Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe-30 Minute Meal
Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe-30 Minute Meal is a easy Italian recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by The Carefree Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 50 min
Cost: $18.21 total, $4.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 pound Hot Italian Sausage (casings removed, crumbled)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (store‑bought blend of oregano, basil, parsley)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 28 ounce can Crushed Tomatoes (no added salt)
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 12 ounces Three‑Cheese Tortellini (refrigerated, cheese‑filled)
- 0.5 cup Heavy Cream (for richness)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 0.5 cup Ricotta Cheese (dolloped on top)
- 0.5 cup Mozzarella Cheese (shredded, for melting)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, garnish)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Onion
Heat 2 Tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until translucent and just beginning to turn light golden, about 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Time: PT2M
Cook Sausage
Add the crumbled hot Italian sausage to the pot. Pour in about 2 Tbsp water to help break it up, then stir and crumble with a spoon until the meat is browned and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Season Base
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to release the herb aromas.
Time: PT1M
Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the 28‑oz can of crushed tomatoes and the 6 cups of chicken broth. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Cook Tortellini
Add the cheese tortellini to the boiling soup. Reduce heat to a gentle boil and cook for 7 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente.
Time: PT7M
Finish with Cream and Parmesan
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until the soup is creamy and the cheese has melted.
Time: PT2M
Add Ricotta, Mozzarella, and Parsley
Drop in the ricotta cheese and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella. Stir briefly until the mozzarella softens, then garnish with chopped parsley.
Time: PT1M
Serve
Ladle the hot lasagna soup into bowls and serve with crusty French or garlic bread on the side.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 15 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 18 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, High protein, Contains pork
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg (possible in sausage), Soy (possible in sausage)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallot
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Hot Italian Sausage: Mild Italian sausage, Ground beef, Ground pork
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano, basil, and parsley individually
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Crushed Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes, Tomato puree
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon
- Instead of Three‑Cheese Tortellini: Bow‑tie pasta, Other stuffed pasta
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half, Milk + butter
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Fresh basil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Grater
- Ladle (optional)
- Serving Bowls
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté Onion until translucent and lightly golden
- Add Garlic without burning
- Cook Sausage until fully browned
- Bring broth and tomatoes to a rolling boil before adding pasta
- Cook Tortellini to al dente
- Incorporate Cream and Parmesan without curdling
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality hot Italian sausage for authentic flavor and a pleasant kick.
- Freshly grate Parmesan right before adding it for the best melt and flavor.
- Finish the soup with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of red‑pepper flakes for extra depth.
- If you like extra veggies, add a handful of baby spinach just before the cream step.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or stir in an extra tablespoon of grated Parmesan.
Soup is too thick after adding cream.
Thin with additional chicken broth or water, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Tortellini sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Stir gently and add a splash more broth or water during the last few minutes of cooking.
Cheese curdles after adding cream.
Reduce heat to low before adding cream and avoid a rapid boil; whisk continuously.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight and reheat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the broth, tomatoes, and sausage mixture a day ahead and refrigerate; add tortellini, cream, and cheeses just before serving.
- Freeze the soup without the final cheese additions; stir in fresh cheese when reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern, comfort‑food twist on traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted the layered flavors of lasagna in a quick, one‑pot soup form. It reflects the Italian diaspora’s love for hearty, family‑style meals that can be prepared quickly on busy weeknights.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian cuisine?
While lasagna soup itself is not a classic regional dish, variations often incorporate regional ingredients: in the north, you might use butter‑based béchamel and pork sausage; in the south, spicy Calabrian sausage and extra tomatoes are common. The base broth can also shift from chicken to beef depending on the region.
How is lasagna soup traditionally served in Italian-American households?
It is typically ladled into deep bowls, topped with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, fresh parsley, and served alongside crusty Italian bread or garlic‑buttered focaccia for dipping.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian-American culture?
Lasagna soup is popular for casual family gatherings, game‑day meals, and holiday leftovers because it’s quick to make, feeds a crowd, and feels indulgent enough for special occasions without the time commitment of a baked lasagna.
What makes lasagna soup special or unique in Italian cuisine?
It captures the layered flavors of classic lasagna—tomato, cheese, sausage, herbs—in a soup format, allowing the pasta to absorb the broth while still delivering the comforting, cheesy texture that defines the dish.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for lasagna soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include Italian sausage, cheese‑filled tortellini or broken lasagna noodles, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella. Acceptable substitutes are mild sausage or ground beef, bow‑tie pasta, vegetable broth, and cottage cheese in place of ricotta.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making lasagna soup?
Common errors include overcooking the garlic (it becomes bitter), not breaking up the sausage into small pieces, boiling the soup too vigorously after adding cream (which can cause curdling), and adding too much broth, resulting in a watery soup.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe use heavy cream instead of milk?
Heavy cream adds richness and body without curdling at the high simmer temperature, giving the soup a velvety texture that milk alone cannot achieve.
Can I make lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Store the soup (without the final cheese toppings) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and stir in fresh ricotta and mozzarella just before serving.
What does the YouTube channel The Carefree Kitchen specialize in?
The Carefree Kitchen, hosted by Jill, focuses on easy, approachable home‑cooked meals that require minimal prep and use everyday ingredients, often adding a fun, relaxed twist to classic comfort foods.
How does the YouTube channel The Carefree Kitchen's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
The Carefree Kitchen emphasizes quick, one‑pot recipes like this lasagna soup, prioritizing speed and simplicity over traditional multi‑step techniques, whereas many other Italian channels focus on authentic, labor‑intensive preparations.
Last updated: September 2, 2026






