Have you ever wondered if you could capture all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in just 30 minutes? What if we told you that “One‑Pot Lasagna Soup with Mozzarella & Basil” delivers exactly that, without the hours of layering, baking, and waiting?
This revolutionary approach transforms the beloved Italian classic into a hearty, soul-warming soup that requires minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving comfort food but short on time, this recipe proves that shortcuts don’t have to mean sacrificing taste.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and efficiency. By combining tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, savory ground meat, and creamy cheese in one pot, you’ll create a meal that satisfies even the most discerning palates while keeping your kitchen stress-free.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
Gather these essential ingredients to create your perfect bowl of comfort. Each component plays a crucial role in building the complex, layered flavors that make this soup irresistible.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or substitute with ground beef, turkey, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (sweet onions work beautifully for added depth)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic provides the most aromatic punch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin for enhanced flavor)
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano tomatoes elevate the taste significantly)
- 4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth works for vegetarian versions)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste preference)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (no-boil noodles work perfectly)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk ricotta provides the creamiest texture)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Timing
This efficient recipe requires minimal time investment while delivering maximum satisfaction. The streamlined process makes it 40% faster than traditional lasagna preparation methods.
Preparation time: 10 minutes for chopping vegetables and gathering ingredients. Cooking time: 20 minutes of active cooking. Total time: 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time is precious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The right pot makes all the difference; choose one that distributes heat evenly to prevent burning.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add ground sausage to the heated pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no pink remains. The caramelization adds depth to your soup’s flavor profile.
Step 3: Build Aromatic Foundation
Add diced onion to the pot with the cooked sausage. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Tomato Base
Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the Pasta
Carefully add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 12-15 minutes or until pasta reaches al dente texture. The noodles will continue cooking slightly in the hot broth.
Step 6: Incorporate the Cheese
Remove pot from heat. In a small bowl, whisk ricotta cheese until smooth. Gradually stir ricotta into the soup, followed by half of the mozzarella and all of the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 7: Final Touches
Ladle soup into bowls and top with remaining mozzarella cheese. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the rich, savory base perfectly.
PrintHow to Prepare Delicious One-Pot Lasagna Soup in 30 Minutes
A fast and flavorful one-pot lasagna soup loaded with Italian sausage, rich tomato broth, and melty cheeses. Perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
1 pound ground Italian sausage
1 medium yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken broth
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken
1 cup ricotta cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add sausage, break it apart, and cook until browned.
3. Add onion, cook until translucent. Stir in garlic.
4. Pour in crushed tomatoes, broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
5. Bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer.
6. Add broken noodles. Cook until al dente (12–15 minutes).
7. Remove from heat. Stir in ricotta, half mozzarella, and Parmesan.
8. Season with salt and pepper.
9. Ladle into bowls, top with remaining mozzarella and fresh basil.
Notes
Use no-boil noodles for faster results.
Add broth when reheating leftovers to loosen consistency.
Substitute sausage with turkey, beef, or lentils for dietary needs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Nutritional Information
Each generous serving of “One‑Pot Lasagna Soup with Mozzarella & Basil” provides approximately 420 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable meal option. The protein content reaches 28 grams per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
This recipe delivers 15 grams of fat, primarily from the cheese and sausage, while providing 35 grams of carbohydrates from the pasta and tomatoes. The sodium content sits at approximately 890mg per serving, which is moderate for a comfort food dish.
The soup also provides essential nutrients, including calcium from the dairy products, lycopene from tomatoes, and various B vitamins from the enriched pasta. Each bowl contains roughly 4 grams of fiber, contributing to digestive health.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this comfort food into a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for Italian sausage to reduce saturated fat content by approximately 30% while maintaining protein levels.
Consider using whole wheat lasagna noodles or even zucchini ribbons for added fiber and reduced refined carbohydrates. Part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses can cut calories by 15% while preserving the creamy texture that makes this soup irresistible.
For plant-based versions, replace meat with lentils or mushroom crumbles, and use cashew-based ricotta. Nutritional yeast adds umami depth while boosting B-vitamin content. These swaps maintain the hearty satisfaction while accommodating various dietary preferences.
Increase vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, spinach, or carrots during the sautéing phase. This boosts nutrient density while adding natural sweetness and texture variety to each spoonful.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your “One‑Pot Lasagna Soup with Mozzarella & Basil” experience with thoughtfully chosen accompaniments. Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or focaccia for dipping and added texture contrast.
A simple Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette provides fresh, crisp elements that balance the soup’s richness. The acidity in the dressing cuts through the creamy cheese beautifully.
For entertaining, consider serving in bread bowls for an impressive presentation that eliminates dishwashing. Sourdough or Italian bread bowls add rustic charm while providing additional carbohydrates for hungry guests.
Wine pairing enthusiasts will appreciate how this soup complements medium-bodied red wines like Chianti or Sangiovese. The acidity in these wines enhances the tomato flavors while standing up to the rich cheese components.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Success with this lasagna soup recipe depends on avoiding several common pitfalls that can compromise texture and flavor.
- Overcooking the pasta: Remember that noodles continue cooking in hot broth even after removing from heat. Aim for slightly underdone when testing for doneness.
- Adding cheese while boiling: High heat causes cheese to become stringy and separate. Always remove from heat before incorporating dairy products.
- Skipping the browning step: Properly browning meat creates fond (caramelized bits) that add significant flavor depth to the final dish.
- Using pre-shredded cheese: Anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated cheese creates superior texture.
- Insufficient seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings throughout cooking. Pasta absorbs salt, so final seasoning is crucial for balanced flavor.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage ensures your leftover soup maintains its delicious quality for future meals. Refrigerate cooled soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, though the pasta may absorb some liquid over time.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the desired consistency. Heat gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching the dairy components.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Note that dairy-based soups may experience slight texture changes after freezing, but flavor remains excellent. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
Consider freezing the soup base without cheese, then adding fresh dairy products when reheating for optimal texture and taste. This method preserves the soup’s quality more effectively than freezing the complete dish.
Conclusion
This “One‑Pot Lasagna Soup with Mozzarella & Basil” proves that comfort food doesn’t require hours of preparation or complicated techniques. In just 30 minutes, you’ve created a meal that delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient, family-friendly format.
The combination of savory meat, tender pasta, rich tomato sauce, and creamy cheese creates a symphony of flavors that satisfies both adults and children alike. Plus, the one-pot method means minimal cleanup – a win for busy households everywhere.
Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine? Gather these simple ingredients and experience how easy it is to create restaurant-quality comfort food at home. Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to explore our other quick and delicious lasagna soup recipe variations for even more mealtime inspiration!
Frequently Asked Questions About One-Pot Lasagna Soup
1. Can I make one-pot lasagna soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to bring back the soup’s original consistency.
2. What noodles work best in one-pot lasagna soup?
Broken lasagna noodles are traditional, but you can use mafalda, rotini, or even bowtie pasta. No-boil lasagna noodles are especially convenient for fast cooking.
3. Can I make one-pot lasagna soup vegetarian or vegan?
Absolutely. Swap the sausage for plant-based crumbles or lentils, and use vegetable broth. For vegan versions, opt for dairy-free ricotta and mozzarella alternatives.
4. Does lasagna soup freeze well?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup base without the cheese. Add fresh ricotta and mozzarella after reheating to maintain a creamy texture.
