Easy. Creamy. Lasagna. Soup.
EASY. CREAMY. LASAGNA. SOUP. is a easy Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 310 calories per serving. Recipe by Ian Fujimoto on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min
Cost: $14.74 total, $3.68 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large Yellow Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin preferred)
- 1 pound Italian Sausage (casings removed, mild or spicy)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato Paste (no added salt)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to heat preference)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 4 cups Beef Bone Broth (low‑sodium)
- 2 cups Tomato Puree
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 2 cups Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- 8 ounces Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
Instructions
Prep Ingredients
Dice the large yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Brown Sausage
Heat olive oil in the Dutch oven over medium‑high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and slightly crisp, about 6‑8 minutes.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium‑high
Sauté Aromatics
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Reduce heat to medium and sauté until the onion is translucent and softened, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Seasonings
Stir in tomato paste, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, dried parsley, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 3‑4 minutes, allowing the paste to caramelize slightly.
Time: PT4M
Temperature: medium
Build the Soup Base
Pour in the beef bone broth and tomato puree. Stir well, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Add Cream
Stir in the heavy cream, mixing until fully incorporated. Return to a low simmer.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: low
Simmer
Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: low
Finish with Cheese and Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles and shredded mozzarella to the pot. Stir gently and continue cooking until the noodles are al dente and the cheese has melted, about 8‑10 minutes.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: low
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve hot.
Time: PT1M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 310
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Non‑Vegetarian, Contains Gluten, Contains Dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Yellow Onion: white onion
- Instead of Garlic: garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: vegetable oil
- Instead of Italian Sausage: ground pork with Italian seasoning
- Instead of Tomato Paste: tomato sauce (1/4 cup)
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh garlic
- Instead of Dried Thyme: fresh thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: fresh oregano (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Parsley: fresh parsley (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: cayenne pepper (pinch)
- Instead of Beef Bone Broth: beef stock, vegetable broth (for a lighter version)
- Instead of Tomato Puree: crushed tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Heavy Cream: half‑and‑half (1 cup), coconut cream (for dairy‑free)
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: provolone, vegan mozzarella
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: penne, cavatappi
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
- Grater (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the Italian sausage until nicely colored
- Scraping the browned bits from the bottom after adding seasonings
- Adding heavy cream without bringing the soup to a hard boil
- Cooking the broken lasagna noodles just until al dente to avoid mushiness
Chef Tips from the Video
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked Italian sausage
- Add a splash of red wine after browning the sausage for richness
- Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale twist
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after adding cream
Thin with additional broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are mushy
Cook noodles for a shorter time or add them later in the simmer; alternatively, use al dente pasta from the package.
Soup tastes bland
Adjust salt and pepper, and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch more red pepper flakes for depth.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months; reheat gently
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- The soup can be made a day ahead; reheat gently on the stove and add a splash of broth if it thickens
- Cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving for a firmer texture when reheating
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Lasagna Soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Creamy Lasagna Soup is a modern, deconstructed take on traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted the comforting flavors of lasagna in a quicker, soup format. It reflects the adaptation of classic Italian dishes to American weeknight cooking habits, emphasizing convenience without sacrificing richness.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna‑style soups in Italy?
In Italy, soup versions of layered pasta dishes are rare, but some northern regions serve broth‑based pasta soups like "pasta e fagioli" that incorporate similar herbs and tomato bases. The creamy lasagna soup adapts those flavors with American ingredients such as heavy cream and mozzarella.
How is Creamy Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of mozzarella. Some families add a drizzle of olive oil or a few grated Parmesan shards for extra depth.
What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Lasagna Soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
While not tied to a specific holiday, the soup is popular for casual family dinners, potlucks, and game‑night gatherings where a hearty, comforting dish is desired without the time commitment of a full lasagna bake.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Serve it alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlic‑buttered focaccia, or a simple antipasto platter of cured meats and olives for a balanced Italian‑American meal.
What makes Creamy Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in combining the layered flavors of lasagna—Italian sausage, tomato‑herb broth, mozzarella, and pasta—into a single‑pot soup, delivering the same comfort in a fraction of the cooking time.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles, allowing the soup to boil after adding heavy cream (which can cause curdling), and not scraping the browned bits from the pot, which hold much flavor. Follow the critical steps to ensure a smooth, flavorful result.
Why does this Creamy Lasagna Soup recipe use heavy cream instead of milk?
Heavy cream provides the rich, velvety mouthfeel that mimics the cheese‑laden sauce of traditional lasagna. Milk would thin the broth and not deliver the same luxurious texture.
Can I make Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day in advance. Cool it quickly, refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3 days, and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it thickens. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
What does the YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto specialize in?
The YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto focuses on approachable, weeknight-friendly recipes that blend Asian and Western flavors, emphasizing quick techniques, clear step‑by‑step visuals, and practical kitchen tips for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Ian Fujimoto's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Ian Fujimoto often deconstructs classic dishes into simplified, one‑pot versions—like this Creamy Lasagna Soup—prioritizing speed and minimal cleanup while still preserving authentic flavor profiles, unlike many channels that stick to traditional, multi‑step preparations.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
