Lasagna Soup, my All-Time Favorite Soup
Lasagna Soup, my All-Time Favorite Soup! is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Jean-Pierre on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 30 min | Total: 2 hrs 10 min
Cost: $32.50 total, $5.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Spicy Italian Sausage (removed from casing, crumbled)
- 1 Large Onion (peeled and diced)
- 3 Celery Stalks (small dice)
- 2 Carrots (medium, peeled and diced)
- 1 small Fennel Bulb (trimmed, core removed, diced)
- 1.5 tablespoons Garlic (finely minced)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Rosemary (chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Thyme (chopped)
- 4 ounces Cooked Ham (diced; optional)
- 2 cans Canned Whole Tomatoes (28‑oz total, crushed by hand)
- 4 cups Beef Stock (low‑sodium)
- 4 cups Chicken Stock (low‑sodium)
- 6 ounces Lasagna Noodles (cut into ½‑inch strips)
- 10 ounces Ricotta Cheese (full‑fat, room temperature)
- 3 ounces Mascarpone Cheese (room temperature; substitute cream cheese if unavailable)
- 3 ounces Mozzarella Cheese (shredded)
- 3 ounces Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated)
- 1 handful Fresh Basil Leaves (chiffonade for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons Olive Oil (for final drizzle)
- to taste Hot Sauce (optional)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Mise en Place
Gather all ingredients. Dice the onion, celery, carrots, and fennel; mince the garlic; chop rosemary and thyme; slice the ham; crush the canned tomatoes by hand; cut the lasagna noodles into ½‑inch strips.
Time: PT15M
Brown the Sausage
Heat the stockpot over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook, stirring, until it turns a deep golden brown and releases its fat.
Time: PT8M
Sauté Onion
Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is lightly caramelized and translucent.
Time: PT5M
Add Remaining Vegetables
Stir in the celery, carrots, fennel, minced garlic, rosemary, and thyme. Sauté for about 10 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and release their aromas.
Time: PT10M
Incorporate Ham (Optional)
Add the diced ham and stir for 2 minutes to warm through.
Time: PT2M
Add Tomatoes
Add the hand‑crushed canned tomatoes, breaking up any large pieces with the spoon.
Time: PT2M
Add Stocks and Bring to Boil
Pour in the beef and chicken stocks, stir, and increase heat to bring the soup to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat to low, cover partially, and let the soup simmer gently for 45‑60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and flavors have melded.
Time: PT55M
Cook the Pasta
Add the cut lasagna noodle strips to the simmering soup. Cook for 12‑15 minutes, or until al dente, stirring gently to keep noodles from sticking.
Time: PT12M
Prepare Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine ricotta, mascarpone (or cream cheese), shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, a teaspoon of minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil. Mix until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Finish the Soup
Stir in the chiffonade basil, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and hot sauce if using. Remove from heat.
Time: PT2M
Plate and Garnish
Ladle soup into bowls. Place a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture on top, allowing it to melt slightly. Drizzle a few drops of olive oil, sprinkle extra grated Parmesan, and garnish with remaining basil strips.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 18g
- Fiber
- 4g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Spicy Italian Sausage: Ground beef, Mild Italian sausage
- Instead of Large Onion: Yellow onion
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Celery hearts
- Instead of Carrots: Parsnips
- Instead of Fennel Bulb: Leek, Celery root
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic paste
- Instead of Fresh Rosemary: Dried rosemary (½ tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Thyme: Dried thyme (½ tsp)
- Instead of Cooked Ham: Bacon, Pancetta
- Instead of Canned Whole Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Beef Stock: Beef broth
- Instead of Chicken Stock: Chicken broth
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Broken spaghetti, Small pasta shells
- Instead of Ricotta Cheese: Cottage cheese (drained)
- Instead of Mascarpone Cheese: Cream cheese
- Instead of Mozzarella Cheese: Provolone
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Fresh Basil Leaves: Italian parsley
- Instead of Olive Oil: Vegetable oil
- Instead of Hot Sauce: Red pepper flakes
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- 7‑Quart Stockpot
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Ladle
- Mixing Bowl
- Grater
- Garlic Press (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Brown the sausage until deep golden brown.
- Caramelize the onion for flavor development.
- Simmer the soup for at least 45 minutes to tenderize vegetables.
- Cut lasagna noodles small enough to fit on a spoon.
- Prepare the cheese mixture while the soup simmers.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality spicy Italian sausage for authentic flavor; the fat renders beautifully and seasons the whole soup.
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of red wine after sautéing the vegetables.
- Finish with a drizzle of garlic‑infused olive oil for a fragrant finishing touch.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after simmering.
Add additional chicken or beef stock, a splash of water, and stir until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles become mushy.
Cut noodles smaller and add them later; monitor cooking time closely and remove the pot from heat as soon as al dente.
Cheese mixture is watery.
Drain excess liquid from ricotta before mixing, or add a bit more mascarpone/cream cheese to thicken.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe bags; freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Dice all vegetables and store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Prepare the cheese mixture ahead and keep refrigerated; bring to room temperature before serving.
- Soup can be made a day ahead; reheat gently and add fresh pasta just before serving.
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, spoon‑friendly form. It reflects the immigrant tradition of adapting classic dishes to pantry‑friendly, one‑pot meals.
What are the traditional regional variations of Lasagna Soup in Italian‑American cooking?
While there is no historic regional version, cooks often vary the protein (spicy sausage, ground beef, or turkey) and cheese blend (adding provolone or pecorino). Some Southern‑Italian families use fennel and hot pepper flakes, whereas Northern‑style versions may feature milder sausage and more butter.
How is Lasagna Soup traditionally served in Italian‑American households?
It is usually served hot in deep bowls, topped with a dollop of ricotta‑mascarpone mixture, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, fresh basil chiffonade, and a drizzle of olive oil. A side of crusty garlic bread often accompanies the meal.
What occasions or celebrations is Lasagna Soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Lasagna Soup is popular for casual family gatherings, cold‑weather holidays like Thanksgiving leftovers, and community pot‑lucks because it can be made in large batches and feeds a crowd.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Lasagna Soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include spicy Italian sausage, fennel, fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme), ricotta, mascarpone (or cream cheese), and lasagna noodles. Substitutes can be ground beef for sausage, carrots for fennel, or cottage cheese for ricotta, but the flavor profile changes slightly.
What other Italian‑American dishes pair well with Lasagna Soup?
Serve Lasagna Soup alongside a simple Caesar salad, roasted garlic bread, or a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette. A glass of Chianti or a light Italian red complements the rich broth.
What makes Lasagna Soup special or unique in Italian‑American cuisine?
It captures the layered taste of classic lasagna—meaty sauce, cheese, herbs—in a comforting soup format, allowing the flavors to meld in a single pot while offering a lighter, broth‑based texture.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Lasagna Soup?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta (making it mushy), not browning the sausage enough (resulting in bland broth), and adding the noodles too early before the vegetables are tender. Follow the timing steps closely for best results.
Why does this Lasagna Soup recipe use both beef and chicken stock instead of just one type of stock?
Combining beef and chicken stock gives a richer, more balanced umami base—beef adds depth, while chicken provides a lighter body—mirroring the complexity of a traditional lasagna sauce.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared a day ahead. Cool it to room temperature, store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat gently. Add fresh pasta and cheese topping just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Lasagna Soup?
The broth should be clear yet flavorful, vegetables tender but not mushy, and the pasta should be al dente. The cheese mixture on top should be creamy and slightly melted, creating a glossy finish.
How do I know when Lasagna Soup is done cooking?
When the carrots, celery, and fennel are fork‑tender, the pasta is al dente, and the broth tastes well‑seasoned, the soup is ready. A quick taste of the vegetables will confirm tenderness.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Jean‑Pierre specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Jean‑Pierre focuses on approachable, comfort‑food recipes with a strong emphasis on classic Italian and American dishes, offering detailed technique explanations and a lively, personable presentation style.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Jean‑Pierre's approach to Italian cooking differ from other Italian cooking channels?
Chef Jean‑Pierre blends traditional Italian flavors with American home‑cooking shortcuts, often using one‑pot methods and emphasizing mise en place, whereas many other Italian channels stick to more elaborate, multi‑step preparations.
Last updated: August 28, 2026
