Need a ‘wow’ dish for your next dinner party that doesn’t keep you in the kitchen all night? This Paula Deen Inspired Lasagna Soup – Southern Comfort Twist is my go-to.

It brings all the cozy, cheesy goodness of lasagna but in a fun, slurpable form. I promise, it’s incredibly easy and always gets rave reviews. If you’re looking for another comforting pasta dish, you should definitely try our creamy spinach mushroom pasta.
Your guests will think you slaved for hours. Let’s keep that our little secret, shall we?
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick lowdown on what you’re making. It’s straightforward and fuss-free.
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6-8
Why This is My Go-To for Guests
I serve this at almost every gathering, and it never fails. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.
It looks and tastes incredibly impressive. Yet, it comes together in one pot with minimal effort.
You get to spend more time with your guests. And less time stressing over a complicated recipe.
Make-Ahead Magic: My Hosting Secret
Prepping ahead is my secret weapon for stress-free entertaining. This soup is a dream for that.
You can brown the sausage and chop the veggies 1-2 days before. Just store them in airtight containers in the fridge.
Paula Deen Inspired Lasagna Soup – Southern Comfort Twist Recipe

The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Paula Deen Inspired Lasagna Soup – Southern Comfort Twist Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The flavors actually deepen overnight. Making it even more delicious on party day.

The “Wow Factor” Ingredients
These simple ingredients create magic together. No fancy, hard-to-find items here.
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (24-oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 8 oz mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or whole milk
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
PREPARATION
Just follow these simple steps. You really can’t mess this up. For a perfect low-carb side to complement this meal, I highly recommend our crispy keto crackers.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, use a slotted spoon to remove it, leaving the drippings behind.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and the cooked sausage. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, add the mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream (or milk), mozzarella, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and beautifully incorporated.
- Let the soup sit for 5 minutes off the heat before serving. This allows it to thicken up perfectly.
How to Serve This Like a Pro
Presentation is everything when you want to impress. It’s all in the details.
Ladle the hot soup into deep, warm bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of the remaining Parmesan.
Finish with a fresh garnish of chopped basil or parsley. Serve it with a big, crusty loaf of garlic bread on the side for dipping.
Perfect Pairings (What to Drink & Serve With It)
This hearty soup is a meal in itself. But a few simple sides make it a feast.
A simple arugula salad with a lemony vinaigrette cuts the richness perfectly. And you can’t go wrong with garlic bread.
For drinks, a medium-bodied red wine like a Chianti is fantastic. A crisp lager or pale ale also works wonderfully.
Nutrition Notes
This is comfort food, through and through. Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~480
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g

If you’re craving another hearty comfort meal, don’t miss our crispy, cheesy ground beef and potato hash.
Your Entertaining FAQs
Here are answers to the questions I get asked the most. Hopefully, they help you out, too.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the entire soup 1-2 days in advance. Just wait to add the pasta until you reheat it, so it doesn’t get mushy.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. You might need to add a splash of broth or water as the pasta will have absorbed some liquid.
Can I make it spicier?
For sure! Use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. Or add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you’re cooking the onions.
So there you have it. Your new secret weapon for effortless, impressive hosting.
This recipe is a guaranteed hit that lets you enjoy your own party. Trust me, your guests will be begging for the recipe.
I’d love to hear how your party went! Leave a comment and a rating below!