Name: Homestyle Lasagna Soup with Fresh Basil and Parmesan: A Comforting Bowl of Classic Italian Flavors in Soup Form
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage; 1 small onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes; 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

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Homestyle Lasagna Soup with Fresh Basil and Parmesan is a hearty, one-pot meal that transforms the rich flavors of traditional lasagna into a warm, spoonable comfort dish. Packed with tender pasta, a savory tomato base, melted cheese, and aromatic herbs, this soup delivers all the satisfaction of lasagna with half the effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

All the flavor of classic lasagna in a cozy, simplified soup format.
One-pot preparation makes for easy cleanup and efficient cooking.
Customizable with meat or vegetarian options.
Perfect for meal prep — leftovers reheat beautifully.
Comfort food at its best: cheesy, saucy, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the soup:

Olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Ground beef, Italian sausage, or plant-based meat substitute
Tomato paste
Crushed tomatoes
Chicken or vegetable broth
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper
Fresh basil leaves

For serving:

Ricotta cheese or cottage cheese
Mozzarella cheese, shredded
Parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh basil for garnish
Optional: crusty bread for dipping

Directions

Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Cook the meat: Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking up into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Add tomato paste and seasoning: Stir in tomato paste, cooking briefly to deepen flavor. Add Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
Pour in liquids: Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
Add pasta: Stir in broken lasagna noodles. Simmer until pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Check consistency: Add more broth or water if needed to adjust the thickness of the soup.
Add fresh basil: Stir in chopped basil just before serving.
Serve: Ladle soup into bowls. Top with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and fresh basil. Serve hot with crusty bread if desired.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 generous portions
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 45 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: Omit meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for depth and texture.
Spicy: Increase red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta of choice.
Creamy version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer broth.
Low-carb: Replace noodles with chopped cabbage or zucchini ribbons.

Storage/reheating

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding broth if the soup has thickened.
Assemble cheese toppings fresh before serving to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes. Any small pasta like fusilli, penne, or rotini works well. Lasagna noodles keep the theme but are not required.

How do I prevent the noodles from absorbing all the liquid?

If storing leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls when reheating.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes. Brown the meat first, then transfer everything except the noodles into the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Add noodles in the final 30–40 minutes.

What’s a good substitute for ricotta?

Cottage cheese or mascarpone are suitable substitutes. Even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt works in a pinch.

How can I make it extra cheesy?

Stir shredded mozzarella directly into the hot soup before serving for a melty finish.

What’s the best broth to use?

Chicken broth adds flavor without overpowering. Vegetable broth works well for vegetarian versions.

Should I cover the pot while simmering?

Partially covering the pot helps maintain moisture while allowing some liquid to reduce, which enhances the flavor.

Can I add wine for flavor?

Yes. Add ½ cup of red wine after browning the meat and reduce slightly before adding tomatoes and broth.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely. It stores and reheats well, and you can even make a large batch for freezing.

Can I serve this to kids?

Yes, it’s kid-friendly. For very young children, omit red pepper flakes and ensure noodles are cut small.

Conclusion

Homestyle Lasagna Soup with Fresh Basil and Parmesan delivers all the deep, cheesy flavor of traditional lasagna in a warm and inviting soup. It’s quick to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special comfort food moments. With minimal prep and bold flavor, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite.

Homestyle Lasagna Soup with Fresh Basil and Parmesan: A Comforting Bowl of Classic Italian Flavors in Soup Form

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Homestyle Lasagna Soup with Fresh Basil and Parmesan brings all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a hearty and satisfying soup. Loaded with pasta, ground meat, tomatoes, herbs, and a cheesy topping, it’s a cozy twist on a classic Italian dish.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
Mix in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. Add crushed tomatoes and broth, stirring to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to develop flavor.
Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for 10–12 minutes or until noodles are tender.
Stir in half of the basil and adjust seasoning to taste.
Ladle soup into bowls and top each with a spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and grated Parmesan.
Garnish with remaining fresh basil and serve hot.