Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Ah, lasagna! It’s a dish that conjures memories of family gatherings, laughter echoing around the kitchen, and the comforting aroma of bubbling cheese. But what if I told you that you could enjoy all the delightful, cozy flavors of lasagna in a warm, inviting soup? This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup captures the essence of traditional lasagna but with a delightful twist. Imagine a chilly evening, a gentle hum of conversation in your kitchen, and this creamy, comforting soup warming your soul. It’s a recipe that feels like home, wrapped in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Comforting Soup

• Effortless Comfort: This recipe takes all the heartwarming flavors of lasagna and transforms them into a one-pot wonder, perfect for a comforting meal after a long day. Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires multiple steps and layers, this soup simplifies the process without sacrificing any of the flavor.
• Family-Friendly: With its familiar flavors and approachable ingredients, this soup is sure to become a family favorite that even the kids will ask for again and again. The soup’s cheesy, savory goodness is universally appealing and is a great way to introduce children to the joys of cooking and eating together.
• Quick to Prepare: Unlike traditional lasagna that can take hours, this soup is ready in a fraction of the time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. In just 45 minutes, you can have a delicious, hearty meal on the table, leaving more time for relaxation and family bonding.
• Adaptable and Fun: You can adjust the consistency to your liking, making it as creamy or as brothy as you prefer, and you can even sneak in some extra veggies for added nutrition. Try adding spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a nutritional boost that blends seamlessly into the soup.

The Recipe

Ingredients:

Soup
– 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

Garnishes
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
– ½ cup ricotta cheese
– 6 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped

Instructions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven and add the onion. Cook until it’s soft, then add the beef and sauté. Once the beef is browned all over, stir in the garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste. This initial step is crucial for building the soup’s flavor foundation, ensuring that the beef is well-seasoned and aromatic.
2. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, or more to taste. Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are tender. This simmering time allows the noodles to soak up the flavors, becoming soft and luscious.
3. Stir in the heavy cream. You can add 1-2 cups extra chicken broth at this point to help thin it out if you want a thinner soup. Pro tip: Stir shredded mozzarella or parmesan right into the soup to make it extra creamy and cheesy! This step is where you can customize the creaminess to your preference.
4. Spoon the lasagna soup into bowls and add ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese along with fresh basil on top. Serve and enjoy! The garnishes not only add flavor but also create a delightful contrast in textures.

Difficulty: Easy • Cuisine: Italian-American • Servings: 6 • Preparation Time: 15 Minutes • Cooking Time: 30 Minutes • Calories: 450 kcal

Note: For a vegetarian twist, substitute the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein. This variation maintains the soup’s hearty texture while offering a plant-based alternative.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for creating the depth of flavor that makes this soup so comforting.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring and scraping up any bits at the bottom of the pot to prevent burning.
• Chopping board: Keeps your counters clean and organized as you prep the ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise dicing and mincing, particularly for the onion and garlic.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Vital for accuracy in ensuring the perfect balance of flavors in your soup.

The Benefits of Each Ingredient

• Olive Oil: Adds a rich, healthy fat that enhances all the flavors. It serves as the base for sautéing the onions and beef, contributing to the soup’s depth.
• Onion and Garlic: The aromatic base that gives depth and warmth to the soup. These ingredients are classic aromatics that form the backbone of countless Italian dishes.
• Ground Beef: Offers a hearty, satisfying protein that makes this soup a complete meal. It adds richness and fullness, making each bowl filling and nourishing.
• Tomato Paste and Sauce: Provides a rich, tangy base, reminiscent of traditional lasagna. The concentrated flavor of tomato paste intensifies the soup’s taste.
• Chicken Broth: Adds a savory note, perfect for thinning the soup to your desired consistency. It enhances the flavor profile while keeping the soup light.
• Lasagna Noodles: The star of the show, bringing that classic lasagna texture into every bite. Their wide, flat shape captures the soup’s flavors beautifully.
• Cheeses (Mozzarella, Parmesan, Ricotta): The trio of cheeses gives the soup its creamy, cheesy goodness, essential for that lasagna feel. Each cheese brings its unique texture and flavor, contributing to the dish’s overall richness.
• Fresh Basil: A fragrant garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Basil’s sweet, peppery notes provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy soup.

What to Serve With This Soup

Pair this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. The salad adds freshness and a contrast in textures, while the garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup. A glass of red wine for the adults or a refreshing iced tea for the kids would make a delightful accompaniment, enhancing the dining experience with complementary flavors.

Storage & Leftover Tips

This soup stores wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up, as the noodles will absorb some of the liquid over time. For longer storage, freeze portions without the noodles, as they can become too soft when thawed. Simply add fresh noodles when you reheat. This method ensures that the soup retains its texture and flavor, providing a convenient meal solution for busy days.

From My Kitchen to Yours

Cooking, to me, is more than just preparing meals; it’s about creating moments and memories. This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is an invitation to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this recipe brings comfort and smiles to your table.

And don’t forget to pin the picture right below to save this recipe on Pinterest for later!