Name: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 6 servings
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; 2 teaspoons kosher salt; 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2" pieces); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is the weeknight wonder you’ve been dreaming of! If you’ve ever found yourself craving the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna but don’t have the hours to dedicate to assembly and baking, then this is the recipe for you. We’ve taken all the beloved flavors of a classic lasagna – savory Italian sausage, rich tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a luxurious blend of cheeses – and transformed them into a soul-warming soup that comes together in a fraction of the time. What makes this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup so incredibly special? It’s the perfect balance of hearty and comforting, with layers of flavor that unfold with every spoonful. The creamy texture is utterly irresistible, making it a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds, guaranteed.

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″ pieces)
½ cup heavy cream (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

Cooking the Lasagna Soup Base

Sautéing the Aromatics

Start by preparing your aromatics. Heat the tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely diced medium onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This process of sweating the onions will release their natural sugars and add a wonderful depth of flavor to your soup. Be patient here; don’t rush this step as it builds the foundation of your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.

Browning the Beef and Adding Garlic

Now, add the 1 pound of 80/20 ground beef to the pot with the softened onions. Break up the beef with a spoon and cook until it’s browned all over. Drain off any excess grease. Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and the ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The red pepper flakes will add a subtle warmth that complements the richness of the beef and tomatoes. Next, stir in the dried oregano and the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. Cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly, to toast the tomato paste. This intensifies its flavor and deepens the color of the soup base.

Building the Flavor Profile

Pour in the 25 ounces of tomato basil pasta sauce and the 28 ounces of diced canned tomatoes (undrained). Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that’s where a lot of the flavor resides! Add 3 cups of the chicken broth to the pot, reserving the remaining cup for later. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Season with 1 teaspoon of the kosher salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 20 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory broth.

Incorporating the Lasagna Noodles and Creaminess

Cooking the Noodles

After the soup base has simmered for at least 20 minutes, it’s time to add the star ingredient that makes this a lasagna soup: the noodles! Add the 12 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into approximately 2-inch pieces, directly into the simmering soup. Stir them gently to ensure they are submerged in the liquid and don’t clump together. These noodles will absorb some of the liquid as they cook, thickening the soup and adding that satisfying pasta element we all love in lasagna. Cook according to the lasagna noodle package directions, typically around 10-12 minutes, or until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Achieving Creaminess and Final Seasoning

Once the lasagna noodles are cooked to your liking, it’s time to add the optional but highly recommended creamy element. If you’re using it, stir in the ½ cup of heavy cream. This will temper the acidity of the tomatoes and create a luxurious, velvety texture. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add the reserved 1 cup of chicken broth at this stage. Taste the soup and add the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, or more to taste, along with any additional black pepper if desired. Ensure all the salt is dissolved and well distributed. The goal is a balanced flavor profile where the savory beef, tangy tomatoes, and rich broth are harmoniously blended.

Serving Your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Garnishing for the Perfect Finish

Ladle the hot Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup into bowls. To elevate the presentation and add even more flavor, generously sprinkle each serving with the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and the ½ cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese. The heat from the soup will begin extract to melt the cheeses, creating those delightful, stretchy strands that are reminiscent of a traditional baked lasagna. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and freshness, if you have it on hand. This simple garnishing step makes your soup visually appealing and incredibly delicious.

Conclusion:

And there you have it – a delicious and comforting bowl of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup! This recipe truly delivers on its promise of bringin extractg all the beloved flavors of lasagna into a wonderfully satisfying soup. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that’s surprisingly simple to put together, and the rich, creamy broth combined with tender pasta and savory meat sauce is simply irresistible. I hope you enjoy making and eating this as much as I do!

When it comes to serving, a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a dollop of ricotta cheese or sour cream really elevate the experience. Don’t forget some crusty bread for dipping! For variations, feel free to swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey. You can also add your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the soup. Experiment with different cheeses for topping, like shredded mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a testament to how comforting and exciting a simple soup can be. So, gather your ingredients, and dive into this delightful culinary adventure. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup is actually even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if it has thickened too much.

What kind of pasta works best in Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?

While traditional lasagna noodles can be a bit unwieldy, broken lasagna noodles or other small pasta shapes like ditalini, elbows, or rotini work wonderfully. They cook up perfectly in the soup and are easy to eat with a spoon.