There’s something irresistibly comforting about a warm bowl of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. Imagine sinking into a comfy chair after a long, busy day, wrapped in a soft blanket, and cradling a steaming bowl filled with rich, savory broth, tender noodles, and a symphony of cheesy goodness. The aroma wafting through the room has an almost magnetic pull, enticing you to take that first delightful spoonful. This dish brings together the love of traditional lasagna and the convenience of a soup, turning a classic favorite into an exciting new experience. When the flavors mingle in the pot, you’ll know you’ve created something special—perfect for chilly nights or when you need a comforting hug in a bowl.
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting and creamy take on traditional lasagna, this soup is perfect for chilly nights and filled with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (more if you want a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2″ pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and oregano; cook for about a minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste to deepen flavors and color.
- Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth; bring to a boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and remaining kosher salt; reduce heat and simmer until noodles are tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream and extra cheese if desired for more creaminess.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with dollops of ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and sprinkle with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Adjust the thickness by adding more broth if needed while reheating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What sets Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup apart is its delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Each spoonful is a joy—creamy yet hearty, bold yet soothing. Here’s why this dish is bound to become a favorite:
Flavorful Layers: Just like classic lasagna, this soup is layered with rich flavors that evolve as it simmers. You’ll find subtle hints of garlic and oregano, brightened by the tomatoes and accented with a touch of spice.
Cheesy Goodness: The combination of mozzarella, ricotta, and parmesan creates a luscious foundation that makes each bowl feel indulgent. It’s comfort food at its finest, and you’ll likely find yourself craving seconds.
Simplicity: This soup allows you to enjoy a beloved dish without the fuss of assembling layers of pasta and cheese. It’s truly an easy recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Nostalgic Touch: For many, lasagna is a dish that speaks to family gatherings and special occasions. This soup offers a warm dose of nostalgia in every bite, evoking memories of cozy dinners shared with loved ones.
Customizable: This foundational recipe can easily adapt to include your favorite ingredients—whether you want to add seasonal vegetables or switch up the meat—you have the freedom to customize it to your taste.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Now let’s dive into the world of flavor and comfort with this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. It’s a simple process, and I promise, you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together.
First, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients to make the cooking process as smooth as possible. Once you have everything on hand, we’ll start cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion (finely diced)
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (more if you want a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2″ pieces)
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped)
Let me break down a few of these ingredients for you. The olive oil is essential for sautéing and builds the base flavor of the dish. Ground beef adds heartiness; using a higher fat content (like 80/20) ensures the soup has the richness that complements the other flavors.
The onion and garlic create that aromatic foundation—we all know how lovely a kitchen smells during the sautéing process! The red pepper flakes bring just enough heat to awaken your palate without overwhelming it. And we can’t forget the tomatoes—the tomato paste, sauce, and diced canned tomatoes will provide layers of tomatoey goodness, while the heavy cream lends a luxurious creaminess to the soup.
You can always swap out ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile, and if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, roasted vegetables or mushrooms would work wonderfully in this recipe as well.
Directions
Let’s get to cooking! Begin by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the finely diced onion. Sauté until the onion is translucent and soft, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Now, it’s time to add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s browned all over, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Once the beef is beautifully browned, you’ll want to stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, a teaspoon of kosher salt, and oregano. This is when it starts to smell amazing! Cook everything together for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant, then mix in the tomato paste. This will deepen the flavors and give your soup a richer color.
Next, it’s time to pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, watching it gently bubble away. Once it reaches a boil, add the broken lasagna noodles and give everything a good stir. Afterward, sprinkle in the remaining kosher salt, adjusting it to your preference. Reduce the heat and let it simmer away, stirring occasionally, until the noodles have softened, typically around 10-12 minutes.
When those noodles are tender and ready, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream—this is where the soup transforms into a velvety creation! If you’re looking for a thinner consistency, feel free to add an extra cup or two of chicken broth at this point. For an extra cheesy experience, you might want to stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or a couple of tablespoons of parmesan into the soup, creating delicious cheesy pockets throughout.
Finally, it’s serving time! Carefully ladle the lasagna soup into bowls, and here’s the fun part—spoon dollops of ricotta cheese into each bowl and sprinkle a little mozzarella and parmesan on top. The fresh, finely chopped basil adds that gorgeous pop of color and aroma, making your dish not only tasty but visually appealing.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Serving your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup can be a delightful experience, and there are several ways to make it extra special. Consider serving this hearty dish on a cozy family night; it pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a light side salad to balance the richness. For a casual gathering, set up a DIY toppings bar with additional cheeses, fresh herbs, and even a sprinkle of chili flakes so everyone can customize their bowls.
Visually, the rich reds and creamy whites of the soup, paired with the vibrant green of the basil, make for a lovely presentation. This dish is also perfect for holidays or casual get-togethers, as it brings warmth and comfort to any table.
How to Store Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Got leftovers? No problem! To store any remaining Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, let it cool down to room temperature and transfer it into airtight containers. You can keep it in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over medium heat—this will help maintain the texture of the noodles. You can also warm it up in the microwave for a quick fix!
If you want that extra bit of comfort, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes. This will give it that crispy texture around the edges that you might miss from freshly made soup.
Tips for Perfect Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Cooking is an art, but there are always ways to make the process smoother. Here are a few tips to ensure your soup turns out perfectly every time:
Cook your meat thoroughly: Make sure the ground beef is well-browned; not only does this enhance the flavor, but it also adds depth to your soup.
Don’t skip the simmering: Allow the soup to simmer until the noodles are tender. This is crucial for developing the rich flavors throughout the dish.
Adjust the seasonings: Always taste before serving. Depending on the brand of your chicken broth and tomatoes, you may want to add more salt or spices to enhance the taste.
Thickness control: If your soup thickens too much while sitting, just add a splash of broth or water while reheating to bring it back to life.
Add a little zest: Consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a touch of brightness—it can elevate the flavors beautifully.
Variations
While this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is delectable as is, there are plenty of fun ways to mix it up:
Vegetarian Version: Swap the ground beef for a mix of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. These add a wonderful texture and flavor while keeping it plant-based.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles; they’re widely available these days and work just as well! Make sure to check your pasta sauce and broth for gluten-free certification.
Dairy-Free Option: Replace the heavy cream with coconut milk for a creamy texture without dairy. Use vegan cheese for the toppings—there are plenty of options on the market now that melt beautifully.
Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, add diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to the pot before serving.
FAQs
Can I make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes great the next day. Just store it in the fridge, and the flavors will deepen as it sits. If you’re planning to store it for more than a few days, go ahead and freeze it in individual portions for easy meals later.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
You can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or even a combination of vegetables like mushrooms, lentils, or eggplant for a hearty, meatless option.
Does the soup freeze well?
Yes, it does! Just remember to keep the texture in mind—when freezing, the noodles may soften slightly when reheated, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Can I use fresh lasagna sheets instead of broken noodles?
You certainly can! Just cut them into strips to mimic the noodles. However, you might want to slightly adjust the cooking time since fresh pasta can cook quicker than dried.
Conclusion
In the cozy realm of comfort food, Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup holds a special place. Its rich flavors, heartwarming aromas, and creamy texture turn a classic dish into a delightful and simple experience. From the first simmer to the last bite, this soup is more than just a meal; it’s a way to share warmth and love around the dinner table. I invite you to give this recipe a try, and if you enjoy it, save it for later or share it with someone who would appreciate this delicious dish too!