There are few comfort foods as universally beloved as a classic, cheesy lasagna. However, the process of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. For this reason, we often save it for special occasions. But what if you could enjoy all those rich, decadent flavors in a fraction of the time and with minimal effort? Introducing the ultimate weeknight hero: this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. This recipe deconstructs the traditional casserole into a hearty, slurp-worthy soup that comes together in just one pot. Consequently, you get the savory sausage, the rich tomato broth, the tender pasta, and the glorious cheesy topping without any of the layering fuss. In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to create the perfect bowl of comfort.
This simple yet satisfying meal is perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you crave a comforting dish that feels both familiar and exciting. Furthermore, its straightforward preparation makes it accessible even for novice cooks. The combination of savory meat, aromatic herbs, and a creamy cheese finish ensures this dish will become a fast favorite in your household. In short, get ready to discover your new go-to recipe for capturing the essence of lasagna in a simple, elegant soup.
Why You’ll Absolutely Love Creamy Lasagna Soup
There are countless reasons to fall in love with this soup, but its simplicity and flavor are at the top of the list. First and foremost, this is a genuine one-pot meal. This means that from browning the sausage to simmering the noodles, everything happens in a single Dutch oven or large pot. As a result, cleanup is incredibly easy, saving you valuable time and energy after dinner. Moreover, this dish is exceptionally family-friendly; its flavors are a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
In addition, this easy creamy lasagna soup is highly customizable. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your dietary needs or personal preferences. For instance, you could use ground turkey instead of sausage or add a handful of fresh spinach for extra nutrients. The recipe is also perfect for meal prepping. You can make the soup base ahead of time and simply add the noodles when you’re ready to eat, ensuring they are perfectly al dente. Ultimately, it delivers all the comforting satisfaction of a traditional lasagna without the hours spent in the kitchen.
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Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup: The 12 Ultimate Steps for Cozy Perfection
A cozy, one-pot soup that delivers all the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of classic lasagna in an easy, creamy, weeknight-friendly format.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cups chicken or beef broth
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Topping:
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up, until browned and cooked through.
3. Add diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened.
4. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
6. Pour in broth and crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine and scraping the bottom of the pot.
7. Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
8. Add broken lasagna noodles and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.
9. Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream.
10. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11. In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and parsley.
12. Ladle soup into bowls and top with a generous dollop of cheese mixture before serving.
Notes
Use fresh lasagna noodles for best texture.
Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent curdling.
For leftovers, add extra broth when reheating as noodles absorb liquid.
Spinach or kale can be added with the cream for extra nutrients.
Ground turkey or chicken can replace sausage for a lighter version.
Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Essential Ingredients for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
The beauty of this soup lies in its use of simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create something truly special. For best results, using high-quality components will undoubtedly elevate the final flavor. Here’s what you’ll need, broken down by category.
For the Savory Soup Base
The foundation of this soup is built on a rich and savory base. To begin, you’ll need a pound of Italian sausage; you can choose hot or mild, depending on your spice preference. A yellow onion and a few cloves of fresh garlic provide the aromatic backbone. In addition, essential seasonings like dried oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes bring that classic Italian flavor profile to life. Sautéing these ingredients together first creates a deep, complex layer of flavor that defines the entire dish.
For the Rich Tomato Broth
A luscious tomato broth is key to mimicking the classic lasagna sauce. This recipe calls for a large can of crushed tomatoes, which provides both flavor and texture. Furthermore, chicken or beef broth adds depth and transforms the sauce into a slurpable soup. A tablespoon of tomato paste is also crucial, as it offers a concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the entire pot. According to Healthline, tomatoes are a fantastic source of vitamins and antioxidants, making this soup not only delicious but also nourishing.
For the Pasta and Creaminess
Of course, it wouldn’t be lasagna soup without the pasta. You’ll use regular lasagna noodles, broken into smaller, bite-sized pieces. These are cooked directly in the broth, which allows them to absorb all the delicious flavors. To achieve that signature creaminess, a splash of heavy cream is stirred in at the end. This simple addition transforms the soup, giving it a velvety, luxurious texture that perfectly balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
For the Cheesy Topping
The final touch, and arguably the most important part, is the cheesy ricotta topping. A mixture of whole milk ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella creates a dollop of creamy, cheesy goodness that melts beautifully into the hot soup. A bit of fresh parsley mixed in adds a touch of freshness and color. This topping is what truly captures the essence of a traditional lasagna experience. Dairy products like cheese are also an excellent source of calcium, which is vital for bone health, as noted by experts at the Mayo Clinic.
Step-by-Step Instructions To Make Creamy Lasagna Soup
Creating this delicious soup is surprisingly simple. Follow these steps for a perfect result every time. Remember to read through all the steps before you begin to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Step 1: Brown the Sausage. In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Subsequently, add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics. Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it softens, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Add Seasonings. Stir in the tomato paste, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for one minute, stirring constantly, to toast the spices and deepen their flavor.
- Step 4: Create the Broth. Pour in the chicken or beef broth and the crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Step 5: Cook the Pasta. Break the lasagna noodles into 1- to 2-inch pieces and add them to the simmering soup. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking.
- Step 6: Make it Creamy. Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup warm through for a couple of minutes, but do not let it boil again after adding the cream.
- Step 7: Prepare the Cheese Topping. While the soup is finishing, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix until well combined.
- Step 8: Serve and Garnish. Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Creamy Lasagna Soup
While this recipe is fantastic as is, there are many ways to adapt it to your liking. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
Feel free to get creative with this easy creamy lasagna soup. For a leaner option, you could substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even plant-based meat crumbles. To boost the nutritional value, consider adding vegetables. For instance, a few handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped kale can be stirred in with the heavy cream until wilted. Sautéed mushrooms or zucchini would also be a delicious addition. For a different flavor profile, try another comforting meal like this Keto Italian Sausage Soup.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup stores beautifully, making it an excellent choice for leftovers. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is important to note that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as they sit. Therefore, when you reheat the soup, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. For other great make-ahead meal ideas, consider this hearty Creamy Cowboy Soup.
Making It Ahead of Time
If you want to prepare this soup in advance, the best method is to make the soup base without the noodles or heavy cream. You can complete steps 1 through 4 and then cool and refrigerate the base for up to 3 days. When you are ready to serve, simply bring the soup base back to a simmer, add the noodles, and cook until tender. Finally, stir in the heavy cream and prepare the cheese topping. This method ensures your pasta has the perfect texture.
What to Serve with Your Creamy Lasagna Soup
This easy creamy lasagna soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few simple side dishes can turn it into a true feast. A classic pairing is warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping into the rich, savory broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the soup. The acidity from the dressing helps cut through the creaminess, cleansing the palate between bites. For dessert, something simple and comforting like these soft and chewy gingerbread cookies would be a delightful finish to the meal.
Conclusion About Creamy Lasagna Soup
In conclusion, this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is the perfect way to satisfy your comfort food cravings without a huge time commitment. It successfully captures all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a simple, one-pot format that is ideal for any night of the week. By following these straightforward steps, you can create a rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying meal that your whole family will request again and again. This dish is more than just a recipe; consequently, it is a solution for busy families seeking delicious, home-cooked meals. We encourage you to give this amazing soup a try and experience the magic for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Lasagna Soup
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Brown the sausage with the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer it to the slow cooker. Add the seasonings, broth, and tomatoes, and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and heavy cream, and cook on high until the noodles are tender.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the regular lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check the package instructions for cooking time, as it may vary from traditional pasta. Most gluten-free lasagna noodles work very well in this recipe.
My noodles seem to get mushy. How can I prevent this?
To avoid mushy noodles, it is important not to overcook them. Cook them just until they are al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly in the hot soup. If you are particularly sensitive to texture or are making the soup ahead of time, you can cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving.
