Bring a burst of Italian warmth to your dinner table with Lasagna Soup with Sausage & Peppers. This one-pot marvel merges savory flavors of Italian sausage, sweet bell peppers, and cheesy goodness—minus the baking fuss. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, cozy gatherings, or wholesome meal prep, offering a comforting, hearty dinner without the hassle.
Why You’ll Love It
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One-pot preparation—less mess, more flavor
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Loads of Italian favorites: sausage, peppers, cheese, and herbs
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Satisfying and rich—no assembly or layering
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Customizable for dietary preferences, easily adaptable
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Full of color and texture—visually appealing and mouthwatering
Ingredients
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: ~15 minutes
Cook Time: ~35–40 minutes
Total Time: ~55 minutes
Soup Base:
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 lb ground Italian-style sausage (pork-free; use poultry or vegan sausage if preferred)
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1 medium onion, diced
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3–4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 each red, yellow, and green bell pepper, sliced into strips
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried basil
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
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1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
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5 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
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8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
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1 cup ricotta cheese (or dairy-free alternative)
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1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese (or vegan alternative)
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½ cup grated Parmesan (or vegan-style Parmesan)
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Fresh basil and parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté Sausage and Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add sausage, cooking until browned (about 5–7 minutes), breaking it up. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in onion and cook until softened (3 minutes), then add garlic and bell pepper strips, cooking until just tender (around 4 minutes).
2. Build Bold Italian Flavor
Stir in oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add the tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly (1 minute) to deepen the flavor. Then add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Cook the Pasta
Add broken lasagna noodles carefully, stirring to prevent clumping. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally.
4. Make It Cheesy
Lower the heat. Stir in the ricotta until smooth throughout the soup. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and creamy.
5. Serve & Garnish
Ladle soup into warm bowls. Top each serving with a swirl of extra mozzarella, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a garnish of fresh basil and parsley for brightness.
Tips & Variations
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Vegetarian/Vegan Swap: Use plant-based sausage and dairy-free cheese alternatives. Vegetable broth ensures flavor and depth.
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Pasta Alternatives: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or heartier pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni.
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Boost the Veggies: Try adding spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or carrots during the simmer stage.
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Spice Adjustable: Increase or omit red pepper flakes to tailor heat level.
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Meal Prep Friendly: Refrigerate the soup base (without noodles or cheese) for up to 3 days. Add noodles and cheese upon reheating.
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Thicker Soup: Simmer uncovered longer or add a splash of cream to enrich the texture.
FAQ
Can I make this soup in the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker?
Yes!
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Instant Pot: Use sauté mode for meat and aromatics, then pressure cook with liquids and noodles for 5 minutes. Add cheeses after releasing pressure.
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Slow Cooker: Brown sausage and veggies first, then transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients (except cheese). Cook on low 6–8 hours, add noodles in the last 30 minutes, and finish with cheeses just before serving.
What if I don’t have ricotta?
Use cream cheese, mascarpone, or blend equal parts cottage cheese and cream cheese. For vegan versions, try cashew-based ricotta or store-bought plant-based alternatives.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes—freeze without noodles or cheeses. Thaw, reheat, and stir in fresh noodles and cheese when ready to serve for the best texture.
What sausage should I use if avoiding pork?
Look for turkey or chicken-based Italian sausage options. Many brands offer plant-based Italian sausage that mimic the flavor beautifully.
Nutrition Estimate (per serving)
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Calories: ~450–500 kcal
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Protein: ~22–25 g
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Fat: ~20–22 g
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Carbs: ~40–45 g (with pasta)
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Fiber: ~4–6 g
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Sodium: Adjustable depending on broth and cheese
Why It Works
This lasagna soup brings authentic Italian elements together in a no-fuss, soul-satisfying format. Savory sausage, sweet peppers, tomato-rich broth, and three cheeses deliver depth and comfort—simplicity meeting indulgence in every spoonful.
Wrap-Up & Inspiration
When you want something bold, hearty, and Italian—but easy enough for a busy weeknight—this Lasagna Soup with Sausage & Peppers checks all the boxes. It’s rustic, flavorful, and ready to comfort you with every bite.
