If you love the comforting flavors of Italian lasagna but want something quicker and easier to enjoy any night of the week, this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is going to be your new best friend. It captures all the rich, cheesy goodness of the classic dish in a warm, hearty soup form that’s perfect for cozy dinners or when you simply crave something soul-soothing. Every spoonful bursts with savory ground beef, tender noodles, and a luscious, creamy tomato base that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s adding depth, richness, or that perfect cheesy finish making this soup unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Provides a flavorful base to sauté onions and beef.
- 1 medium onion (finely diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20): Brings hearty, savory richness to the soup.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced): Aroma booster that intensifies the Italian flavors.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Classic herb that ties in the Italian profile.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor for that bold taste.
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce: Creates a luscious and fragrant tomato base.
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes: Adds texture and freshness to the broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The soup’s liquid foundation—use more for a thinner consistency.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided): Enhances and balances all the flavors.
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2″ pieces): The comforting pasta that makes this soup so filling.
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional): Infuses the soup with a dreamy creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, adding gooey richness.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Adds a nutty, savory finish.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops that melt into each bite.
- 6 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped): Brightens the soup with fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Base
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onion and cook it gently until it’s soft and translucent, releasing that sweet onion flavor that forms the backbone of the soup. Next, add the ground beef, breaking it up as it browns evenly on all sides. Once the beef is golden, stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, oregano, and tomato paste. This blend of aromatics and spices creates a fragrant and savory foundation that will make your kitchen smell amazing.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Broth
Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce along with the diced canned tomatoes, then add the chicken broth to the pot. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a boil. Now it’s time for the lasagna noodles—break them into approximately 2-inch pieces and gently stir them in. Add the remaining kosher salt, then reduce the heat to let the soup simmer gently until those noodles become perfectly tender. This step melds all the bold tomato and meaty flavors while softening the pasta into comforting bites.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Once the noodles are cooked through, stir in the heavy cream if you’re using it. This is what truly transforms the soup into that creamy, dreamy lasagna experience. If you prefer a slightly thinner broth, add 1 to 2 cups more chicken broth now. For an extra indulgent touch, fold in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese—watch it melt and blend into the soup, giving it that irresistible cheesy richness that’s impossible to resist.
Step 4: Serve with Cheesy Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls, then generously dot each serving with spoonfuls of ricotta cheese, plus a sprinkle of mozzarella and parmesan. Finish with a pinch of freshly chopped basil to add a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy richness. Serve immediately and prepare to fall in love with every comforting spoonful.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh basil, extra parmesan, or even a few red pepper flakes can bring your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe to the next level. The fresh basil gives a burst of color and a sweet herbal note that balances the richness, while extra cheese adds that final melty indulgence. For a little crunch, some crispy garlic bread crumbs or toasted lasagna noodles sprinkled on top make delightful textural contrasts too.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own but pairs beautifully with simple sides. Classic garlic bread, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even roasted vegetables work well. These sides bring freshness and texture, letting the creamy lasagna soup shine while rounding out the meal effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or make a family dinner feel special? Serve the soup in mini bread bowls for a rustic touch, or top each bowl with a crisp basil leaf and a drizzle of good olive oil. You can even layer the soup with cheese and bake it briefly to create a bubbly, cheesy crust on top—like a comfort food mashup of soup and baked lasagna!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more satisfying. Keep in mind that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so the soup may thicken when chilled; simply loosen it with a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezing
Freezing the Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe is possible but not ideal because the pasta can become mushy upon thawing. If you want to freeze some, consider cooking the soup without the noodles and adding fresh noodles when you reheat. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a little chicken broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. For a creamy touch, stir in a splash of heavy cream or extra cheese during reheating to revive the soup’s luscious texture.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or your favorite plant-based ground meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced and delicious.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can omit the heavy cream entirely if you want. The soup will still be tasty and hearty, though a bit less rich. Another option is to use half-and-half or a splash of milk mixed with a little butter for some creaminess.
Can I use pre-cooked pasta instead of uncooked lasagna noodles?
While you can, it’s best to add cooked pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. This soup works best with uncooked noodles that soften during simmering, soaking up all those amazing flavors as they cook.
How spicy is this soup?
The red pepper flakes add just a subtle warmth, not overwhelming heat. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or leave it out entirely for a milder version.
Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Yes! This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe scales up well. Just use a larger pot to ensure everything cooks evenly and adjust seasoning to taste as you go.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that feels like home and yet is quick enough for busy weeknights. This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe combines all the unbeatable comfort of classic lasagna in a bowl of warm, cheesy, and saucy deliciousness with minimal effort. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or craving a cozy solo meal, I promise this soup will quickly become a favorite recipe to return to again and again. So grab your pot, gather those simple ingredients, and dive into a bowl of Italian-inspired comfort that feels like a big, tasty hug.
Print
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty twist on traditional lasagna, combining all the classic flavors into a rich, cheesy soup. Featuring ground beef, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy tomato broth finished with a trio of cheeses and fresh basil, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that comes together quickly and easily.
Ingredients
Sauce Base and Meat
- 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)
Noodles
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces
Dairy and Cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
Herbs
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics and Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and sauté, stirring occasionally, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Incorporate the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste, stirring well to mix the flavors and cook for 1-2 more minutes.
- Add Sauce and Broth: Stir in the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles along with the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust more to taste). Reduce heat to low and let the soup simmer gently until the noodles become tender, about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish the Soup Creaminess: Stir in the heavy cream to add richness and a creamy texture. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add 1-2 cups extra chicken broth at this stage. For extra cheesiness, you can also stir shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese directly into the hot soup until melted and combined.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot lasagna soup into individual bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, additional shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting creamy flavors reminiscent of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- If you prefer spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To save time, use pre-minced garlic or pre-chopped onions.
- Adjust the amount of chicken broth to achieve your desired soup consistency.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melting quality.
