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If you adore all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna but crave something quicker and cozier, this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all those bold Italian herbs, hearty ground meat, tender noodles, and three kinds of luscious cheese melting together in one steaming, soul-satisfying bowl. The creaminess adds that perfect velvety touch, making every spoonful feel like a warm hug. It’s a perfect dish to whip up any night of the week when you want something filling without hours of fuss. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become a staple that you’ll return to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient adds essential flavor, texture, and color to bring this dish to life. From the savory meats to the fragrant herbs and melt-in-your-mouth cheeses, every element plays a starring role in this easy yet deeply satisfying soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the meat and brings a subtle, fruity richness to the base.
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Adds a hearty, savory foundation and depth of flavor.
- 1 small onion (chopped): Gives sweetness and aroma when sautéed to soften.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Boosts flavor with its pungent, aromatic kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried basil: Lends classic Italian herbal notes that brighten the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds earthiness and a slightly peppery edge.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): A gentle heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and deepens the color.
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes: The heart of the soup providing rich tomato body and sweetness.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base to simmer the noodles.
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): The pasta component that gives the soup its playful texture and comfort factor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings creamy, velvety smoothness that ties it all together luxuriously.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Adds a mild creaminess and balances out the savory elements perfectly.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for gooey, cheesy goodness in each bite.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan: Provides a sharp, nutty finish that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring everything into harmony.
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish: A fresh, fragrant burst of color and flavor to finish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or Italian sausage, cooking until it’s nicely browned and crumbled into bite-sized pieces. This browning step builds the soup’s robust, savory foundation. Once the meat is cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the soup from feeling too heavy. Toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing them for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant. The onion and garlic create an inviting savory aroma that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 2: Add Herbs, Tomato Paste, and Tomatoes
Now stir in the dried basil, oregano, and optional red pepper flakes with the tomato paste. Cooking this mixture for about one minute helps the tomato paste develop its rich, concentrated flavor and helps the herbs release their essence. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. As the mixture heats up, it transforms into a savory, vibrant base that promises every spoonful will be packed with traditional Italian flavors.
Step 3: Simmer with Broken Lasagna Noodles
Once your soup comes to a boil, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The noodles soften and absorb some of the soup’s seasoned goodness, creating a delightful textural contrast that mimics the layers of classic lasagna but in a bowl. This step turns your soup into a hearty, filling meal.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Season
After the noodles are tender, stir in the heavy cream. This is the secret to making this soup irresistibly silky and smooth, giving it that dreamy creamy texture. Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed—you want to make sure the flavors are balanced and just right.
Step 5: Add the Cheeses Before Serving
Just before serving, dollop the ricotta cheese on top of each bowl. Then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the ricotta for that gooey, cheesy finish. This combination of cheeses adds richness and layers of creamy texture ideal for melting into the warm soup. Garnish with chopped fresh basil for a final pop of color and herbal freshness. Your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can turn a delicious soup into a memorable experience. For this recipe, a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil adds a perfect herbal freshness that brightens the creaminess. You can also add a pinch of extra Parmesan or a swirl of olive oil for an elegant touch. If you like a little heat, some crushed red pepper flakes are a great option too.
Side Dishes
While this soup is wonderfully filling on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread takes the meal to the next level. A fresh Caesar or arugula salad complements the richness nicely, thanks to their peppery and tangy notes. Garlic bread, toasted to golden perfection, is perfect for dipping into the creamy tomato broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls made from hollowed-out rolls, which soak up the delicious broth as you eat. You could also garnish each bowl with a few fresh cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of pesto for a bright, colorful presentation. Layering the cheeses artistically on top just before serving makes it feel extra special, perfect when entertaining guests or impressing your family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. To preserve the best texture, store the soup and cheese toppings separately. That way, the ricotta and shredded cheeses stay fresh and gooey when you reheat the soup, rather than becoming rubbery or clumpy.
Freezing
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe also freezes well for longer storage. After cooling completely, transfer the soup (without the cheese toppings) into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
Reheat the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much. Once warmed through, add fresh ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan to recreate that irresistible creamy lasagna experience.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the herbs, tomato base, and cheeses.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half works well or you can try plant-based cream alternatives. The texture might be slightly thinner but still deliciously creamy.
Can I use different types of pasta?
While broken lasagna noodles work best for that classic feel, you can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne or broken macaroni if needed.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?
Yes, but freshly shredded mozzarella and Parmesan tend to melt better and have a fresher flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting and texture.
How spicy is this soup?
It’s generally mild, but you can adjust the heat by adding or omitting red pepper flakes depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is a heartfelt hug in a bowl, perfectly capturing all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a comforting and effortless way. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving some cozy solo comfort food, this soup will satisfy every time. I hope you’ll give it a try and fall in love with it just like I did—because nothing beats a creamy, cheesy, soul-warming meal made with love.
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Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a rich, hearty soup that’s perfect for a cozy meal. Made with ground beef or Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, this one-pot recipe is both simple to prepare and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Protein & Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Soup Liquids & Tomato
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Pasta & Dairy
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to keep the soup from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Herbs and Tomato Paste: Stir in dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and tomato paste. Cook for about 1 minute to develop flavor.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring the mixture to a boil to combine all ingredients well.
- Cook Pasta: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup, reduce heat to a simmer, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve with Cheese Toppings: Ladle soup into bowls and dollop ricotta cheese over each serving. Sprinkle with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream alternative for the heavy cream.
- Make the soup vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Store leftover soup and cheese toppings separately to maintain the best texture when reheating.
