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 quicker, one‑pot format. It reflects the American love for hearty soups while honoring classic Italian ingredients like ricotta, mozzarella, and Italian herbs.

While there is no historic regional version, cooks often vary the protein (ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey) and the pasta shape (mafaldine, penne, or broken lasagna noodles). Some add a splash of red wine or use chicken broth for a lighter version.

It is usually served hot in deep bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves, a drizzle of olive oil, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan. Some families pair it with crusty Italian bread or a simple side salad.

Lasagna Soup is popular for casual family dinners, pot‑lucks, and game‑day gatherings because it can be made in a single pot and feeds a crowd. It’s also a comforting dish for cooler weather or when someone is feeling under the weather.

It embodies the Italian‑American tradition of adapting classic dishes for convenience, using readily available ingredients while keeping the rich, cheesy, herb‑forward flavor profile that defines many Italian‑American meals.

Traditional ingredients include ground turkey or beef, mafaldine or broken lasagna noodles, ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, fresh spinach, basil, and beef stock. Acceptable substitutes are ground chicken, gluten‑free pasta, dairy‑free ricotta, or vegetable stock for a lighter version.

Pairs nicely with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, garlic‑buttered focaccia, or a classic Caesar salad. A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio also complements the creamy soup.

Its uniqueness lies in delivering the layered, cheesy richness of lasagna in a soup form, allowing the pasta to absorb the broth and the ricotta‑spinach mixture to create a velvety texture without the need for baking.

Common mistakes include overcooking the pasta, which makes it mushy; letting the soup boil after adding heavy cream, which can cause curdling; and not seasoning the ricotta mixture enough before folding it in. Follow the timing steps and keep the heat low after the cream is added.

The ricotta‑spinach mixture creates a creamy, slightly thickened swirl that mimics the cheese layers of traditional lasagna without clumping. Adding cheese directly can result in a grainy texture, whereas the mixture stays smooth and distributes evenly.

Yes, you can prepare the broth and ricotta mixture up to a day ahead. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the broth, add the pasta, then stir in the ricotta mixture just before serving.

The YouTube channel OneStopChop specializes in quick, one‑pot meals and comfort‑food recipes that use simple techniques and everyday ingredients, aimed at busy home cooks who want flavorful dishes with minimal cleanup.