This creamy lasagna soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It has all the great flavors of lasagna, with soft noodles, rich cheese, and tasty meat or veggies.
Honestly, who doesn’t love slurping up comforting soup? I like to top it with extra cheese—because more cheese is always better, right? 😄
This soup is super easy to make. Just simmer everything together and enjoy a bowl of cozy goodness. Great for chilly nights or whenever you need a smile!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This gives the soup a rich flavor. If you want a lighter version, you can use ground turkey or chicken. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled firm tofu or lentils instead.
Farfalle Pasta: Bowtie pasta is fun and holds the broth well, but any small pasta like mini shells or elbow macaroni will work too. If you’re gluten-free, consider using a gluten-free pasta made from rice or quinoa.
Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta adds creaminess. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese blended until smooth can work well. For a vegan option, use cashew cream or tofu blended until smooth.
Cheese: I like a mixture of mozzarella and Parmesan for that melty, cheesy top! You can also substitute with any melty cheese you enjoy, like Monterey Jack or Cheddar.
How Do I Make Sure My Soup is Creamy and Delicious?
To achieve that creamy texture, it’s key to blend in the cheeses at the right time. After the pasta is cooked, lower the heat before adding the ricotta, mozzarella, and heavy cream. This way, the cheeses melt in beautifully without clumping.
- Wait until the pasta is cooked to add the cheeses.
- Mix constantly after adding cheese to help create a smooth texture.
- If the soup gets too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
Lastly, don’t forget to taste as you go! Adjusting the seasonings with salt and pepper can really bring out the flavors. Enjoy your creamy lasagna soup and have fun with variations!
How to Make Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450g) ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups water
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Pasta and Cheese Layers:
- 8 oz (225g) farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy lasagna soup can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables, followed by 15-20 minutes letting everything simmer together with the pasta. So, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground sausage (or beef) over medium heat until it’s nicely browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off. This gives the soup a nice lean base.
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Add the chopped onion to the cooked meat and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Then, mix in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
3. Add Liquids and Seasonings:
Pour in the chicken broth, the can of diced tomatoes (juice and all), and 2 cups of water. Stir in the oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
4. Bring It to a Boil:
Raise the heat and bring the soup to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes. This helps all the delightful flavors combine.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Add the farfalle pasta to the simmering soup and cook until it’s al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
6. Stir in the Cheese:
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Keep stirring until all the cheeses melt beautifully into the soup, making it creamy and rich.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give the soup a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. You want it perfectly flavorful!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot in bowls, garnished with freshly sliced basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top. Dive into your warm, comforting bowl of creamy lasagna soup, and enjoy every spoonful!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Sausage or Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative. Just be aware that it may result in a slightly milder flavor, so consider adding extra herbs and spices to enhance the taste.
What Can I Substitute for Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta cheese, you can use blended cottage cheese or even a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Blending your choice until smooth will help achieve that creamy texture!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Definitely! Just omit the meat and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can also add more veggies, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for additional flavor and nutrition.
