There’s something truly special about a delicious bowl of Creamy Lasagna Soup. It brings all the comforting, cheesy goodness of baked lasagna right to your spoon. I especially love the rich, savory tomato base perfectly balanced with tender lasagna noodles.
This comforting soup is perfect for a chilly evening. It’s a wonderful dish to share with family or pack for satisfying lunches. Everyone always asks for seconds of this delightful meal.
Why I Love This Creamy Lasagna Soup
This Creamy Lasagna Soup holds a special place in my heart. It’s incredibly easy to whip up. Seriously, weeknight dinners just got a lot easier. The flavor is pure comfort. It’s rich, cheesy, and satisfying. Plus, it’s surprisingly quick to make. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests too! My family devours this every time.
Creamy Lasagna Soup Ingredients
Gathering the ingredients for this Creamy Lasagna Soup is like assembling a flavor symphony. Each component plays its part beautifully. The magic happens when these simple items combine. It creates an Italian-American classic in a comforting bowl.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Olive Oil: A little goes a long way. It’s our foundation for sautéing.
- Ground Beef or Italian Sausage: This adds a rich, savory depth. It’s the hearty base of our delicious soup.
- Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build crucial flavor layers upfront. They make everything smell amazing.
- Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce: They provide the essential tomato backbone. This creates a luscious, tangy sauce.
- Broth: Chicken or beef broth adds liquid. It also enhances the overall savory taste.
- Dried Basil and Oregano: Classic Italian herbs brighten the soup. They capture that authentic flavor profile.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): A little pinch adds a gentle warmth. It’s your choice to include them.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste. They perfectly balance all the flavors.
- Lasagna Noodles: These are a must for that lasagna feel. Break them into bite-sized pieces.
- Heavy Cream: This makes the soup incredibly rich. It adds a luxurious, creamy texture.
- Ricotta Cheese: It brings a wonderful smooth texture. It also adds a subtle, milky sweetness.
- Parmesan Cheese: This cheese adds a salty, nutty finish. It’s key to that classic lasagna taste.
- Fresh Parsley (for Garnish): A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color. It also offers a touch of freshness.
Substitutions and Tips
Want to make it vegetarian? Just skip the meat! Use vegetable broth instead. Feel free to adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a bay leaf while simmering. Always ensure you don’t boil the soup after adding the dairy. This prevents any curdling. You’ll find exact amounts in the recipe card.
How to Make Creamy Lasagna Soup
Making this delightful Creamy Lasagna Soup is truly straightforward. You’ll bring all those beloved lasagna flavors into a comforting bowl. Follow these simple steps for a delicious meal.
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in your pot. Add the ground beef or sausage. Cook it well, breaking it apart. Drain away any extra grease. Now, add your chopped onion. Cook it until it’s nice and soft. Then, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for just one minute until it’s fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Tomato Base
Next, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Pour in the chicken or beef broth. Stir in the dried basil and oregano. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes now. Season everything with salt and pepper. Give it a good stir. Bring this flavorful mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Now it’s time for the noodles! Add the broken lasagna noodles right into the simmering soup. Cook them for about 10 to 15 minutes. Make sure they are tender but still a little firm, known as al dente. Stir them often. This stops them from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Achieve Creaminess
Turn the heat down low. This is crucial. Gently stir in the heavy cream. Add the ricotta cheese and Parmesan cheese too. Stir until everything is smoothly combined. Make sure the soup is creamy and luscious. Remember, do not boil the soup. Boiling after adding dairy can cause it to separate.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the hot Creamy Lasagna Soup into bowls. Garnish generously. Sprinkle on extra grated Parmesan cheese. Add some fresh chopped parsley. This adds a beautiful pop of color and freshness. Enjoy your delicious homemade soup!
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Creamy Lasagna Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A hearty and comforting Creamy Lasagna Soup that captures all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna in a convenient soup form.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 6–8 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add ground beef (or sausage) and cook, breaking it up, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken or beef broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy. Do not boil after adding dairy.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Ensure not to boil the soup after adding the cream and cheeses to prevent curdling.
How to Store Creamy Lasagna Soup
Leftover Creamy Lasagna Soup keeps well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s typically good for up to 3 days. For longer storage, the soup freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely. Then, portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Frozen soup lasts about 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh garlic. It truly makes a difference.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente.
- Low heat is key for the creamy finish. Prevent curdling.
- Taste and adjust seasonings. Make it perfect for you.
- Broth choice matters. Use good quality stock.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large Dutch oven or pot: Your workhorse for soup making.
- Cutting board and knife: For chopping onions and mincing garlic.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and sautéing.
- Ladle: For serving up those hearty bowls.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with crusty bread. It’s perfect for dipping.
- A simple green salad complements the richness.
- Consider a light white wine. Pinot Grigio works well.
- Offer extra Parmesan at the table.
- Fresh basil adds a pretty touch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, this delicious Creamy Lasagna Soup can definitely be made ahead! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating. This prevents them from getting too mushy. Reheat gently on the stovetop.
What are some good vegetarian substitutions for this soup?
Absolutely! For a wonderful vegetarian lasagna soup, simply omit the ground beef. Use a hearty vegetable broth instead of beef or chicken broth. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for more texture and flavor. Plant-based crumbles also work well as a meat substitute.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling when adding dairy?
Preventing curdling is simple! Always reduce the heat to low before stirring in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Never let the soup boil after the dairy has been added. Gentle heat is key to keeping your easy soup recipe beautifully creamy and smooth.
