Name: Creamy Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth; 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil or parsley, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Jump to Recipe

If you love traditional lasagna but want something faster and easier, Creamy Lasagna Soup delivers all the rich flavor without the layering and baking. This cozy bowl combines tender pasta, seasoned beef, creamy ricotta, and melted mozzarella in a savory tomato base. It’s hearty, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights. Even better, you only need one pot and about 45 minutes. With simple ingredients like marinara, broth, and cheese, you can bring classic Italian-inspired comfort straight to your table.

Story

The first time I made Creamy Lasagna Soup, I wanted the bold flavor of lasagna without turning on the oven. Traditional lasagna tastes incredible, yet it takes time. So instead, I transformed those same ingredients into a one-pot soup that feels just as indulgent.

Creamy Lasagna Soup keeps everything you crave—savory meat, tomato richness, tender pasta, and creamy cheese—but simplifies the process. Rather than layering noodles and baking for an hour, you simmer everything together. As a result, the broth thickens slightly from the pasta starch, while the ricotta and mozzarella melt into the soup.

Because it uses pantry staples like marinara and broth, this recipe works any night of the week. Whether you prepare it with chicken broth or a deeper Beef Broth for a richer flavor, the result always feels like true Comfort Food. And since the pasta cooks directly in the pot, every bite carries that familiar lasagna flavor in spoonable form.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound lean ground beef or ground turkey
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or Beef Broth
1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces

For the Creamy Layer

½ cup heavy cream
½ cup Ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Garnish

Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Extra Parmesan cheese for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

First, dice the onion finely so it softens quickly. Then mince the garlic and break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces. Measure the seasonings and cheeses before you begin cooking. Preparing everything in advance keeps the process smooth and prevents overcooking the pasta later.

Cooking Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat, leaving about one tablespoon for flavor.

Next, add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Then add Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Stir well. Pour in the marinara sauce, broth, and crushed tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes to deepen the flavor. After that, add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Pasta becomes tender. Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much.

Finally, lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the soup turns rich and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with chopped basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Tips for Perfect Results

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Do not overcook the noodles. Because they continue to soften in hot broth, cooking them too long can make them mushy. Also, avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream and cheese. High heat can cause separation and affect the texture. Stir frequently once the pasta cooks to prevent sticking at the bottom of the pot.

Pro Tips for Better Flavor

For deeper richness, substitute part of the chicken broth with Beef Broth. Additionally, choose a high-quality marinara sauce since it forms the flavor base. If you prefer extra creaminess, stir in a little more ricotta just before serving. For added texture, toss in fresh spinach or sautéed mushrooms during the final simmer.

Serving and Storage

How to Serve

Serve Creamy Lasagna Soup hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Because the soup is hearty, it works beautifully as a standalone meal. Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan on top for a classic lasagna finish. A handful of fresh basil brightens the bowl and balances the richness.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days. Since the pasta absorbs broth over time, add a splash of broth when reheating. Warm gently over medium-low heat while stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Lasagna Soup transforms a traditional baked favorite into an easy one-pot dinner that feels just as satisfying. It combines rich tomato flavor, tender pasta, and creamy cheese into every spoonful. Because it comes together in under an hour, you can enjoy classic lasagna flavor any night of the week. Try this recipe once, and it may become your go-to comfort dinner.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. However, for best texture, cook the pasta separately and add it when reheating. This prevents the noodles from absorbing too much liquid during storage.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely. Replace the ground meat with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.

Can I freeze Creamy Lasagna Soup?

You can freeze it, but the texture of the pasta may soften after thawing. For best results, freeze the soup base without noodles and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.