Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup combines the classic flavors of lasagna into a comforting bowl of soup. With layers of rich marinara sauce, tender noodles, and creamy cheeses, this dish offers all the heartiness of lasagna without the hassle of baking. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this recipe is both delicious and satisfying. Whether you’re serving the family or entertaining guests, this soup will surely impress everyone at the table.
Why We Love This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup has become a staple in many kitchens for several reasons. Firstly, it is incredibly easy to prepare; you can whip it up in about 30-40 minutes. Secondly, it boasts the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna, making it a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids. The combination of creamy cheeses and zesty marinara creates a rich and satisfying meal, perfect for any time of the year. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies if you choose to add your favorites. With its versatility and rich flavors, you will find yourself making this soup again and again.
Ingredients about Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
To craft this delicious Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, you will need the following ingredients:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Directions
Making this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a straightforward process that you will enjoy. Follow these steps to create a delicious bowl of soup that will warm your heart.
- Brown the Meat: Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add in 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey. Cook until the meat is browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. If there’s excess fat, drain it, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
- Sauté the Aromatics: After browning the meat, add 1 small diced yellow onion to the pot. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Base: To build depth of flavor, add in 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and optionally, ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Then, pour in 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce, 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and 1 (15-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 to 20 minutes. This step is essential as it allows the flavors to deepen and meld together.
- Cook the Noodles: Directly add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook for about 10 to 12 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If you notice the soup thickening too much, feel free to add extra chicken broth.
- Make It Creamy: Lower the heat once again and gently stir in ½ cup of heavy cream, ½ cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheeses melt and the soup becomes creamy and rich. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Serve and Garnish: Your soup is now ready to be served! Ladle it into bowls and top with chopped fresh basil or parsley. Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added flavor. Pair this delicious soup with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
When it’s time to serve your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, make sure you have everything ready for a delightful meal. You might want to garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a lovely touch. It adds a beautiful pop of color and enhances the flavor profile of the soup.
Consider serving your soup hot alongside crispy garlic bread. The warmth of the soup combined with the buttery, garlicky flavor of the bread ensures a satisfying dining experience. If you prefer lighter options, a fresh garden salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette goes perfectly too. This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs well with these simple sides to enhance your meal.
Expert Tips: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
To elevate your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, consider these expert tips:
- Use Lean Meat: Lean ground beef or turkey will keep your soup lighter and healthier. However, feel free to use a blend of meats if you prefer.
- Customize the Pasta: Lasagna noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta you like. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
- Add Vegetables: For added nutrition, incorporate vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini. Just sauté them along with the onion for maximum flavor.
- Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a day or two. Just remember to add a little extra broth when reheating, as the noodles may absorb some of the liquid.
- Adjust Creaminess: The amount of heavy cream can always be adjusted based on your preference for creaminess. For a lighter version, you can reduce it or substitute with half-and-half.
How to Store Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Proper storage is key to maintaining the quality of your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to enjoy it again, make sure to reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: If you’re planning to save portions for a longer time, you can freeze the soup. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It should last about 2 to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as desired.
Variation of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
There are so many delicious variations you can try with your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup:
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute the meat with lentils or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian offering.
- Spicy Kick: For those who love spice, consider adding diced jalapeños or others peppers into the mix. You can also incorporate spicy sausage for an extra layer of flavor.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese combinations! Try adding some goat cheese or feta for an interesting twist.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to customize the herbs in your soup. Fresh thyme or oregano can complement the overall flavor beautifully.
- Add Cream Cheese: For an even creamier finish, add an 8-ounce block of cream cheese to the pot. It will give your soup a rich texture and flavor.
FAQ: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
What is Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna in a creamy soup form. It features layers of meat, marinara, and cheese with broken lasagna noodles simmered to perfection.
How long does Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup take to cook?
From start to finish, you can prepare Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup in about 30 to 40 minutes. This makes it a quick option for busy weeknight dinners.
Can I make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup in advance?
Yes, you can prepare Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time. It stores well in the refrigerator for a few days and can also be frozen for longer storage.
What can I serve with Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Garlic bread, a fresh salad, or a side of roasted vegetables complement the heartiness of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup beautifully. They enhance your dining experience while offering variety to the meal.
How do I adjust the spice level in Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
If you prefer a spicier soup, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the cooking process. If you want to make it milder, simply omit the red pepper flakes.
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 24-ounce jar marinara sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 15-ounce can crushed tomatoes
- 8 pieces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste Fresh basil or parsley, chopped For garnish
- to taste Extra Parmesan cheese for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon.
- Add 1 small diced yellow onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent.
- Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and optionally, 0.5 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 0.5 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Pour in 1 (24-ounce) jar of marinara sauce, 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, and 1 (15-ounce) can of crushed tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.
- Stir in 0.5 cup of heavy cream, 0.5 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 0.25 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Serving
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.