Give it up, my sweet friend! You cannot resist the temptation of this recipe. I am practically buzzing with excitement to share this Southern Lasagna Soup – Paula Deen Inspired Classic with you today.
It’s the ultimate hug in a bowl. Imagine all the cozy, cheesy goodness of a classic lasagna, but you get to eat it with a spoon. Come to Mama! If you’re looking for more comforting soup recipes, you should definitely try our loaded baked potato soup with chicken and bacon.
Recipe Overview
Before we dive into the cheesy abyss, let’s get the basics down. This is your roadmap to comfort food heaven.
- Cuisine: American Southern
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
Do You Love This Recipe Too?
The first time I made this soup, my entire kitchen smelled like my grandmother’s house on a Sunday afternoon. It was pure, unadulterated comfort.
I knew I had stumbled onto something magical. Now, it’s my go-to dish for chilly evenings and potlucks. It always, without fail, disappears first.
My Shopping List for This Recipe
Gathering these ingredients is half the fun! I love the colorful array on my counter before we begin.
It’s a promise of the deliciousness to come. Let’s get our goodies together.
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
Alright, let’s line everything up. Trust me, a little prep now makes the cooking process a breeze later.
Here’s everything you’ll need for this soul-warming masterpiece.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot, your choice!)
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
PREPARATION
This is where the magic happens! I love watching everything come together in the pot. For another fantastic slow-cooked meal, you’ll adore our creamy Mediterranean crockpot chicken with artichokes.
Southern Lasagna Soup – Paula Deen Inspired Classic Recipe
Let’s Get Your Ingredients Ready
PREPARATION
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Southern Lasagna Soup – Paula Deen Inspired Classic Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The aroma will have your whole family gathered in the kitchen. Get ready for some serious compliments.
- Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook for just one more minute until it’s incredibly fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and the can of diced tomatoes. Give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Those bits are pure flavor gold!
- Bring your soup to a lively boil. Then, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook, uncovered, for about 15-20 minutes. You want the noodles to be perfectly tender.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is gloriously creamy. Season with salt and pepper until it’s just right for you.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This is your creamy dollop of heaven for serving.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the seasoned ricotta and a sprinkle of fresh basil. Serve immediately and watch the smiles appear.
Fun Variations to Try Next Time
Once you’ve mastered the classic, feel free to get playful! Cooking is all about making a recipe your own.
Here are a few of my favorite twists to keep things interesting.
- Meat Lover’s Dream: Swap the Italian sausage for a half-and-half mix of ground beef and ground pork. It adds a deeper, richer meaty flavor.
- Veggie-Packed Powerhouse: Sneak in some chopped spinach or zucchini with the onions. It’s a fantastic way to get extra greens in.
- Spice It Up: Use hot Italian sausage and add an extra pinch of red pepper flakes if you really want to turn up the heat. Your taste buds will thank you!
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
This soup is almost as good the next day, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal. Let’s talk about keeping it fresh.
Follow these simple tips for the best results.
- To Store: Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. I recommend freezing it without the ricotta dollop or pasta, as they can become mushy. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- To Reheat: Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to thin it out as the noodles absorb liquid. Then, add your fresh ricotta topping!
NUTRITION INFORMATION
This is a hearty, comforting dish, and it’s meant to be enjoyed as such! Here’s a general breakdown per serving.
- Calories: 585
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 1820mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 10g
If you’re craving something sweet after this savory meal, you must try our incredible homemade apple fritter bread for dessert.
A Quick Q&A on This Recipe
I get so many questions about this soup! Here are the answers to the ones I hear most often.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles give it that authentic feel, you can use any short pasta you have on hand. Mafalda, rotini, or even medium shell pasta work wonderfully.
My soup thickened up in the fridge. What should I do?
Don’t you worry! The noodles are thirsty little things. Just add a bit more chicken broth or water when you reheat it. Stir until it reaches your perfect, soupy consistency again.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
You bet! You can brown the sausage and onion ahead of time. Then, when you’re ready, just pick up from step 3. It cuts the prep time down significantly for a busy weeknight.
Well, my dear friend, there you have it. My absolute pride and joy, the soup that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out.
I am just so thrilled for you to experience this cozy, cheesy bliss in your own kitchen. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment and a rating below to let me know what you think!
