If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of a classic Italian favorite but want something quicker and spoonable, this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is just what you need. It’s a hearty, cozy bowl that captures the essence of lasagna with every creamy, cheesy, and savory spoonful—minus the layers and baking time. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you want to impress without hassle, this soup brings together rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, plenty of cheese, and fragrant basil into one soul-warming dish that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, contributing to the perfect blend of taste, texture, and color. From the richness of the ground beef to the aromatic freshness of basil, these ingredients come together to create a comforting symphony of flavors.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing, adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth to the broth when softened.
- Ground beef (80/20): Provides hearty meatiness and a juicy texture.
- Garlic (minced): A punch of bold aroma that elevates the savory notes.
- Red pepper flakes: Offers a gentle heat to keep things exciting.
- Dried oregano: Brings that classic Italian herb flavor you love in lasagna.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, enhancing richness.
- Tomato basil pasta sauce: The saucy backbone infused with sweet basil notes.
- Diced canned tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh tomato brightness.
- Chicken broth: Creates the soup’s liquid base, lending savory depth.
- Kosher salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the pot.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): The perfect pasta bite to mimic traditional lasagna.
- Heavy cream (optional): Makes the soup luxuriously smooth and creamy.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds a nutty, savory punch on top and inside.
- Ricotta cheese: Dolloped for creamy bursts and richness in every bite.
- Fresh basil (finely chopped): Provides a bright, herbaceous finish to the dish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the aromatics and brown the meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s beautifully soft and translucent—this step is vital for building a sweet, tender base. Next, toss in the ground beef and sauté until it’s browned all over. This caramelization adds a depth of flavor that makes the soup feel robust and comforting.
Step 2: Layer in the flavors
Once your meat is browned, add minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and kosher salt for that perfect seasoning balance. Stir in tomato paste and cook for a minute or two to deepen that rich tomato flavor. Then pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a lively boil—this is where all those ingredients start melding into something magical.
Step 3: Cook the noodles in the broth
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to your bubbling pot. This clever shortcut skips boiling pasta separately and absorbs all the wonderful flavors from the soup. Toss in the remaining kosher salt to taste. Reduce heat and let it all simmer until the noodles are tender, soaking up the tomatoey goodness and thickening the soup naturally.
Step 4: Create the creamy, cheesy finish
Once the noodles are perfectly tender, stir in the heavy cream for that silky smooth texture, though it’s totally optional if you prefer a lighter option. Feel free to add a splash more chicken broth if you want your soup a little thinner. Here comes the best part—stir in shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese right into the soup to give it that irresistibly creamy and cheesy embrace.
Step 5: Serve with fresh cheese and basil
Ladle your warm, fragrant soup into bowls, and top generously with dollops of ricotta cheese, extra mozzarella, parmesan, and sprinkles of fresh basil. Each bite boasts layers of melty cheese, fresh herbs, and hearty noodles that perfectly nail the lasagna vibe without all the fuss.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is where you can personalize your bowl. Fresh basil gives your soup a vibrant herbal burst, while sprinkling parmesan on top brings an extra punch of savory flavor. Don’t skip those dollops of ricotta cheese, which add a delightful creaminess and visual appeal. A drizzle of olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give an additional flavor twist.
Side Dishes
This soup is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread can turn the dinner into a full Italian feast. A simple Caesar or arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and crunch, balancing the soup’s creaminess. For bread, something crusty works best to mop up every last bit of that saucy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic bowls for a comforting vibe, or go fancy by layering cheese dollops in a swirl on top to impress guests visually. You can also present it with a side of toasted baguette slices topped with fresh herbs and parmesan for a stylish appetizer complement. Even garnishing with a small sprig of fresh basil on each bowl adds an inviting touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe tastes just as good the next day, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, so reheated soup can feel even more satisfying.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, this soup freezes well, though the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. Cool the soup completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months for best taste and quality.
Reheating
Reheat your leftover lasagna soup gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the consistency. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of ground beef in this soup?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative that works wonderfully in this recipe. Just cook it the same way you would the beef, browning it and building your flavors around it. The soup will still be hearty and delicious.
Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the soup?
The heavy cream is optional but highly recommended if you want to achieve that signature creamy texture. If you prefer a lighter version, you can skip it or substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, though the soup may be less rich.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for stovetop cooking, you can adapt it for a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté onions first, then add all ingredients minus pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add noodles and cheeses in the last 30 minutes to avoid overcooking pasta.
What can I use instead of lasagna noodles if I don’t have any?
Any pasta that holds up well in broth can substitute lasagna noodles. Rigatoni, penne, or even broken spaghetti pieces can work nicely, giving you the familiar pasta texture with a bit of variety.
How can I make this soup spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a splash of hot sauce to the broth. Fresh chopped chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper also kick the spice level up beautifully without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a total game-changer when you want the familiar comfort of lasagna without the fuss of layers and baking. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, perfect for cozy nights or feeding a crowd with minimal effort. I can’t recommend it enough—once you try it, it just might become your go-to weeknight favorite too!
Print
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup transforms classic lasagna flavors into a comforting, hearty soup perfect for a cozy weeknight meal. Combining ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, rich tomato sauces, and a medley of cheeses, this soup delivers all the indulgence of traditional lasagna in a quicker, simpler format.
Ingredients
Main 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 prefer a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided (or more to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent. Add ground beef and sauté, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned all over. Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute to release aromas.
- Add Sauces and Simmer Noodles: Pour in tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles and the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until the noodles are tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream to add richness and smoothness to the soup. If you desire a thinner consistency, add an additional 1 to 2 cups of chicken broth. For extra creaminess, you may stir some shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese directly into the hot soup at this stage.
- Serve with Cheese and Basil: Ladle the lasagna soup into bowls. Top each serving with dollops of ricotta cheese, additional shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and sprinkle with chopped fresh basil. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for variation.
- If you prefer vegetarian, omit meat and use vegetable broth.
- Fresh basil can be replaced with dried basil if necessary, but use less (about 1 teaspoon).
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat dairy or omit heavy cream.
- Adding extra chicken broth controls the soup’s thickness to your liking.
- Break lasagna noodles evenly for uniform cooking and better texture.
