When you’re craving the hearty, cheesy goodness of lasagna but don’t want to spend hours assembling layers and baking it, this Creamy Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. This one-pot, creamy, and flavorful soup captures all the essence of lasagna in a bowl, with tender pasta, savory sausage, and the rich taste of mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheeses. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or you’re looking to impress your family with something simple but delicious, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
In this article, we’ll guide you through every step of making this creamy, comforting lasagna-inspired soup. You’ll learn about its origins, key ingredients, how to prepare it, some exciting variations, and even tips for making it your own.
What is Creamy Lasagna Soup?
Creamy Lasagna Soup takes the flavors of traditional lasagna—pasta, cheese, ground meat, and tomato sauce—and combines them into a rich, savory soup. It’s like having lasagna in a bowl, but without all the layers and lengthy baking time. The base is made of Italian sausage or ground beef, which is simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and broth to create a flavorful, hearty soup. Broken lasagna noodles are added to the mix, and the whole thing is enriched with a creamy cheese mixture that melts into the soup, creating a velvety texture.
The Origin of Creamy Lasagna Recipe
Lasagna has a long history, with roots tracing back to ancient Greece and Rome. The dish evolved into its modern form in Italy, where it became popular as a hearty, baked casserole of pasta, cheese, and meat. Creamy Lasagna Soup is a more recent innovation, created to make the flavors of lasagna more accessible and quicker to prepare. It maintains the comforting essence of the classic dish but in a more time-friendly format, perfect for busy families and weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for Creamy Lasagna Soup
This recipe uses familiar ingredients to create a rich and flavorful soup. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta:
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Lastly for Garnish:
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crusty bread for serving
Step-by-Step Directions and Preparation Method
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation.
1: Prepare the Soup Base
- Cook the meat: Heat a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes).
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the tomatoes: Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes, letting the mixture become fragrant and slightly thickened.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, water, Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, stirring occasionally.
2: Cook the Pasta
- Add pasta: Break the lasagna noodles into pieces and add them to the boiling soup.
- Simmer the soup: Reduce the heat to medium and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.
3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Mixture
- Combine cheeses: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ricotta cheese, heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Mix until smooth and well-combined.
- Add herbs: Stir in the fresh basil (or dried, if using) to infuse the cheese mixture with extra flavor.
4: Finish the Soup
- Reduce the heat: Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low.
- Add the cheese mixture: Gradually stir in the creamy cheese mixture, one spoonful at a time. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Simmer gently: Let the soup simmer on low for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the cheese from sticking or clumping.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the soup and add additional salt or pepper as needed.
Variations of Creamy Lasagna Soup
One of the best parts of Creamy Lasagna Soup is how versatile it is. You can easily make substitutions and adjust the recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
Vegetarian Version:
If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can replace the ground sausage with about 2 cups of mixed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Be sure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the soup meat-free.
Lighter Option:
For a lighter version, swap out the sausage for ground turkey, and substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream cheese. Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella to reduce the fat content while still keeping the creamy, cheesy taste.
Spicy Kick:
If you love a little heat, try adding 1/2 tsp of crushed red pepper flakes to the soup, or use spicy Italian sausage instead of regular sausage. You can also include diced jalapeños along with the onions for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs About Creamy Lasagna Soup
Can I use other types of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes! While lasagna noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can use any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
Can I make Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so you may need to add extra broth or cream when reheating.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze Creamy Lasagna Soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it up on the stove. You may need to add extra liquid since the soup will thicken in the freezer.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread, garlic bread, or even a simple side salad. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan and fresh basil on top for added flavor.
Conclusion: Enjoying Creamy Lasagna Soup
In conclusion, Creamy Lasagna Soup is the perfect dish to satisfy your craving for lasagna in a fraction of the time. It combines all the comforting flavors of the classic dish into a quick and easy soup that’s rich, hearty, and full of cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking to make a weeknight dinner that the whole family will love or you want to switch up your regular soup routine, this recipe is a must-try.
With its delicious blend of Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and tender pasta, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s flexible, easy to make, and most importantly—absolutely delicious! So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy a comforting bowl of lasagna-inspired goodness.
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Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe: A Comforting Twist on a Classic Dish
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Creamy Lasagna Soup takes the flavors of traditional lasagna—pasta, cheese, ground meat, and tomato sauce—and combines them into a rich, savory soup. It’s like having lasagna in a bowl, but without all the layers and lengthy baking time. The base is made of Italian sausage or ground beef, which is simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and broth to create a flavorful, hearty soup. Broken lasagna noodles are added to the mix, and the whole thing is enriched with a creamy cheese mixture that melts into the soup, creating a velvety texture.
Ingredients
Creamy Lasagna Soup takes the flavors of traditional lasagna—pasta, cheese, ground meat, and tomato sauce—and combines them into a rich, savory soup. It’s like having lasagna in a bowl, but without all the layers and lengthy baking time. The base is made of Italian sausage or ground beef, which is simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and broth to create a flavorful, hearty soup. Broken lasagna noodles are added to the mix, and the whole thing is enriched with a creamy cheese mixture that melts into the soup, creating a velvety texture.
Instructions
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
For Garnish:
- Extra mozzarella and Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil leaves
- Crusty bread for serving
Notes
Serving & Storage Tip:
Top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of fresh basil for that true lasagna feel. This soup thickens as it sits, so add a splash of broth when reheating. It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and tastes even better the next day!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American