Lasagna Soup with Basil Ricotta Topping Recipe

If you love the comforting, rich flavors of traditional Italian lasagna but want something quicker and a little more cozy on chilly nights, this Lasagna Soup with Basil Ricotta Topping Recipe is absolutely going to become your new favorite. It’s like all the layers of lasagna wrapped into a warm bowl of soup, and that creamy basil ricotta topping? Seriously, it’s the highlight that brings everything together beautifully. Stick with me because I’ll share all my tips to make this as easy and delicious as possible!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays its part in layering the familiar lasagna taste inside a delicious, warming bowl. I like to keep high-quality Italian sausage and fresh basil on hand—trust me, it really makes a difference.

• Mild Italian sausage: Using mild keeps the soup balanced but flavorful; you can swap for spicy if you like more heat.
• Lean ground beef: Adds richness and meaty depth without being too fatty.
• Small onion: Finely minced so it melts into the soup, boosting savory notes.
• Garlic: Fresh minced—it’s the aromatic heart of this soup.
• Tomato paste: Gives a concentrated, slightly sweet tomato flavor and nice color.
• Diced tomatoes (canned): A solid pantry staple that brings texture and juiciness.
• Chicken stock: The base for a savory broth; homemade or good-quality store-bought works well.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that adds herby complexity without needing tons of different spices.
• Salt and pepper: Simple but essential seasonings to brighten everything.
• Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces so you get those classic pasta bites without fuss.
• Heavy cream (optional): For extra richness—totally optional but worth it for that creamy finish.
• Ricotta cheese: Mixed with basil and cheese for the signature topping.
• Fresh basil: Adds wonderful freshness and a pop of color.
• Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses: Both bring melty, cheesy goodness to the ricotta topping.

Variations

One reason I love this Lasagna Soup with Basil Ricotta Topping Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak it for different tastes or dietary needs, making it a real weeknight hero.

• Vegetarian Version: Swap the sausage and beef for a mix of mushrooms and lentils—I’ve tried this and it’s surprisingly satisfying and hearty.
• Dairy-Free: Omit the cream and top with a homemade cashew ricotta or skip the topping altogether for a lighter soup.
• Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes when sautéing or use spicy Italian sausage to give it a lively kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and a gluten-free stock—you won’t miss a beat.

How to Make Lasagna Soup with Basil Ricotta Topping Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Build Flavor

First things first, take the Italian sausage out of its casing and toss it along with the ground beef into a large soup pot over medium-high heat. Use your spoon or spatula to break the meat into small pieces as it browns. The key here is to get a nice caramelized crust on the meat—that’s where tons of flavor comes from. This takes about 6-8 minutes. If you rush, you’ll miss out on that deep, savory base.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Tomato Paste

Once the meat is browned, add in your finely minced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the garlic and tomato paste. Cook everything together until the tomato paste darkens slightly and smells sweet—around 2 minutes. This little step amplifies the tomato flavor wonderfully and prevents any raw tomato taste.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Seasonings, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken stock, diced tomatoes with their juices, Italian seasoning, plus salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a rolling boil, then add the broken-up lasagna noodles. Lower the heat, cover, and simmer until your noodles are tender, which takes about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally so noodles don’t stick to the bottom.

Step 4: Whip Up That Basil Ricotta Topping

While your soup simmers away, mix ricotta, minced basil, parmesan, mozzarella, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. This creamy herbed mixture is the secret weapon of this soup—it turns each spoonful into a flavor party. I always make a little extra because I love dolloping it on generously!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the soup from heat and stir in the heavy cream if you’re using it—for that smooth, velvety finish. Ladle the soup into bowls and generously top each serving with the basil ricotta mixture. If you want, throw on a few extra basil leaves for color and a fresh punch. This is the moment when everyone at the table swoons.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup with Basil Ricotta Topping Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of adding a few fresh basil leaves right on top of the ricotta topping—it adds that herbaceous punch and makes the dish look restaurant-worthy. Sometimes I also sprinkle a little extra grated parmesan for good measure. If you want a bit of crunch, crispy garlic bread crumbs or toasted pine nuts are lovely additions.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Also, crusty garlic bread or focaccia rounds out the meal perfectly—especially when you want to scoop up every last bit of that creamy soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I like serving the soup in mini cast-iron skillets or individual crocks. Adding a small basil sprig and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil on top makes it feel fancy without extra fuss. Kids love it when I make little pasta “boats” with toasted baguette slices on the side for dipping!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the soup completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the basil ricotta topping separate to maintain its fresh texture and add just before serving.

Freezing

This soup freezes well without the ricotta topping, so I recommend freezing it in single portions. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge—then just whip up fresh ricotta topping for the best flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once warmed through, stir in the cream again if you want a rich finish. Top with your fresh basil ricotta and enjoy like it’s straight from the pot.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love this Lasagna Soup with Basil Ricotta Topping Recipe because it captures everything I adore about classic lasagna but in a warm, slurpable bowl that comes together quickly—no layered pans required! Whenever I’m craving that cozy Italian vibe but short on time, this is my go-to. Trust me, once you try it with the fresh ricotta topping, you’ll get it why it’s my favorite weeknight comfort meal. Give it a whirl and let me know if it becomes a staple in your kitchen too!

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