Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There’s something so comforting about the flavors of lasagna — that rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and gooey melted cheese all coming together in perfect harmony. But sometimes, you just don’t have the time (or patience) to layer noodles and bake a big casserole dish. That’s exactly where this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup comes in.
It’s everything you love about traditional lasagna, but in a warm, cozy bowl of soup that’s ready in under an hour. The creamy tomato broth is rich and velvety, the noodles soak up just the right amount of flavor, and every spoonful gives you that nostalgic, homemade taste that feels like a hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need anything fancy to make this lasagna soup. Most of the ingredients are staples you likely already have on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and helping build flavor.
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey – Either works perfectly for a hearty texture.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced – Adds a subtle sweetness.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced – Essential for that aromatic Italian flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Brings together the classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of gentle heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the savory flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a bit of balance and warmth.
- 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce – Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – Forms the base of the soup.
- 1 (15-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes – Deepens the tomato flavor.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces – The star of the dish! You can substitute with any pasta if you prefer.
For the Creamy Touch
- ½ cup heavy cream – Adds richness and silkiness.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese – Brings that signature lasagna creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For gooey, melty perfection.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For that final savory depth.
For Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped – A bright finish that brings freshness to every bite.
- Extra Parmesan cheese – Because a little more cheese never hurts.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Start by heating olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef (or turkey) and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so take your time letting the meat develop that rich, caramelized color.
Once the meat is cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove any excess fat, keeping about a tablespoon in the pot for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
Step 3: Season and Build the Base
Now it’s time to add depth. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together to coat the meat and onions with the spices.
Pour in the marinara sauce, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits — they add so much flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer the Soup
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes. This allows all the flavors to mingle and develop into a rich, savory tomato broth.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 10–12 minutes.
If the soup starts to thicken too much as the pasta cooks, add an extra cup of broth or water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Make It Creamy
When the noodles are perfectly al dente, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Keep stirring gently until the cheeses melt and the soup turns creamy and luscious.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper brings it all together.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for good measure.
Serve with a side of warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Then sit back, relax, and enjoy that first comforting spoonful of creamy lasagna soup.
Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles. They’ll continue to soften slightly as the soup sits, so aim for just tender.
- Use quality marinara sauce. Since it’s the base of the flavor, choose one you really love.
- Make it lighter. Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a splash of milk for a lighter version.
- Want extra veggies? Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for a nutrition boost.
- Meal prep friendly. Cook the noodles separately if you plan to store leftovers — this prevents them from absorbing too much broth.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Lasagna Soup: Use spicy Italian chicken sausage or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the meat and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Cheesy Boost: Stir in more mozzarella or top each bowl with a small scoop of ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Beefy Depth: Mix ground beef with a bit of beef sausage for a richer, heartier flavor.
- Herb Lovers’ Version: Add extra basil, oregano, or even a hint of rosemary for a fragrant twist.
Serving Suggestions
This lasagna soup is wonderfully filling on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with sides that round out the meal:
- Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Simple Green Salad: Toss fresh greens with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for a light, refreshing side.
- Caprese Salad: Mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil echo the flavors of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts adds color and balance.
For special occasions, you can serve this soup as a starter before the main course or as the star of a cozy weekend dinner. It’s also a great dish to make for a family gathering — everyone loves it.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck — this soup tastes even better the next day.
- To Store: Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Freeze: Freeze without the noodles if possible (they get too soft when thawed). Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- To Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. You can also microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 960mg |
| Calcium | 180mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup base (without noodles and cream) and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat and add cooked noodles and cheese.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely. Mafalda, rotini, penne, or even broken spaghetti work great if you’re out of lasagna noodles.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream (like oat or coconut) and skip the cheeses, or use dairy-free alternatives.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the meat and sauté the onion and garlic first. Then transfer everything except noodles and dairy to the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours. Add noodles in the last 30 minutes and the cream and cheese right before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s no better way to warm up on a crisp fall evening than with a bowl of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. It’s the perfect blend of hearty, creamy, and comforting — everything you love about lasagna, but easier and faster.
This soup brings people together. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or hosting friends for a casual dinner, it’s guaranteed to impress. Every bite feels like home, and that’s exactly what comfort food should be.
So grab your favorite pot, a few pantry staples, and let this easy lasagna soup become your new cozy-season go-to. Once you make it, you’ll want it on repeat all fall and winter long.
Print
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Description
If you’re ready to bring the cozy comfort of classic lasagna to your dinner table—without all the layering and baking—this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is the perfect recipe to start with. It’s rich, cheesy, and full of hearty flavor, yet simple enough for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
For the Creamy Layer:
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Brown the Meat
In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the Base
Add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir in marinara sauce, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Mix well and bring to a gentle boil.
4. Simmer the Soup
Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
5. Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.
6. Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the soup becomes creamy and rich. Adjust seasoning to taste.
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
Notes
Don’t overcook the noodles; they’ll continue to soften in the broth.
Use your favorite marinara sauce for the best flavor.
For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half.
Add spinach or mushrooms for a veggie-packed twist.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 4 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6