5-Ingredient Lasagna Soup: Simple Recipe & Tips

The five essential ingredients for authentic lasagna soup are canned tomatoes, Italian sausage, lasagna noodles, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. This streamlined recipe delivers all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in soup form with minimal ingredients, ready in under 30 minutes with pantry staples you likely already have.

Craving the rich, cheesy goodness of lasagna but short on time? This 5-ingredient lasagna soup recipe solves your weeknight dinner dilemma without compromising flavor. Home cooks increasingly seek easy 5-ingredient lasagna soup recipes that deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and ingredients. The magic happens through smart ingredient selection—each component pulls double duty to create complex flavors typically requiring a longer ingredient list.

Why This Minimalist Approach Works

Traditional lasagna requires numerous components, but this simplified version leverages ingredient synergy. Canned tomatoes provide both acidity and sweetness while forming the soup's base. Italian sausage contributes protein, fat, and seasoning in one step. Broken lasagna noodles thicken the broth naturally as they cook. Fresh basil adds brightness that balances the richness, while mozzarella melts into creamy perfection without requiring additional dairy.

Perfect 5-Ingredient Lasagna Soup Recipe

This simple lasagna soup with minimal ingredients maintains authentic flavor through strategic ingredient selection. Here's exactly what you need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Why It Matters
Canned crushed tomatoes	28 oz	Creates rich base with perfect acidity and sweetness
Italian sausage	1 lb	Provides protein, fat, and built-in seasoning
Dry lasagna noodles	3 oz	Breaks down to thicken soup while adding texture
Fresh mozzarella	4 oz, cubed	Melts into creamy richness without additional dairy
Fresh basil	¼ cup, chopped	Adds bright herbal notes that balance richness

Step-by-Step Preparation

Follow these straightforward steps for perfect 5-ingredient lasagna soup every time:

1. Brown 1 pound Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat, breaking into small pieces
2. Add 28 oz crushed tomatoes (with juices) and bring to a gentle simmer
3. Break 3 oz dry lasagna noodles into 1-inch pieces and stir into the simmering liquid
4. Cook uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and soup has thickened
5. Remove from heat and stir in 4 oz cubed fresh mozzarella until melted
6. Finish with ¼ cup chopped fresh basil just before serving

Pro Tips for Best Results

Master this quick weeknight lasagna soup with these chef-tested techniques:

• Noodle technique: Break noodles with kitchen shears directly over the pot to prevent sticking
• Texture control: For thicker soup, simmer 2-3 minutes longer; for brothier version, add ½ cup water
• Cheese secret: Add mozzarella off-heat to prevent rubbery texture
• Flavor boost: Let soup rest 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld

Variations and Substitutions

This 5 ingredient lasagna soup for busy families adapts beautifully to dietary needs and pantry limitations:

• Vegetarian version: Substitute plant-based sausage and add 1 cup white beans for protein
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles (cook separately and add at the end)
• Dairy-free alternative: Replace mozzarella with 2 tbsp nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor
• Extra vegetable boost: Stir in 1 cup spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking

Serving and Storage

Enjoy your homemade lasagna soup with pantry staples exactly as prepared or enhance with these simple additions:

• Serve in warm bowls with extra basil on top
• Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat
• Pair with garlic bread for a complete meal
• Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 4 days
• Freeze portions for up to 3 months (thaw overnight before reheating)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?

Yes, but add 1 tsp fennel seeds and ½ tsp red pepper flakes to compensate for the missing Italian seasoning in the sausage. Brown the beef thoroughly to develop flavor before adding tomatoes.

How do I prevent the noodles from becoming mushy?

Break noodles into small pieces and add them to already simmering liquid. Cook just until tender (15-18 minutes)—overcooking causes mushiness. The noodles will continue softening off-heat from residual warmth.

Why does this recipe work with only 5 ingredients?

Each ingredient serves multiple purposes: tomatoes provide acidity and sweetness, sausage offers protein and seasoning, noodles thicken the broth, mozzarella adds creaminess without extra dairy, and basil balances richness with freshness—creating complex flavor from minimal components.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare through step 4 (without noodles), then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat and add broken noodles, cooking until tender. Add cheese and basil just before serving for best texture and flavor.

What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

Gently reheat on stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Avoid boiling, which can make the cheese stringy. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, for best results.