Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a quicker, cozy soup form. It combines savory ground beef, rich tomato sauce, tender broken lasagna noodles, and a splash of cream for extra silkiness. Perfect for a weeknight meal or anytime you want that classic lasagna experience without the fuss of layering and baking.

My family is pretty picky but everyone asks for this one often. I first tried it when I needed a quick dinner and now it’s a staple when I want something hearty but easy.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Olive oil: essential for sautéing onions and browning beef to develop deep flavor
• Medium onion: finely diced for even cooking and sweetness
• Ground beef 80/20: provides juicy richness, leaner beef can make the soup less flavorful
• Garlic cloves: minced to infuse the broth with aromatic punch
• Red pepper flakes: adds a mild heat, adjust to taste or skip if you prefer no spice
• Dried oregano: classic Italian herb that brightens the tomato base
• Tomato paste: concentrated flavor and natural sweetness
• Tomato basil pasta sauce: foundation of the soup providing tomato richness and herbs
• Canned diced tomatoes: adds texture and freshness, choose good-quality brand for best flavor
• Chicken broth: balances the acidity and adds savory depth
• Kosher salt: levels the flavors perfectly
• Lasagna noodles: uncooked and broken into small pieces, best to use dried lasagna noodles for texture
• Heavy cream: optional but highly recommended for silky smooth texture
• Mozzarella cheese: shredded, adds creaminess and melts beautifully
• Parmesan cheese: freshly grated for sharpness and umami
• Ricotta cheese: dolloped on top for a creamy finishing touch
• Fresh basil: finely chopped for a bright herbal note

How to Make It

Sauté the aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavor base, so don’t rush.

Brown the ground beef:

Add the ground beef to the pot with the softened onions. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes 6 to 8 minutes. Browning the beef properly adds richness to the soup.

Incorporate garlic, spices, and tomato paste:

Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and one teaspoon kosher salt. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the tomato paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Toasting the tomato paste intensifies its flavor and sweetness.

Add liquids and tomatoes:

Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Cook the noodles:

Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot along with the remaining teaspoon of kosher salt or more to taste. Reduce heat to simmer and let cook uncovered until noodles are tender, about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking.

Finish with cream and cheese:

Stir in the heavy cream for a creamy texture. If you want a thinner soup, add 1 to 2 cups more chicken broth at this point. For extra cheesiness, stir shredded mozzarella or parmesan directly into the soup until melted and smooth.

Serve with garnishes:

Ladle the soup into bowls and add dollops of ricotta cheese, extra shredded mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the layered flavors of a classic lasagna in a warm bowl.

One of my favorite ingredients is the heavy cream because it transforms this soup from simple tomato soup into a luxurious, velvety dish. I also remember making this during a winter evening with my kids watching in awe as the cheese melted perfectly into the rich broth. It instantly became a family tradition.

Flavor Boosters

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness. Crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette pairs perfectly for dipping into the creamy soup. Top with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra flavor contrast.

Serving Suggestions

Lasagna traditionally involves layering pasta with cheese, meat, and sauces baked slowly in the oven. This soup captures all those familiar flavors boiled down into a quicker, one-pot meal form. It’s a comforting Italian-American dish that suits busy modern kitchens while honoring classic tastes.

Creative Twists

Add chopped spinach or kale for added greens in fall and winter months. Swap heavy cream for coconut milk for a dairy-free twist during summer months. Use fresh tomatoes and herbs during summer for a lighter, fresher version of the soup.

This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a quick, comforting meal that satisfies all lasagna cravings without the wait. Perfect for busy nights and delicious every time.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of noodles work best?

Dried lasagna noodles are ideal, broken into pieces. Oven-ready noodles tend to get too soft when simmered.

→ Can I make this dish in an Instant Pot?

Yes, Instant Pot instructions adapt well, speeding up the cooking process while preserving flavors.

→ How can I adjust the creaminess level?

Adding more heavy cream or stirring in shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese increases richness and creaminess.

→ Is it possible to make this vegetarian?

Substitute ground beef with plant-based protein or extra vegetables to create a vegetarian version.

→ How do I control the soup thickness?

Add extra chicken broth to thin it out or simmer longer for a thicker consistency based on preference.