Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

There’s something magical about taking the classic, labor-intensive lasagna and transforming it into a cozy, one-pot soup. This Instant Pot lasagna soup delivers all the flavors of the traditional dish—rich tomatoes, hearty meat, and aromatic Italian seasonings—but with half the effort and no stacking layers of noodles. Plus, the Instant Pot makes it weeknight-friendly, cooking everything in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re after a family dinner or a bowl of comfort for yourself, this recipe will quickly become a go-to. Let’s dive in!

this RECIPE

The memory that started it all

The first time I made this soup, it was a chilly fall evening. I’d planned to make traditional lasagna but realized halfway through prepping that I was missing ricotta and didn’t have the patience to wait for the oven to do its thing. That’s when inspiration struck! I tossed my broken lasagna sheets into the Instant Pot, hoping for the best. What came out was a bubbling, hearty soup that had my family asking for seconds (and thirds). It was such a hit that even my picky eater declared, “This is better than regular lasagna!” Now, whenever I’m craving lasagna but short on time, this recipe is my ultimate fallback.

A little history: how lasagna inspired a soup

Lasagna itself is one of the oldest pasta dishes in Italian cuisine, dating back to ancient Rome. While traditionally baked in layers, this soup version embraces the same beloved flavors—tomatoes, pasta, cheese, and herbs—without the fuss. Over the years, inventive cooks have turned lasagna into everything from casseroles to skillet dinners, and this soup might just be one of the best evolutions yet. The Instant Pot adds a modern touch, bringing together authentic taste and convenience in one pot.

Let’s talk ingredients: building a bowl of goodness

Every ingredient in this recipe plays its part in creating that signature lasagna flavor. Here’s how they work together and tips to get the best results:

• Beef sausage: Adds a deep, savory base to the soup. You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian twist. Brown the meat well for maximum flavor.
• Onion, sweet peppers, and garlic: These aromatics bring a sweetness and depth to the soup. When selecting sweet peppers, choose ones that are firm and brightly colored for the best taste.
• Lasagna sheets: The broken lasagna noodles give this soup its signature texture. If you’re out of lasagna sheets, any wide pasta like mafaldine or bowtie works well.
• Whole peeled tomatoes and tomato paste: These create the rich tomato base. Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor—San Marzano tomatoes are a great pick.
• Chicken broth: This thins out the soup while adding flavor. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to use vegetable broth or even water with a splash of soy sauce for depth.
• Italian seasoning: A simple way to bring those classic lasagna herbs like oregano and basil to the dish. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Optional toppings: Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella are the finishing touch that makes this soup sing. You can skip them if you’re dairy-free or use a vegan cheese alternative.

Kitchen gear: what you need (and what you don’t)

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Instant Pot: This is the star of the show, making the soup quick and fuss-free. If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can make this in a Dutch oven or large pot on the stove, though it’ll take longer to cook.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For breaking up the sausage and stirring the soup.
• Ladle: Essential for serving up those hearty bowls of soup.
• Knife and cutting board: For prepping your vegetables. A small tip: use a sharp knife to make chopping faster and safer!

Step-by-step: my foolproof method (and lessons learned)

Let’s make this soup together! Here’s how to get it just right:

1. Start with the sauté: Turn your Instant Pot to the SAUTE function on NORMAL and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, toss in the sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Brown the meat thoroughly—it adds so much flavor! If you see too much grease pooling, drain it before moving on.
2. Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion, sweet peppers, and garlic. Cook until they soften and become fragrant. This step is where your kitchen starts smelling like an Italian trattoria. Be patient—this layer of flavor is worth it.
3. Layer in the noodles and liquids: Break the lasagna sheets into bite-sized pieces and scatter them on top of the meat and veggies. Add the canned tomatoes (juice and all), tomato paste, and chicken broth. Give everything a gentle stir, pushing the noodles under the liquid to prevent them from drying out during cooking.
4. Season it up: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, sugar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. You can always adjust the seasoning later, so go light at first.
5. Pressure cook perfection: Seal the lid and set the valve to SEALING. Select PRESSURE COOK on HIGH for 4 minutes. Once it’s done, let it naturally release for 5 minutes before carefully doing a quick release.
6. Final touches: Open the lid, give the soup a stir, and taste to adjust the salt and pepper. Serve hot, ladled into bowls, and topped with Parmesan, ricotta, or mozzarella—or all three for extra indulgence.

Mix it up: variations and twists

This soup is endlessly customizable! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Vegetarian: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-free: Replace the lasagna sheets with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
• Spicy: Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
• Seasonal vegetables: Stir in some chopped zucchini, spinach, or kale at the end of cooking for extra nutrients.
• Cheesy overload: Stir shredded mozzarella directly into the pot before serving for a gooey, melty soup.

Serving suggestions: make it a meal

To serve, ladle the soup into deep bowls and top with your favorite cheeses. A sprinkling of fresh basil or parsley adds a bright, herby touch. Serve this with a side of warm, crusty bread for dipping or a simple green salad to balance the richness. For extra flair, drizzle a little olive oil over the top before serving—it’s a small touch that makes a big difference!

Perfect drink pairings

This lasagna soup pairs beautifully with drinks that enhance its hearty, savory flavors. Try serving it with a tall glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime for a refreshing contrast. A cold iced tea—especially one infused with herbs like basil or mint—can also be a lovely accompaniment. If you’re in the mood for something cozy, a creamy hot chocolate or a spiced chai latte makes a surprising yet delightful pairing.

Storing and reheating: keep the goodness going

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The noodles will soak up some liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. For the best texture, reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. This soup also freezes well—just leave off the cheese toppings until you’re ready to serve.

Adjusting for a crowd (or just yourself)

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings, but it’s easy to adjust. For a bigger batch, simply double the ingredients and cook as directed (just don’t overfill your Instant Pot). For a smaller batch, halve the ingredients but keep the cooking time the same. Keep in mind that the noodles soak up liquid, so you might want to add extra broth when reheating larger quantities.

FAQs about Instant Pot lasagna soup

1. Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes! Sauté the meat and veggies in a large pot, then add the noodles, tomatoes, and broth. Simmer until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.

2. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Any sturdy pasta works well. Penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti will do in a pinch.

3. What if my soup is too thick?
No problem! Just stir in a bit more broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.

4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, but the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. Add extra broth when reheating to bring it back to a soup-like consistency.

5. What cheeses work best for topping?
Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella are classics, but feel free to experiment with pecorino romano or even a dollop of mascarpone.

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