Wikipedia. Next, you’ll deglaze the pot with tomatoes and broth, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Finally, the pasta cooks directly in the flavorful liquid, absorbing all the amazing tastes. This One-Pot Lasagna Soup method ensures every spoonful is packed with homestyle goodness.

One-Pot Lasagna Soup ingredients preparation

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground Italian sausage or lean ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth
  • 1 (14.5-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 10 oven-ready lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
  • Ricotta cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage or beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until nicely browned, about 6-8 minutes. IMO, browning the meat properly is non-negotiable for maximum flavor.
  2. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 60 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
  3. Pour in the marinara sauce, broth, and crushed tomatoes. Add the Italian seasoning and dried basil. Give everything a good stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  4. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be al dente when done.
  5. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes to heat through. Serve immediately topped with a generous handful of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A dollop of ricotta takes this One-Pot Lasagna Soup to the next level.
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. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth when reheating. For longer storage, freeze without the dairy for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop. Pro tip: Store any cheese toppings separately to maintain perfect texture.

7 Incredible Benefits of This Revolutionary Soup

  • Massive Time Savings: This method slashes cooking time compared to traditional lasagna assembly and baking.
  • Minimal Cleanup: Using just one pot means you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
  • Customizable Ingredients: Easily adapt this recipe for dietary needs by using plant-based meat alternatives or gluten-free pasta.
  • Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for weekly lunch planning.
  • Family-Friendly Appeal: Even picky eaters love the familiar flavors of this comforting dish.
  • Budget-Friendly: Using simple, pantry-staple ingredients makes this an economical choice for feeding a crowd.
  • Nutritional Balance: According to the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate, this soup can be part of a balanced diet with its combination of protein, vegetables, and grains.

This amazing One-Pot Lasagna Soup truly delivers on all fronts for busy households.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overcooking the Pasta: Remember the noodles will continue to cook slightly in the hot liquid even after you turn off the heat.
  • Skipping the Deglazing Step: Those browned bits at the bottom of your pot are pure flavor gold—don’t leave them behind!
  • Using the Wrong Noodles: Traditional lasagna sheets work best as they hold their structure better than other pasta shapes.
  • Adding Dairy Too Early: Cream and cheeses should be stirred in at the very end to prevent curdling or separation.
  • Underseasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning after adding the broth, as different brands have varying salt levels.

Delicious Variations to Try

Feel free to get creative with your One-Pot Lasagna Soup based on dietary preferences or what’s in your pantry. For a vegetarian version, swap the meat for sliced mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. You can use gluten-free lasagna noodles if needed. Spice lovers might enjoy adding red pepper flakes or using hot Italian sausage. For a creamier texture, stir in an extra 1/4 cup of heavy cream. You could even add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition. TBH, the basic recipe is so versatile it welcomes all these adaptations beautifully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions

Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer everything except the pasta and dairy to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add broken noodles 30 minutes before serving, then stir in cream and cheese at the end.

The key is to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to soften in the hot liquid. For meal prep, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls when serving. For more ideas, check out our guide on Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash.

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. Microwave reheating can make the pasta too soft, so stovetop is preferred.

Yes, but freeze it without the dairy components. The cream and cheeses don't freeze well and can separate upon thawing. Add them fresh when reheating your frozen soup.

Regular oven-ready lasagna noodles hold up beautifully in the soup. No-boil varieties are specifically designed to absorb liquid while maintaining structure, making them ideal for this application.

Use lean ground turkey or chicken, whole wheat pasta, and low-sodium broth. You can also reduce the cheese or use lighter alternatives while maintaining great flavor.

From prep to bowl, this incredible One-Pot Lasagna Soup takes about 35-40 minutes. That's less time than traditional lasagna takes just to bake!

Final Thoughts

This revolutionary One-Pot Lasagna Soup truly represents the future of convenient, delicious home cooking. It delivers all the comfort and flavor of the classic dish with unprecedented simplicity. The method saves time, reduces cleanup, and produces consistently amazing results that will impress your entire family. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this soup has you covered. For more ideas, check out our guide on baked salad minimalist recipe. For more inspiring one-pot meal ideas, check out the fantastic resources at Eating Well’s soup collection. Give this game-changing recipe a try tonight—your future self will thank you!

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