Last Tuesday, I was staring into my fridge wondering what to make with half a box of lasagna noodles and some leftover sausage. My family was begging for comfort food, but I had zero energy for layering and baking a traditional lasagna. That’s when I decided to throw everything into one pot and create what we now call our ultimate comfort dish.
What emerged was this magical one-pot lasagna soup that somehow captures every cozy element of baked lasagna without any of the fuss. The rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and melty cheese combination became an instant favorite in our household. I’ve since perfected the recipe through countless iterations, and I’m thrilled to share my best version with you today. If you’re looking for more delicious pasta dishes, you should definitely try our easy penne pasta recipe for another quick weeknight option.
Recipe Overview
Cuisine: Italian-American
Category: Soup
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
What You’ll Need
When I first started making this one pot lasagna, I learned that having the right equipment makes all the difference. A heavy-bottomed Dutch oven distributes heat evenly and prevents burning, which is crucial since we’re building flavors in layers. I’ve tried making this in thinner pots, and you definitely notice the difference in how the ingredients cook.
You’ll want a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring and breaking up the meat, along with measuring cups and spoons handy. For serving, I prefer wide, shallow bowls that let the cheese melt beautifully over the surface. And don’t forget a ladle – this comfort soup recipe creates a generous amount that’s perfect for seconds.
INGREDIENTS
I’ll never forget the time I accidentally used hot Italian sausage instead of mild – let’s just say my kids still talk about that “fiery” version! Now I’m extra careful when gathering ingredients. There’s something therapeutic about lining everything up on the counter before starting.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
PREPARATION
Here’s the thing about this lasagna soup recipe – it’s incredibly forgiving. I’ve had friends tell me they worried about overcooking the pasta, but the beauty of this dish is that it continues to absorb flavor even if it sits a bit longer. The key is watching for that perfect al dente texture. If you love easy slow cooker meals, you’ll adore our hearty crock pot taco chili for those extra busy evenings.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with your spoon, for 5-7 minutes until browned.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, then add Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with mozzarella, Parmesan, ricotta, and fresh basil.
NUTRITION INFORMATION
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Making It Your Own
One of my favorite things about this one pot meal is how adaptable it is. Sometimes I’ll add sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions, or throw in a handful of spinach during the last few minutes. Ground beef works beautifully if you don’t have sausage, and if you’re vegetarian, plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth create an equally delicious version.
Storage and Reheating Tips
The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so when storing leftovers, you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating. This dish keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, and I’ve successfully frozen it for up to 3 months. Just note that the pasta texture will be softer after freezing – still tasty, but different.
Why This Recipe Works
What makes this comfort food so special is how it delivers all the satisfaction of traditional lasagna with about half the work. By breaking the noodles into pieces, they cook directly in the flavorful broth, absorbing all those wonderful tastes. The cream added at the end gives it that rich, luxurious texture that makes this feel like a restaurant-quality dish made in your own kitchen. For those watching their carb intake, you might enjoy pairing this with our fluffy keto buns for a complete low-carb meal.
BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup – Ultimate Comfort Dish Recipe
INGREDIENTS
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup – Ultimate Comfort Dish Recipe!
Nutrition Information
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I make this in a crockpot?
Absolutely! Brown the meat first, then combine everything except the cream and cheeses in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, stir in cream, and top with cheeses before serving. It’s one of my favorite crockpot soup recipes for busy days.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
No problem – this is where the recipe gets flexible. I’ve used mafalda, broken ziti, or even rigatoni with great results. The key is using a pasta shape that holds up well in soup and can catch all that delicious broth.
How can I make it creamier?
If you love extra creaminess, increase the heavy cream to 3/4 cup or stir in additional ricotta at the end. Some readers have told me they mix the ricotta with a little milk first to make it incorporate more smoothly.
Conclusion
This BEST EVER One-Pot Lasagna Soup has become my go-to when I need a meal that feels special without requiring special effort. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that brings everyone to the table with happy anticipation. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this recipe delivers on flavor and simplicity every single time.