This creamy lasagna soup brings all the goodness of classic lasagna into a cozy bowl. With layers of pasta, rich sauce, and gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its best!
Trust me, it’s hard not to go back for seconds. I love topping mine with extra cheese—because can you ever have too much cheese? Nope! 🧀
Making this soup is a breeze! Just simmer everything together and enjoy. It’s perfect for chilly days or when you need a warm hug in a bowl!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds rich flavor. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian version, consider using mushrooms or veggie sausage!
Pasta: Traditional lasagna noodles give the soup the classic feel, but you can use any small pasta like farfalle or tortellini, which are playful and great for soups.
Cheeses: The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy texture. If you’re looking to lighten it up, low-fat cheese options can be used, though the flavor might be slightly different.
Heavy Cream: This makes the soup rich and creamy. For a leaner alternative, try half-and-half or even almond milk, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor and texture a bit.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy and Delicious?
The key to a creamy lasagna soup lies in how you add the cheeses and cream. Here’s my tip:
- After adding the heavy cream and cheeses, keep the heat low. This helps them melt smoothly without curdling.
- Stir gently as you add each cheese to ensure everything blends nicely into the soup.
- If it’s getting too thick, don’t hesitate to add more broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
Enjoy a hearty and comforting bowl, perfect for any day!
How to Make Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles or similar pasta, broken into bite-sized pieces (or use farfalle/tortellini)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil, thinly sliced for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This flavorful creamy lasagna soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, so you’ll be enjoying a warm bowl of comfort in about 35 minutes total. Perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start Cooking the Meat:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the ground Italian sausage (or beef) and cook it until it’s browned. Remember to break it into small crumbles as it cooks so every bite is deliciously meaty.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened (about 3-4 minutes). Then toss in the minced garlic along with the dried oregano, dried basil, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant, filling your kitchen with a wonderful aroma!
3. Add the Liquids:
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, the chicken broth, and the water. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This is where all those flavors come together!
4. Cook the Pasta:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles (or your choice of pasta). Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer until the pasta is tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Be sure to check your pasta package for the exact cooking time, as it can vary!
5. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Gently stir until all the cheese has melted into the soup, making it rich and creamy. Yum!
6. Season and Adjust:
Now it’s time to taste! Season the soup with salt and pepper to your liking. If you find the soup is too thick, just add a bit more broth or water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Ready to serve? Dish up your creamy lasagna soup in bowls and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil on top for that perfect finishing touch. If you like a little heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes!
Enjoy your comforting bowl of creamy lasagna soup that tastes just like a warm hug of classic Italian flavors!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta in This Soup?
Absolutely! Just choose your favorite gluten-free pasta that can withstand cooking in soup. Cook it according to package instructions separately, then add it to the soup just before serving to prevent it from getting too mushy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat or use the microwave, adding a splash of broth to bring back the creaminess if needed.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian! Simply omit the meat and use your choice of plant-based sausage or mushrooms for added flavor, and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth.
How to Thicken the Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can either reduce the amount of broth or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) to the simmering soup. Stir it in and allow it to thicken as it cooks for a few more minutes.
