Imagine a warm bowl of savory goodness that blends all your favorite lasagna flavors into a delightful soup. This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup provides the comforting essence of traditional lasagna, packed into a hearty, delicious bowl. Infused with vibrant herbs and rich cheeses, this soup promises satisfaction on even the chilliest of days. With its straightforward recipe and fresh ingredients, you can whip it up effortlessly, creating a meal that will wow your family and friends.
Why We Love This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a favorite for many reasons. First, it brings the familiar flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering noodles and baking. Plus, the creamy texture combined with the robust meat and tomato sauce makes it truly irresistible. It’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner. You can prepare it in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Furthermore, each spoonful invites you to savor the experience, making this soup a go-to comfort food.
Ingredients about Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
To make this delightful soup, you need the following ingredients, all of which come together to create a delightful dish that everyone will love:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth (more if you want a thinner soup)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (divided or more to taste)
- 12 lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Directions
Creating Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a simple and rewarding process. Follow these directions to bring this comforting dish to your table:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. You’ll want enough heat to sauté but not so high that it burns the onions.
- Add the finely diced onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This step builds an aromatic base for your soup.
- Next, include the ground beef into the pot. Cook it until browned, stirring occasionally for about 7-10 minutes. Ensure the beef is fully cooked and no longer pink, as this adds depth to the flavor.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, the first teaspoon of kosher salt, and the dried oregano. Cook this mixture for one minute, allowing the garlic to release its beautiful aroma and flavor before moving on.
- Now, mix in the tomato paste thoroughly. This adds richness and intensity to the soup.
- Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and diced tomatoes next. These components are essential for achieving that lush, tomato base that we adore in lasagna.
- Follow this with the chicken broth. Bring the whole pot to a gentle boil. This will meld the flavors beautifully.
- Once boiling, toss in the broken lasagna noodles, adding the remaining salt. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender—taste a piece to gauge doneness.
- If you wish to enrich your soup with a creamy finish, stir in the heavy cream now. Adjust the broth as needed for your preferred thickness.
- Serve your hot soup in bowls and top each with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. Finish with the shredded mozzarella, freshly grated Parmesan, and a sprinkle of chopped basil. This final flourish not only adds taste but also elevates the presentation.
How to Serve Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Serving Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is a delightful experience, as it truly showcases the comforting nature of this dish. You can present it in individual bowls for a more formal serving, or place the entire pot on the table for a cozy, family-style meal. Either way, pair your soup with some garlic bread or a fresh side salad to round out the meal perfectly. The creamy base of the soup beautifully contrasts with crunchy bread, adding a satisfying texture to the meal. Don’t forget to set out extra cheese or fresh basil for garnishing, allowing everyone to customize their bowl as they see fit.
Expert Tips: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
To enhance your experience while making this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, consider these expert tips:
- Choose Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality cheeses will elevate the dish. Opt for freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella for a richer taste.
- Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner soup, don’t hesitate to add more chicken broth after cooking. A splash at the end can help adjust the consistency to your liking.
- Customize Your Protein: While ground beef is the classic go-to, feel free to substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a unique twist, you can skip the meat altogether and use extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for heartiness.
- Stir Gently: When adding the lasagna noodles, be careful not to break them too much to maintain a hearty bite.
How to Store Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Storing Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is straightforward, making it convenient for meal prep. Allow the soup to cool down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to three days. If you plan on keeping it longer, consider freezing individual portions. Store in freezer-safe containers, and enjoy the soup within three months. When reheating, remember to add a splash of broth or water if the soup is thicker than you like, as it can thicken in the fridge.
Variation of Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is versatile, allowing you to mix things up based on your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some variations to inspire you:
- Add Vegetables: Why not throw in some spinach or kale during the simmer? They add nutrition, color, and texture.
- Spicy Variation: If you’re a fan of heat, increase the red pepper flakes or toss in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with other types of cheese. For example, add goat cheese or fontina for a different flavor profile.
- Italian Sausage: Replace ground beef with Italian sausage for an extra burst of flavor.
- Gluten-Free: To make this soup gluten-free, substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it can differ.
FAQ
What can I substitute for ground beef in Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage if you prefer a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, feel free to use lentils or mushrooms.
Can I make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
Is it necessary to add heavy cream to the soup?
The heavy cream adds creaminess and richness but is entirely optional. You can omit it for a lighter version, or replace it with half-and-half or milk if desired.
How can I make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the meat entirely. Add diced vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers. You could also incorporate a can of beans for protein.
Can I substitute the lasagna noodles with another type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to replace the lasagna noodles with any pasta shape you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary, depending on the type of pasta used.
Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
For the base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20)
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 25 ounces tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 ounces diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth more if you want a thinner soup
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided or more to taste
- 12 pieces lasagna noodles, uncooked and broken into 2-inch pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream optional
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 6 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, enough to sauté the onions without burning.
- Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes.
- Include the ground beef, cooking until browned, about 7-10 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, the first teaspoon of kosher salt, and oregano, cooking for one minute.
- Mix in the tomato paste thoroughly.
- Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce and diced tomatoes, followed by the chicken broth, bringing to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, toss in the broken lasagna noodles and remaining salt. Reduce heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes until noodles are tender.
- If desired, stir in the heavy cream and adjust the broth for your preferred thickness.
- Serve hot, topping with ricotta cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and a sprinkle of chopped basil.
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