There’s nothing quite like the sound of pasta bubbling away in a rich, creamy broth on a chilly evening. This easy creamy lasagna soup captures all those beloved Italian flavors without the layering and long bake time. It’s been making the rounds because honestly, who doesn’t want lasagna ready in thirty minutes?
Picture all your favorite lasagna ingredients swimming in a velvety tomato cream base. Ground beef, tender pasta shells, and plenty of melted cheese come together in one pot. No need to fuss with ricotta layers or worry about perfect assembly. Just simmer, stir, and ladle into bowls with a generous sprinkle of parmesan on top.
Started making this back in 1987 when my Eleanor was juggling three little ones and needed dinner fast. She called it “cheater’s lasagna” the first time I served it up. The secret I discovered? Add the pasta shells right to the soup so they soak up all that herby goodness. Been a weeknight lifesaver in our family for decades now.
PrintEasy Creamy Lasagna Soup: Irresistibly Simple Dinner
This easy creamy lasagna soup combines the comforting flavors of classic lasagna in a simple, satisfying soup. Perfect for easy dinner recipes comfort foods and good fall dinner ideas, it’s a great choice among easy soup or stew recipes and best creamy soups.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Lunch, Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Standard
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 want 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
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese freshly grated
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tbsp fresh basil finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until softened.
- Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and dried oregano, cooking until fragrant.
- Mix in tomato paste and cook briefly before adding tomato basil pasta sauce, canned diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Season with salt, bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and continue simmering until noodles are tender.
- Stir in heavy cream if using and heat through gently.
- Serve topped with shredded mozzarella, parmesan, ricotta, and chopped fresh basil.
Nutrition
- Calories: 514kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1871mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g + 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
Why This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Will Win Your Heart
This soup brings together everything we love about traditional lasagna without all the fuss. The ground beef simmers with aromatic garlic and oregano, creating a base that’s rich and satisfying. Instead of layering and waiting for an hour-long bake, everything comes together in one pot on your stovetop.
What truly makes this soup special is the way the broken lasagna noodles absorb all those rich Italian flavors as they cook directly in the broth. A luxurious finish comes from the heavy cream, while the trio of cheesesmozzarella, Parmesan, and ricottadelivers that perfect creamy texture we all crave in comfort food.
- Ready in 40 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something hearty
- One-pot wonder: Less cleanup means more time with your loved ones
- Freezer-friendly: Make a big batch and save portions for later
Essential Ingredients That Make the Magic
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet effective combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Hearty ground beef provides the protein, while the blend of tomato basil pasta sauce and diced canned tomatoes builds a rich depth without being overly heavy.
Don’t skip the tomato paste; it concentrates those tomato flavors and gives the soup its essential body. Chicken broth ensures the perfect soup consistency, preventing it from becoming too thick like a stew. And the three cheeses? They each play a crucial role in delivering that authentic lasagna experience we’re craving.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Easy Swap |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | Protein base | Ground turkey or Italian sausage |
| Heavy cream | Creamy texture | Half-and-half or whole milk |
| Lasagna noodles | Hearty pasta | Broken penne or rigatoni |
| Ricotta cheese | Classic lasagna flavor | Cottage cheese or cream cheese |
Step-by-Step: How It All Comes Together
Begin by heating the olive oil in your largest pot, ensuring enough space for all the ingredients to simmer comfortably. First, sauté the onion until it’s soft and golden, then add the ground beef. Breaking up the beef as it browns ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in every spoonful.
Once the beef is nicely browned, add the garlic, red pepper flakes, and oregano. Sauté these aromatics for just thirty seconds until fragrant, signaling their flavors are fully awakened. The tomato paste goes in next, cooking briefly to deepen its rich taste before you stir in the tomato basil pasta sauce and diced tomatoes.
Pour in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for about ten minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully. Then, add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender. Finally, stir in the heavy cream for that luxurious finishing touch of richness.
Cooking Timeline
| Time | Step | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| 0-5 minutes | Sauté onion and beef | Onion softens, beef browns completely |
| 5-8 minutes | Add aromatics and tomato base | Garlic fragrant, tomato paste darkens |
| 8-18 minutes | Simmer with broth | Flavors meld, gentle bubbling |
| 18-30 minutes | Cook pasta, finish with cream | Noodles tender, soup creamy |
Troubleshooting Your Perfect Bowl
Sometimes, the pasta can become a bit too soft if not watched closely. Should this occur, reduce the cooking time next time, keeping in mind that the noodles will continue to cook slightly even after the heat is off. The ideal soup should have a pleasant consistencyneither too thick nor too thin.
- Too thick? Add more chicken broth, a half cup at a time
- Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes
- Needs more flavor? A pinch more kosher salt or a splash of the pasta cooking liquid works wonders
- Pasta getting mushy? Cook it just until al dente – it’ll finish in the residual heat
Serving and Storage Made Simple
Ladle this comforting soup into deep bowls and top generously with shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and dollops of ricotta cheese. A scattering of fresh basil adds a perfect pop of color and brightness, making each serving feel extra special.
This easy creamy lasagna soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days. In fact, the flavors often deepen overnight, making leftovers even more delicious. When reheating, simply add a splash of chicken broth if the soup appears too thick.
| Storage Method | Time Frame | Best Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 3-4 days | Cool completely before storing |
| Freezer | 2-3 months | Freeze before adding cream |
| Reheating | Gentle heat | Add broth if needed, stir in cream last |
Expert Says
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup expertly combines rich dairy with tomatoes, creating an emulsified texture that enhances mouthfeel and flavor balance. Utilizing a gentle simmer prevents the cream from curdling, while the soup’s inherent protein and fiber content make it a comforting and satisfying meal option.
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The Journey to Perfecting Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Developing this easy creamy lasagna soup truly felt like a journey. I recall early batches being too watery, while others turned out overly thick. After many family dinners and careful adjustments, I finally achieved the perfect balancea soup that offers warmth and comfort, becoming a cherished new favorite for easy family dinners.
FAQs ( Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup )
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
This recipe can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the creamy texture intact. For best results, add fresh cheese or herbs just before serving to maintain flavor and freshness.
What can I use if I don’t have ricotta cheese?
You can substitute ricotta with cottage cheese, cream cheese, or even a blend of cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. These options will keep the dish creamy and flavorful without changing the texture significantly.
Is this soup spicy and can I adjust the heat?
The dish is mild by default, making it suitable for most palates. You can easily add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to increase heat based on your preference. Adjust gradually to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, this meal adapts well to an Instant Pot. Use the sauté function for browning the meat and then pressure cook for about 10 minutes with the lid locked. Add the creamy ingredients last to avoid curdling.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy consistency. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much.
This easy creamy lasagna soup comes together in just 40 minutes, filling your kitchen with the delightful aroma of simmering tomatoes and herbs. You’ll adore how the lasagna noodles absorb all those rich flavors, creating bowls of pure comfort that taste like they’ve been simmering all day. Each spoonful offers that perfect lasagna experience without any of the fuss.
This beauty reheats wonderfully with a splash of broth, and leftovers taste even better the next day. Try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage when you want a little more zip.
I’d love to see how this soup turns out in your kitchen! Snap a photo and share your cozy soup stories with me. Did your family have a special way of making lasagna nights extra special? Save this recipe for those chilly evenings when you need a meal that truly comforts – your loved ones will surely be asking for seconds.
