Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Instructions

1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics

• Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Cook the Ground Meat: Add the ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess fat if needed.
• Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.

2. Make the Soup Base

• Add the Liquids: Pour in the chicken or beef broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes (with their juices). Stir to combine.
• Season the Soup: Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

3. Cook the Pasta

• Simmer and Add Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup and continue to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
• Stir in the Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. If using spinach, add it at this time and stir until wilted.

4. Prepare the Cheese Topping

• Mix the Cheeses: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Set aside.

5. Serve the Soup

• Ladle into Bowls: Spoon the hot lasagna soup into bowls.
• Top with Cheese: Add a generous dollop of the cheese mixture on top of each bowl, allowing it to melt slightly into the soup. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the lasagna noodles until just al dente, as they will continue to soften in the hot soup.
• Add Spinach or Kale for Extra Nutrition: Stirring in some leafy greens like spinach or kale boosts the nutritional content and adds color.
• Use a Blend of Ground Meats: For more flavor, try using a combination of ground beef, pork, or sausage.

Variations

• Make It Vegetarian: Substitute the meat with plant-based ground meat or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Use Different Pasta Shapes: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, try using rotini, farfalle, or any other short pasta.
• Add a Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for more heat.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Lasagna Soup

• All the Flavors of Lasagna Without the Hassle: This soup captures the essence of lasagna in a simplified, one-pot meal.
• Comforting and Cozy: Perfect for cooler weather, the creamy broth and cheesy topping make it an ideal comfort food.
• Quick and Easy: It’s much faster to make than a traditional lasagna, making it great for weeknight dinners.

Health Benefits

• Rich in Protein: The ground meat and cheese provide a good source of protein, which helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
• Tomatoes for Antioxidants: The marinara sauce and diced tomatoes offer lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that promotes heart health.
• Optional Greens Add Fiber: Including spinach boosts the fiber and adds essential vitamins and minerals.

Conclusion

Creamy Lasagna Soup is a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a comforting bowl. This hearty dish combines the rich taste of tomato sauce, tender pasta, and a creamy cheese topping that melts into the warm soup, making each spoonful satisfying and flavorful. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe offers all the beloved components of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. Give this comforting soup a try and let it become a new staple in your meal rotation!