Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup! This recipe combines all the delicious flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. People love to enjoy this dish during family gatherings or chilly evenings when they crave something satisfying and easy to prepare. With its straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delightful soup in no time. Plus, it’s packed with flavor, making it an excellent choice for Pinterest readers looking for crowd-pleasing meals.
Emma Hale’s Story
My culinary journey began unexpectedly. I’m Emma Hale, a 42-year-old professional chef from Portland, Oregon. Cooking was never my initial career path, but stepping into a kitchen changed everything for me. I started washing dishes at a small diner at sixteen, hoping to earn some gas money. Instead, I found my passion in the kitchen’s rhythm—the clattering pans, sizzling garlic, and the camaraderie among chefs. This journey has led me to create dishes that bring people together, like my beloved Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is truly special. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with classic lasagna flavors that everyone loves. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight, a festive holiday gathering, or even during game day, this recipe never disappoints. It’s quick to prepare yet feels indulgent, making it perfect for impressing guests or pampering yourself after a long day. Pinterest readers will want to save it for its ease and comfort—plus, it showcases how you can enjoy all the tastes of lasagna in a fraction of the time. Try this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For sautéing.
- 1 medium onion (finely diced) – Adds sweetness and flavor.
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20) – Provides richness.
- 5 cloves garlic (minced) – Enhances the aroma and taste.
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes – For a slight kick.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – A classic Italian herb.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste – Deepens tomato flavor.
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce – Bottled convenience.
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes – Adds texture.
- 4 cups chicken broth – Base for the soup; add more for a thinner consistency.
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste) – Essential for flavor.
- 12 lasagna noodles (uncooked and broken into 2" pieces) – The star of the dish!
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional) – Makes it extra creamy.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For gooey goodness.
- ½ cup parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – Adds depth of flavor.
- ½ cup ricotta cheese – For that classic lasagna creaminess.
- 6 tbsp fresh basil (finely chopped) – Freshens up the dish.
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
1 – Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
2 – Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
3 – Add the ground beef and sauté until browned.
4 – Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
5 – Mix in the tomato paste, stirring well.
6 – Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
7 – Bring the mixture to a boil.
8 – Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot.
9 – Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
10 – Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are tender.
11 – Stir in the heavy cream, if using.
12 – For a thinner soup, add 1-2 cups of extra chicken broth.
13 – Stir in shredded mozzarella or parmesan for extra creaminess.
14 – Serve the soup in bowls and top with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Serving Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is simple and delightful. Ladle the soup into bowls and add generous dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle extra mozzarella and parmesan on top for a melty finish. Fresh basil adds a burst of color and flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a balanced meal. For gatherings or holidays, consider placing toppings on the side so everyone can customize their soup. The creamy soup’s texture combined with the cheeses offers a comforting experience everyone will love.
How to Perfect Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
To ensure your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a hit, consider a few tips. First, allow the soup to simmer long enough for the flavors to meld. Taste frequently as you go, adjusting the seasoning to your liking. Experiment with extra herbs or spices for added depth. Keeping the soup balanced is essential; if it feels too rich, mix in more chicken broth. If you prefer a thicker soup, cut back on the broth a little. Finally, a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan before serving elevates the dish to a restaurant-quality meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Adding too much broth at once can make the soup too thin; adjust gradually.
– Overcooking the noodles can lead to mushiness; simmer until just tender.
– Skipping the heavy cream can result in less creaminess; consider adding it for that rich texture.
– Not tasting as you cook can lead to unbalanced flavors; adjust seasonings frequently.
– Forgetting to let it rest off heat before serving can mute the flavors; let it sit for a few minutes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftovers of your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, freeze the soup for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight if frozen. Gently warm it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much. Stir occasionally and heat until warmed through, ensuring you maintain that creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A1: Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with your favorite plant-based ground meat or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version.
Q2: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
A2: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that the tomato sauce and broth are certified gluten-free.
Q3: What can I add for extra flavor?
A3: Consider adding diced bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach for added vegetables and flavor.
Q4: Is this soup freezer friendly?
A4: Yes, but it’s best to freeze without the noodles or cheeses added. Stir those in after reheating.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a must-try recipe for anyone craving comfort food that’s quick to prepare. The rich flavors and creamy texture will delight your taste buds any day of the week. Make it soon for family dinners or casual gatherings, and don’t forget to save it on Pinterest!
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Add the diced onion and cook until soft.
- Add the ground beef and sauté until browned.
- Stir in minced garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Mix in the tomato paste, stirring well.
- Add the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot.
- Stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the heavy cream, if using.
- For a thinner soup, add 1-2 cups of extra chicken broth.
- Stir in shredded mozzarella or parmesan for extra creaminess.
- Serve the soup in bowls and top with ricotta, mozzarella, parmesan, and fresh basil.