If you’re craving all the comforting, hearty flavors of traditional lasagna but want a quicker, cozier way to enjoy it, this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It delivers the rich blend of seasoned meat, gooey cheeses, and tender noodles in a luscious, warming broth that feels like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend gathering, this soup hits all the right notes with surprisingly simple ingredients and an effortless cooking process that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture that truly elevate this lasagna-inspired soup. The combination of herbs, cheeses, and noodles work together to create a dish that’s vibrant in taste and cozy in every spoonful.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the meat evenly for that deep, savory base.
- Ground beef or Italian sausage: Provides hearty protein and a flavorful kick, making the soup satisfying and filling.
- Diced yellow onion: Brings sweetness and soft texture that balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Minced garlic: Offers a punch of aromatic warmth essential to Italian dishes.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that layers in classic herbal notes.
- Salt and black pepper: Season perfectly to enhance every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor, enriching the broth’s depth.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): Forms the hearty and colorful base of the soup.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid foundation that ties everything together elegantly.
- Broken lasagna noodles: The nostalgic pasta element broken down to soup-sized bites for easy eating.
- Heavy cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture to finish the soup beautifully.
- Ricotta cheese: Imparts a rich, soft, and slightly tangy note that makes this soup truly comforting.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly throughout, delivering gooey, cheesy goodness in every spoonful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a sharp, salty finish that balances the creamy textures.
- Fresh basil or parsley: Brightens the dish with fresh herbal color and aroma as a garnish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add your choice of ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial because browning develops the rich, savory foundation that sets this soup apart from ordinary tomato soups. Drain any excess grease for a cleaner finish if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent. This brings natural sweetness and depth to the broth. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until its aroma fills your kitchen, unlocking that signature Italian essence.
Step 3: Season and Build the Broth
Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Add the tomato paste and stir well to intensify the tomato flavor. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to start melding all those beautiful flavors.
Step 4: Add and Cook the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer gently for 12 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender and perfectly cooked through. This is what turns the soup into a filling, pasta-centric meal.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses and Cream
Lower the heat to keep everything warm and gently stir in the heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir carefully until all the cheeses melt fully into a creamy, luscious broth. Simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the flavors marry beautifully. At this point, taste the soup and tweak the seasoning if necessary to suit your preference.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top won’t hurt either, adding a salty, indulgent finish that pulls the flavors together perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out the table, crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad provide excellent texture contrast. The bread is especially handy for soaking up any leftover creamy broth, making every drop count.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual ramekins or hollow out small bread bowls for a rustic, inviting presentation. You could even sprinkle a little crispy pancetta or sautéed mushrooms on top to elevate the flavor and add a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your lasagna soup, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue to soak up the broth, so it might thicken—a sign it’s packed full of flavor.
Freezing
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe freezes well if you want to save portions for later. Freeze in portion-sized containers without the fresh herbs garnish and try to leave out the fresh cream when freezing if possible, adding it fresh when reheating to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, just add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it back up. Adding a little extra ricotta or cream during reheating can also refresh the creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef or sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well if you’re looking for a leaner option, though you might want to add a bit more seasoning to keep that rich flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can swap out the meat for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The cheeses and cream will still provide plenty of richness.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but expect a slightly less creamy texture. Coconut milk is a dairy-free alternative if you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, but it will add a subtle coconut flavor.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply replace the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta broken into pieces or use gluten-free lasagna sheets. Just watch the cooking time to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the soup up to the point before adding the cheeses and cream, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring it back to a simmer and stir in the dairy ingredients for that fresh-from-the-pot creaminess.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like lasagna lite in a bowl, bringing together all the flavors you love in a way that’s fast, fun, and utterly comforting. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover your new go-to recipe for cozy nights and happy diners!
Print
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a hearty and creamy soup form. Featuring ground beef, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, broken lasagna noodles, and a luscious blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, it’s a perfect one-pot meal that’s simple to make and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 0.75 cup ricotta cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Drain any excess grease if needed to keep the soup from becoming too oily.
- Sauté Vegetables and Seasoning: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, season with dried Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, stirring to combine.
- Add Tomato Ingredients: Mix in the tomato paste until well combined with the meat and vegetables. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil to meld the flavors.
- Cook Noodles: Add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles to the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Finish with Cream and Cheeses: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix gently and continue to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the cheeses to melt completely and the soup to become creamy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or pepper. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- For extra richness, add an additional dollop of ricotta cheese when serving.
- This soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen the consistency.
- Ground Italian sausage can be substituted for beef for bolder flavor.
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this recipe gluten free.
