If you’re craving a warm and satisfying dish that combines the delightful flavors of lasagna with the comforting essence of soup, then Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is what you need. This recipe provides a delicious twist on the classic Italian meal, making it perfect for a cozy night in or a family gathering. With hearty ingredients and simple preparation steps, you’ll find this dish not only quick to make but also irresistibly delicious!
Why We Love This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a true crowd-pleaser, combining traditional lasagna flavors with the convenience of a soup. It’s creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, providing warmth during those chilly days or serving as a delightful comfort dish at any time of the year. Whether you’re a busy parent looking for a quick meal option or a home cook wanting to impress guests, this soup fits perfectly into your culinary repertoire. Its rich flavors and creamy texture will have you coming back for seconds, and it’s adaptable enough that you can customize it to suit your tastes.
Ingredients about Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
List of ingredients with measurements
- 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-inch pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Directions
To start your culinary adventure, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, toss in the finely diced onion. Sauté this until the onion is soft and fragrant, which should take about 4 to 5 minutes. After that, add the ground beef, stirring it into the onions. Cook this until the beef is browned all over, which should take about 7 to 10 minutes. As the beef cooks, it will release its robust flavor, making your kitchen smell amazing.
When the beef is cooked through, stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and dried oregano. You’ll want to let these ingredients mingle in that hot pot for another minute to highlight their flavors. At this point, add in the tomato paste and mix it well, allowing this base to take on a deeper richness.
Next, pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and the canned diced tomatoes. Ensure you mix everything well to create a homogeneous mixture. Now, introduce the chicken broth to the pot. If you’re looking for a thicker, heartier soup, stick to 4 cups. If you prefer a lighter broth, feel free to add more. Bring your delightful soup to a boil!
Once boiling, throw in those broken lasagna noodles. When you add the noodles, remember to sprinkle in the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt (or adjust according to your taste). Lower the heat and let your soup simmer, giving the noodles some time to become tender. This should take about 10 to 12 minutes.
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream, if you choose to use it for a richer flavor. If you find the soup too thick, this is the perfect moment to add in an extra cup or two of chicken broth. For that extra creamy and cheesy goodness, consider stirring in some shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese directly into the soup.
When everything is beautifully blended, ladle the soup into bowls, and it’s time for your final touches! Spoon generous dollops of ricotta cheese over the top, then sprinkle more mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh basil to add a vibrant touch. And just like that, your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is ready to serve!
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Serving your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is where the fun really begins! You can present this dish in a variety of ways to please your guests or family. Start by ladling generous portions of soup into beautiful bowls. The visual appeal of the layered cheese and fresh basil on top will entice everyone right away.
For a complete meal, serve it alongside a fresh garden salad or a loaf of crusty bread for dipping. The bread will absorb the delicious broth and is a perfect complement to the richness of the soup. If desired, you can offer different toppings such as additional grated parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat, or even a dash of Italian seasoning to enhance the flavors further.
Encourage everyone to mix their toppings into the soup to create a personalized bowl. With the creamy base, chunky ingredients, and various textures, each spoonful will offer a delightful surprise. Enjoy this soup hot for the best experience!
Expert Tips: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
To take your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup to the next level, here are some expert tips. First, don’t rush the browning of the ground beef; this step adds deep flavors to your soup. Take the time to let it brown evenly before moving on. Second, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Adding fontina or provolone can give additional depth and creaminess.
If you want a vegetarian version, consider substituting the ground beef for a mixture of sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils. Feel free to add more vegetables or herbs according to your preference.
A wonderful way to enhance the flavor profile is to use homemade broth or stock instead of store-bought. Trust me; the depth of flavor it brings is well worth the extra effort.
Lastly, if you’re making this soup ahead of time, save the noodles for when you’re ready to serve. Adding them too early can result in mushy noodles. By cooking them fresh in the soup just before serving, you ensure they maintain their perfect texture.
How to Store Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
If you happen to have leftovers of this delightful soup, storing it is simple! Begin by allowing the soup to cool completely. Once cooled, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store the soup in the refrigerator for up to three days.
For longer storage, this soup can be frozen for up to three months. However, keep in mind that the texture of the noodles may change once frozen. To reheat, simply thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator, and then warm it up on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup seems too thick after freezing, stir in a bit of chicken broth or water to rejuvenate its creamy texture.
Variation of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Your culinary creativity can shine with the Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. Here are some delightful variations to consider.
- Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Soup: Add in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. This not only boosts nutrition but adds a pop of color.
- Spicy Italian Sausage Lasagna Soup: Replace ground beef with spicy Italian sausage for a kick of flavor.
- Gluten-Free Version: Substitute regular lasagna noodles with gluten-free varieties. Many brands offer excellent options that maintain a similar texture when cooked.
- Herb-Infused Soup: Experiment with fresh herbs such as thyme or rosemary to add complexity.
- Mexican Spin on Lasagna Soup: Use taco seasoning in place of the oregano and red pepper flakes. Top with avocado and tortilla strips for added crunch.
Each variation brings something new to the table, ensuring that your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup can cater to different tastes and preferences.
FAQ
What is Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup combines all the delicious elements of traditional lasagna—like rich sauces and layered cheeses—into a comforting soup.
How do I make my Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup healthier?
You can improve the health factor by using lean ground turkey instead of beef, adding various vegetables, and using low-fat versions of cheese or cream.
Can I freeze Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Yes, it freezes well for up to three months. Just remember that the noodles may become softer upon freezing and reheating.
What can I serve with Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Pair the soup with a fresh garden salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
How can I make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup creamy without heavy cream?
You can achieve a creamy consistency using additional cheese, such as cream cheese or a blend of ricotta and mozzarella mixed into the soup.
By following this guide, you’ll not only master the recipe but surely impress those you share it with. Enjoy your culinary adventure with Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For sautéing
- 1 medium onion, finely diced Adds flavor
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20) Can substitute with turkey for a healthier option
- 5 cloves garlic, minced Enhances flavor
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for spiciness
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano For flavor
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds a rich tomato flavor
Tomato Base
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce Can substitute with plain tomato sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes For added texture
- 4 cups chicken broth More can be added for a thinner soup
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt Divided for seasoning
Pasta and Cheese
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces Can use gluten-free noodles if needed
- ½ cup heavy cream Optional for creaminess
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese For topping
- ½ cup ricotta cheese For serving
Garnish
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped For garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the finely diced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the ground beef, stirring until browned all over, about 7 to 10 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and dried oregano for 1 minute.
- Add the tomato paste and mix well.
- Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and diced canned tomatoes, mixing to combine.
Cooking
- Introduce the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and sprinkle in the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 10 to 12 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, if using, and adjust broth consistency as desired.
- Stir in some shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese until melted.
Serving
- Ladle the soup into bowls and spoon dollops of ricotta cheese on top.
- Sprinkle additional mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and fresh basil on top before serving.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!