Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Imagine all the comforting elements of classic lasagna delivered without the layering, baking, or extra dishes. This Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach offers a hearty, flavor-packed bowl filled with savory sausage, vibrant spinach, rich tomato broth, and melty cheeses. It’s the perfect go-to for busy weeknights, relaxed Sunday meals, or anytime you want to cozy up with flavorful Italian comfort food.

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Ingredients

Makes 6–8 servings
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~35 minutes
Total time: ~50 minutes

For the Soup:

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 lb Italian sausage (remove casing) — choose turkey, chicken, or beef sausage

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried basil

• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 8 oz broken lasagna noodles (regular or gluten-free)

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach (add more at the end, if desired)

For the Cheesy Topping:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil (plus more for serving)

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Instructions

Browning the Sausage & Aromatics

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat.

2. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into bite-sized bits, and cook until browned — about 5–7 minutes.

3. Add the diced onion; sauté until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Then stir in garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper, cooking until fragrant — about 30 seconds.

Building the Soup Base

4. Add tomato paste; let it cook for 1 minute to caramelize and deepen flavor.

5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir everything together and bring to a gentle boil.

Cooking the Pasta & Spinach

6. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until al dente, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

7. Add the spinach in the final 1–2 minutes and stir until just wilted.

Finishing with Cheese

8. Turn off the heat. Stir in ricotta until evenly creamy, then add mozzarella and Parmesan, melting them into the broth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Serve & Garnish

9. Ladle into warmed bowls and garnish with extra basil and cheese. For a dazzling presentation, top with an additional swirl of ricotta or basil ribbon.

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Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage and use extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or red peppers.

• Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zucchini ribbons or omit altogether for a meat & spinach soup.

• Spicy Kick: Increase red pepper flakes or stir in hot Italian sausage.

• Dairy-Free: Swap cheeses for dairy-free ricotta-style spread and shredded vegan cheese.

• Instant Pot Friendly: Sauté sausage & aromatics with the pot, then add remaining ingredients and pressure cook for 5 minutes. Add spinach and cheese after release.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular Italian sausage with pork?
Yes, you can substitute pork sausage, though turkey or chicken sausage keeps it lighter.

What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
Any sturdy pasta—penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free shapes—works well.

How do I make it kid-friendly?
Reduce seasoning slightly (especially red pepper flakes) and let the cheeses appeal to picky eaters.

Can I freeze this?
Yes—freeze before adding the cheeses and pasta. Thaw and reheat gently, then stir in cheese and pasta for best texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat over low heat and add extra broth if the pasta absorbs too much liquid.

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Why This Recipe Works

This soup merges convenience with indulgence: it’s a one-pot meal that brings Italian dinner vibes without fuss. Savory sausage, vibrant spinach, cheesy richness, and lasagna-like noodles create a balanced, flavorful bowl. It’s flexible to dietary needs and tech-savvy enough to adapt to Instant Pot or slow cooker methods.

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Meal Serve Ideas

• Pair with garlic bread or a green side salad for a full dinner.

• Top with a dollop of fresh ricotta or pesto for brightness.

• Serve with lemon wedges for added acidity and contrast.

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Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage & Spinach nails cozy Italian comfort food with minimal effort. It’s rich, flavorful, flexible, and family-approved—ready to slurp on your busiest nights. Let this become your go-to for warm, hearty cooking without the bake-time hassle.

Pin this recipe under “Cozy Weeknight Meals,” “One-Pot Comforts,” or “Italian Soup Favorites” so you’ll always have it at your fingertips!