There’s something magical about turning a beloved comfort dish into soup form. One pot lasagna soup has been quietly winning hearts in kitchens everywhereand once you taste it, you’ll understand the fuss. It’s beginner-friendly, takes just about 40 to 50 minutes, and delivers all those cozy lasagna flavors without the layering drama.
Imagine tender pasta, savory tomato broth, and creamy cheese all mingling together in one delicious pot. This easy lasagna soup recipe uses simple pantry staples like crushed tomatoes, Italian herbs, and pasta. It’s like lasagna’s laid-back cousinsame soul-warming comfort, with far less effort. Read on for the full recipe!
I’ve been experimenting with soup recipes since I was tall enough to stir a pot, and this one brings back memories of those night-time “what’s for dinner” scrambles. After testing it numerous times, I landed on one small trick that brings everything togetheryou’ll find it in the recipe below.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This One Pot Lasagna Soup
This soup brings all the cozy comfort of traditional lasagna without the fussy layering or hour-long baking. I still remember the first time I made thismy youngest daughter peeked into the pot and said it smelled like “lasagna’s happy cousin.” She was spot on.
- One pot wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means minimal cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
- Ready in 50 minutes: Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comforting food fast.
- Customizable comfort: Choose your favorite pasta, tweak the spice level, or make it vegetarianit’s endlessly adaptable.
The spoonfuls of ricotta topping melt gently into the hot broth, creating dreamy swirls of creamy richnessthe best part of any good lasagna. This detail gives every bowl that signature cheesy finish without baking.
Key Ingredients That Make the Magic
This creamy lasagna soup uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand. The real magic happens in how they’re layered into deep, familiar flavor.

Ingredient | Why It Matters | Easy Swaps |
---|---|---|
Ground beef or Italian sausage | Builds the savory, hearty flavor base | Use ground turkey, plant-based ground, or omit for vegetarian |
Crushed tomatoes | Adds body and depth to the broth | Diced tomatoes or your favorite marinara sauce |
Pasta (mafaldine, fusilli, or broken lasagna noodles) | Offers lasagna texture and that satisfying bite | Use any short-cut pasta like penne or rotini |
Ricotta cheese mixture | Mimics the cheese layer in classic lasagna | Try cottage cheese blended with cream cheese for a similar effect |
Don’t skip the Parmesan rindit’s my secret flavor booster! Toss it into the soup while it simmers to deepen the flavors dramatically. I stash my rinds in the freezer just for recipes like this.
Essential Tools for Success
- Dutch oven or large soup pot: You’ll want something big enough to fit everything comfortably and allow space for simmering.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for whipping up the ricotta topping quickly.
- Spatula or wooden spoon: Ideal for browning meat and gently stirring your soup as it cooks.
How This Stovetop Lasagna Soup Comes Together
The process feels comforting and rhythmiclayering flavors just like in baked lasagna, but without all the extra steps. While it simmers away, your kitchen fills with cozy, savory aromas.
Start by browning the meat and aromatics, then build layers with tomatoes and broth. Pasta cooks right in the soup, absorbing flavor and thickening the broth. Finish it off with a swirl of cream and a dollop of ricotta for richness you’ll crave again and again.
Step | Time | What’s Happening |
---|---|---|
Brown meat & vegetables | 8–10 minutes | Creating a rich, golden flavor base |
Add tomatoes & broth | 2 minutes | Building the soup’s savory foundation |
Simmer soup base | 15 minutes | Letting ingredients meld and deepen |
Cook pasta in soup | 10–12 minutes | Pasta absorbs broth and flavors |
Finish with cream & cheese | 3–5 minutes | Melting in creamy richness just before serving |
Pro Tip: Cooking pasta directly in the soup not only saves an extra potit gives you better flavor and thickens the broth subtly thanks to the released starch.
Troubleshooting Your Soup Success
Even simple dishes have their quirks. Here’s how to keep your one pot lasagna soup just right every time.
- Soup too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, or lightly mash some pasta against the side of the pot to thicken naturally.
- Pasta too soft? Be sure to cook only until al dentethe heat of the broth will continue cooking it slightly after the burner is off.
- Lacking flavor? Add another pinch of Italian herbs or throw in a Parmesan rind mid-simmer if you haven’t already!
If your ricotta mixture looks a little lumpy at first, don’t worryit will melt beautifully into the soup and look stunning once warmed.
Making It Your Own
This recipe is endlessly flexible and welcomes your creative twists. My sister adds extra red pepper flakes for heat, and my mom loves to toss in chopped spinach at the end for freshness.
Variation | How to Make It | Perfect For |
---|---|---|
Vegetarian Version | Skip the meat and add mushrooms or diced zucchini | Great for meatless meals |
Extra Veggie-Packed | Add spinach, bell peppers, or grated carrots | A nutritious twist with more vegetables |
Spicier Kick | Use spicy sausage and additional red pepper flakes | Spice lovers looking for a bold flavor |
Lighter Version | Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream | Weeknight dinners with a lighter bite |
Note: For extra depth in the vegetarian version, try adding a splash of soy sauce or vegetarian Worcestershireyour broth will thank you.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this soup family-style with fresh parsley, grated Parmesan, and crusty bread on the side. It’s a beautiful, relaxed meal that brings everyone to the table.
For best results, dollop ricotta onto individual bowls just before serving. Stirring it directly into the pot can break the cheese texture down, so customizing each bowl keeps it rich and satisfying.
Storage Method | How Long | Best Practices |
---|---|---|
Airtight container in the fridge | Up to 4 days | Cool completely before storing; reheat gently with extra broth |
Freezer-safe container | Up to 2 months | Freeze soup without pasta for best texture; cook pasta fresh |
Meal prep portions | Individual servings | Package ricotta separately to add post-reheat |
Expert Insight on One Pot Lasagna Soup
One pot lasagna soup simplifies classic flavors into a comforting meal while saving cleanup time. Combining key ingredients in a single pot allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a practical and satisfying option for busy weeknights without sacrificing that signature lasagna taste.
For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!
Finding Comfort in One-Pot Lasagna Soup
This one-pot lasagna soup didn’t come together overnight. After countless batchessome too thin, others too thickI found the ideal ratio of rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and melty cheese. This bowl of goodness came from trying, failing, and finally nailing a comforting meal that reminds me of family dinners and second helpings.

Your New Favorite Weeknight Comfort Bowl
This one pot lasagna soup delivers everything you’re craving in just under an hourtender pasta, comforting tomato broth, and that rich ricotta swirl that turns any evening into a cozy one. It’s beginner-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and much easier than layering a tray of traditional lasagna.
Toss in a handful of spinach in the last five minutes for color and nutrients, or swap in Italian sausage if you want an extra layer of flavor. This homemade lasagna soup stores beautifully in the fridge for up to four daysjust add a splash of broth before reheating, as the pasta continues to absorb liquid. And here’s a tip from my grandmother: keep Parmesan rinds in the freezer to throw into soups like this for unbeatable depth and umami.
I’d be thrilled to see how you make it your own! Did your family have a weekend soup that brought everyone to the kitchen? Share your photos or twistsit’s amazing what happens when recipes become part of a home’s story.
PrintONE POT LASAGNA SOUP
This one pot lasagna soup is an easy lasagna soup recipe that delivers all the cozy flavors of traditional lasagna in a creamy lasagna soup form. Perfect for chilly evenings, this family-friendly stovetop lasagna soup is a quick and delicious way to enjoy recipes for lasagna soup without fuss.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage hot or sweet casings removed
- 1 medium sweet onion roughly chopped into ¼-inch pieces
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- 3 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1 (28oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups (48oz) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 bay leaf
- ⅓ cup loosely packed basil leaves about 15 basil leaves
- 1 Parmesan rind optional
- 8 oz pasta noodles of your choice – we recommend mafaldine fusilli col buco or lasagna noodles broken into bite-size pieces
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup (4oz) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves for serving
- Baguette optional for serving
- For the ricotta cheese topping: 1 cup (8oz) whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add chopped sweet onion and kosher salt, cook until softened about 5 minutes.
- Stir in finely chopped garlic, dried oregano or Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes stirring constantly.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, bay leaf, basil leaves, and Parmesan rind if using. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.
- Add pasta noodles and cook until tender about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove bay leaf and Parmesan rind. Stir in heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
- To make the ricotta topping, mix whole milk ricotta cheese with grated Parmesan, kosher salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Serve soup in bowls topped with a dollop of the ricotta mixture and chopped fresh parsley or basil. Enjoy with baguette if desired.
Notes
- Optional Parmesan rind adds extra flavor
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for spiciness
- Kids enjoy helping with mixing the ricotta topping
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 677 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1014 mg
- Fat: 39 g
- Saturated Fat: 19 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 124 mg