Ah, Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup! If you could smell the rich aroma wafting through my kitchen right now, you’d find it hard to resist. This delightful soup came to life on one of those chilly, rain-soaked afternoons when I was craving all the comforting goodness of lasagna but wasn’t enthusiastic about layering pasta sheets. In a moment of sheer culinary serendipity, I tossed everything into one pot, and voila! A bowl of warm, creamy bliss was born. The first spoonful was like a cozy hug, with the velvety cheese melding beautifully with the hearty flavors of the beef and tomatoes. It’s no wonder this soup has quickly become a favorite in my family! It brings everyone to the table with smiles and satisfied bellies. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll love it too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up this classic comfort food in one pot.
- Quick Cooking Time: Perfect for busy weeknights, this soup is ready in about 30 minutes!
- Healthier Option: Packed with lean protein and fresh ingredients, it’s a wholesome twist on traditional lasagna.
- Flavorful: Each spoonful is bursting with savory Italian goodness, reminiscent of a classic lasagna.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings; everyone will love this scrumptious twist.
- Customizable: Make it your own with different toppings and ingredients!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: A dash of olive oil helps to build the flavors while adding a touch of healthy fats.
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey: Choose lean meat for a healthier profile while adding that hearty texture we all love.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced: Sweet and translucent, onions bring a wonderful depth of flavor to our soup.
- 3 garlic cloves, minced: The aroma of garlic sautéing is like a warm welcome; it adds a punch of flavor!
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that infuses the soup with classic Italian flair.
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, this is a great way to spice things up!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; a pinch can make a world of difference.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds warmth and depth to the soup; adjust to your taste!
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce: The base of flavor in our soup; choose your favorite for the best taste.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth: This creates a comforting, soupy base that ties everything together.
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Adds a lovely chunkiness and enhances the tomato flavor.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: In addition to being delicious, broken noodles make it more fun to eat!
- ½ cup heavy cream: A touch of creaminess that takes this soup to the next level of indulgence!
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Familiar layers of lasagna come through with this tangy, creamy addition.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey, melty goodness we crave in comfort food.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this adds a nutty finish that elevates every spoonful.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped: Brightens up the dish with a pop of color and freshness!
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping: Because who doesn’t love a little cheese on top?
Full recipe card is below.
How to Make It
1. 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. The sizzle is music to my ears, isn’t it? 
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. Your kitchen is about to smell heavenly, I promise!
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. This is where your soup really starts to come to life!
4. Simmer the Soup
Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavor. Take a moment to breathe in that deliciousness!
5. Cook the Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the soup becomes too thick, feel free to add in a splash more broth!
6. Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the soup becomes creamy and rich. Adjust seasoning to taste. One taste, and you’ll be swooning over its luxurious texture!
7. Serve and Garnish
Ladle into bowls and top with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or salad. Remember, it’s all about that final touch of love!
Pro Tips for Success
- Adjust Seasoning: Always taste as you go! It’s key to crafting a dish perfectly to your liking.
- Don’t Rush the Simmer: Allowing it to simmer helps develop those rich flavors, so patience is your friend here!
- Add More Veggies: Try adding spinach or zucchini for an extra boost of color and nutrition.
- Homemade Marinara: If you’re feeling adventurous, use homemade marinara for an even richer base.
Flavor Variations
- Meat Swap: Ground chicken or even a plant-based meat substitute work wonderfully.
- Herb Mix: Try experimenting with fresh herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: A dash of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapenos can add a fun kick!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy lasagna soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a light side salad. For an elegant touch, serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top and a drizzle of good olive oil. Feel free to pour a crisp white wine or a light red to complement the dish beautifully!
Make-Ahead & Storage
You can easily prep the soup ahead of time! Simply chop the vegetables and brown the meat the night before. Store in the fridge until ready to cook. It lasts about 4 days in the refrigerator, so feel free to enjoy it for lunch too!
Leftovers
Why not turn leftover soup into a pasta bake? Just add some cooked pasta and cheese, then bake until bubbly!
Freezing
This soup freezes really well! Just cool completely then transfer to an airtight container. It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm it slowly in a pot on the stove, stirring occasionally. If you want it a bit creamier, add a splash of broth or cream!
FAQs
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically serves about 6 generous bowls, perfect for family dinners or leftovers!
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! You can use any shape of pasta you like, just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Can I leave out the meat?
Yes! You can make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding more veggies or even lentils for added protein.
What to do if it’s too thick?
Just add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. It should be hearty but still soupy!
Final Thoughts
Cooking should always feel like a warm embrace, and I hope that this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup fills your kitchen with joy and laughter as it has in mine. Remember, the heart of a great meal is made with love—so stir with enthusiasm, and sprinkle in that affection for your family and friends. Enjoy every spoonful, and as always, happy cooking! Cozy vibes are just a bowl away!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
For the soup base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil Helps to build flavors while adding healthy fats.
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey Choose lean meat for a healthier profile.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced Brings a wonderful depth of flavor to the soup.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds a punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning Infuses the soup with classic Italian flavor.
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for a little heat.
- 1 teaspoon salt Enhances all the flavors.
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper Adds warmth and depth.
- 24 ounces marinara sauce Base of flavor in the soup.
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth Creates a comforting base.
- 15 ounces crushed tomatoes Enhances the tomato flavor.
For the creamy finish
- 8 pieces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces Makes it more fun to eat.
- 0.5 cups heavy cream Adds creaminess.
- 0.5 cups ricotta cheese Brings in familiar layers of lasagna.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For gooey, melty goodness.
- 0.25 cups grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nutty finish.
- to taste fresh basil or parsley, chopped Brightens up the dish.
- to taste extra Parmesan cheese for topping Because who doesn’t love a little cheese on top?
Instructions
Preparation
- 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 apart with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- 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.
- 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.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15-20 minutes to deepen the flavor.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the soup becomes creamy and rich. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Ladle into bowls and top with chopped basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot.