If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of craving homemade lasagna but not having the patience (or the clean-up energy) to make an entire pan. That’s exactly why I adore this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe—it’s all the cozy, Italian comfort without the fuss. You just toss everything in the slow cooker and come back hours later to a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the sausage, tomatoes, and herbs melded into something so rich and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want dinner ready without standing over the stove. Plus, it’s super flexible with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Trust me, once you try this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe, it’ll be a new family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-off Cooking: Let your crockpot do the work while you relax or tackle other things.
- Comforting Flavor: All the familiar lasagna flavors come through in every spoonful, but much quicker.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on what you have or dietary preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a cozy night in or casual dinner with friends, this soup fits right in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All these ingredients come together wonderfully to build a layered, saucy, and savory soup that captures the essence of classic lasagna. I like to use mild Italian sausage for just the right amount of seasoning without overpowering the other flavors.
- Mild Italian sausage: Removing the casing helps it break up nicely and cook evenly.
- Onion: Adds a sweet, savory base that balances the richness of the sausage.
- Minced garlic: Essential for that authentic Italian flavor kick.
- Italian seasoning: Blends herbs like oregano and basil that lift the whole dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Key for seasoning—don’t skip or under-salt.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps your soup flavorful without extra salt.
- Canned diced tomatoes (Italian style): The heart of the tomato base—choose quality for best taste.
- Jarred tomato pasta sauce: Adds thickness and depth; I use a good brand for richer flavor.
- Short pasta or broken lasagna noodles: They soak up the delicious sauce perfectly without getting mushy.
- Fresh spinach: I love the pop of green and extra nutrients, but frozen works in a pinch—just squeeze out the excess water first.
- Ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley: These toppings bring creaminess, gooeyness, and freshness to every bowl.
Variations
I love making this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe my own by swapping ingredients or tweaking it to suit different tastes and occasions. You’ll find it’s a versatile base that adapts well!
- Meat Variation: I sometimes use ground turkey instead of sausage for a leaner option—it still tastes amazing and is a little lighter.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the sausage for hearty mushrooms or lentils to keep it filling without meat.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce if you like a little kick.
- Cheese Swap: Try adding a dollop of mascarpone or creamy goat cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture and flavor.
How to Make Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Onion
Start by heating a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the mild Italian sausage (with casings removed) and finely chopped onion together, stirring often to break up the sausage evenly. You want the sausage nicely browned but not overcooked—about 6-8 minutes. This browning step really builds the flavor base, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Transfer to Crockpot
Once browned, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper right in the skillet. Let the garlic get fragrant for about a minute, but don’t burn it. Then, transfer everything to your 4-6 quart crockpot. This keeps all the tasty bits and spices together, ready for slow cooking.
Step 3: Combine Broth, Tomatoes, and Sauce
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, canned diced Italian tomatoes, and jarred tomato pasta sauce over your meat and onion mixture in the crockpot. Stir gently to combine. Cover and cook on low for 3 to 6 hours, or on high for 2 to 3 hours. This slow simmer lets all those flavors meld beautifully without you having to stir constantly.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Cook Until Tender
Switch your crockpot to high and open the lid. Stir in your choice of short pasta or broken lasagna noodles, and cook uncovered for about 30 minutes until the pasta is tender but still holding its shape. If you’re particular about al dente pasta, you can cook it separately and just add it to the soup before serving.
Step 5: Stir in Spinach and Serve
Just before serving, toss in fresh spinach and stir until it wilts into the soup. Then ladle it out and top your bowls with a generous spoonful of ricotta, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella and parmesan, and fresh parsley for a bright finish. I absolutely love how these toppings add creaminess and that signature lasagna feel right in your spoon.
Pro Tips for Making Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Remove sausage casings: This helps the sausage break up evenly and prevents clumps in your soup.
- Brown carefully: Don’t skip browning the sausage and onions—it’s key for deep flavor but avoid burning garlic by adding it later.
- Choose pasta wisely: Short pasta or broken lasagna noodles work best; avoid large noodles that take too long to soften.
- Spinach timing: Add fresh greens last to keep their color and texture vibrant, making your soup feel fresh and bright.
How to Serve Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
When I serve this lasagna soup, I don’t hold back on the garnishes. A dollop of creamy ricotta adds dreamy richness, while a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella melts into every hot spoonful. Parmesan cheese gives a salty punch, and fresh parsley brightens the whole bowl visually and flavor-wise. Sometimes I add a few crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat, too!
Side Dishes
To round out the meal, my go-to sides are crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks—perfect for soaking up all those delicious flavors. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also pairs well, cutting through the richness and keeping things balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual dinner parties, I love serving this crockpot lasagna soup in mini bread bowls—everyone feels special getting their own edible bowl! It’s also a fun way to surprise guests and make the meal feel festive without extra fuss. For a weeknight meal, just use your favorite soup bowls and add a sprinkle of parmesan at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so it tastes even better the next day. Just be sure to keep the cheese toppings separate until reheating to avoid clumping.
Freezing
Freezing this soup works well if you skip adding the pasta before freezing (since pasta can get mushy). Freeze without the noodles in portions, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. I learned this trick after my first freezer batch came out a bit soggy otherwise.
Reheating
To reheat, I warm the soup gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, a splash of broth or water helps loosen it up. Then add fresh spinach or pasta if needed, and top with cheese just before serving.
FAQs
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Can I use different types of pasta for Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles are best because they cook evenly and hold sauce well, you can get creative. Just adjust cooking time based on pasta size and type to avoid mushiness.
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Is it necessary to brown the sausage before slow cooking?
Browning the sausage first really amps up the flavor, creating caramelized bits that add depth to the soup. Though you technically could skip this step, I don’t recommend it because the flavor won’t be as rich or well-developed.
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Can I make Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare most of the soup a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Add fresh pasta and spinach just before serving to keep textures fresh. This makes for an easy, stress-free meal the next day.
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How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. This keeps the soup hearty and flavorful without meat.
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Can I add more vegetables to the Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in diced carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers early in the cooking process for extra nutrition and flavor. Just chop them fairly small so they cook thoroughly during the slow cooking time.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Crockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe has become my go-to for those chilly evenings when I want all the comfort of lasagna but none of the hassle. It’s forgiving, delicious, and the leftovers are just as good. I can’t recommend it enough if you want a fuss-free, cozy meal that feels a little special but is totally doable. Give it a try—I’d love to hear how it becomes a favorite in your kitchen, too!
PrintCrockpot Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and hearty Crockpot Lasagna Soup that combines Italian sausage, tomatoes, pasta, and fresh spinach slow-cooked to perfection. This easy one-pot recipe delivers all the classic lasagna flavors in a warm, cozy soup, topped with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1½ cups fresh spinach or ⅓ cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Sauces
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 398 ml canned diced tomatoes Italian style (14 oz)
- 1½ cups jarred tomato pasta sauce
Pasta
- 2 cups short pasta or 8 broken lasagna noodles (about 160 grams)
For Serving
- Ricotta cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage and Onion: In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage and finely chopped onion, stirring frequently, until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
- Add Seasonings and Transfer to Crockpot: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper into the sausage mixture. Pour everything into a 4-6 quart crockpot.
- Add Broth, Tomatoes, and Pasta Sauce: Pour the low-sodium chicken broth, canned diced tomatoes, and jarred tomato pasta sauce into the crockpot. Cover with lid and cook on low for 3 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the Pasta in the Crockpot: Turn the slow cooker to high, open the lid, and stir in the short pasta or broken lasagna noodles. Cook for 30 minutes or until pasta is tender. Optionally, you can cook pasta separately if you prefer firmer noodles.
- Stir in Spinach and Serve: Just before serving, stir in fresh or thawed and drained frozen spinach. Serve each bowl topped with ricotta, shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley to taste.
Notes
- Cooking time can be adjusted depending on your crockpot; low for 3-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours works best.
- If you prefer noodles that are al dente, cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving.
- Use fresh spinach for best flavor, but frozen spinach works well if thawed and fully drained.
- Feel free to customize cheese toppings according to your preference.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg