If you’re craving the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna but don’t have the time or energy to prepare the classic dish, this Creamy Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. Combining all the classic lasagna ingredients—ground beef, Italian sausage, marinara sauce, ricotta, and plenty of melted cheese—this soup is a warm, hearty alternative that comes together in just one pot. It’s an easy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, a family dinner, or meal prep for the week.

The beauty of this soup lies in its comforting flavors and creamy texture, with just the right balance of spices and seasonings. By adding broken lasagna noodles directly to the soup, it absorbs the delicious tomato base, making each bite just as satisfying as a traditional lasagna. The spinach adds a pop of freshness, and the combination of ricotta and Parmesan gives the soup a cheesy, indulgent finish. Serve it with fresh basil for a fragrant touch, and you’ve got a meal that will satisfy your lasagna cravings in a fraction of the time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. All the Flavors of Lasagna in One Pot

If you love lasagna, you’ll appreciate how this soup delivers all the same satisfying flavors, from the savory meat filling to the cheesy, creamy broth.

2. Quick and Easy

Unlike traditional lasagna, which requires layers and baking, this soup can be made in just one pot in under an hour. Perfect for busy nights!

3. Customizable

You can easily swap the ground beef for turkey or chicken, change up the noodles, or add your favorite vegetables. This soup is flexible to fit your preferences.

4. Comforting and Hearty

With hearty ingredients like pasta, sausage, and ricotta cheese, this soup is incredibly filling and perfect for a cozy, satisfying meal.

5. Freezes Well

If you want to make a big batch and enjoy it later, this soup freezes beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

For the Soup:

Olive oil (or avocado oil or butter)
Sweet onion, chopped
Garlic cloves, minced
Ground beef (or ground turkey or chicken)
Spicy Italian sausage (or mild sausage or plant-based sausage)
Tomato paste
Dried Italian herbs (or fresh oregano and parsley)
Marinara sauce or tomato sauce
Heavy cream (or half-and-half or coconut cream for lighter options)
Chicken or vegetable broth (or beef broth for a richer flavor)
Pasta (broken lasagna noodles or any pasta of your choice)
Fresh spinach, chopped (or kale or arugula)

For the Cheese:

Whole milk ricotta (or cottage cheese for a lighter alternative)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or Pecorino Romano)

For Garnish:

Fresh basil

Variations

Vegetarian Option

Swap out the meat for plant-based sausage and ground lentils or mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian version of this creamy soup.

Spicy Version

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to bring some heat to the soup.

Low Carb Version

Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice in place of pasta for a low-carb alternative.

Dairy-Free Version

Swap the ricotta and Parmesan for dairy-free cheese or omit them entirely for a lighter, dairy-free option. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a non-dairy version.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add the ground beef and spicy Italian sausage to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste and Seasonings

Stir in the tomato paste, dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add Liquids

Pour in the marinara sauce (or tomato sauce), chicken (or vegetable) broth, and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta to the soup, stirring to combine. Let the soup simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 10-12 minutes, or according to the pasta package instructions.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Cheese

Stir in the chopped spinach, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese. Let the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into the soup, creating a creamy, cheesy texture.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since you’ll be adding the pasta directly to the soup, it’s important not to overcook it. Keep an eye on the pasta and check for doneness as it cooks in the broth.
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano, basil, or parsley, substitute them for the dried herbs for an extra burst of fresh flavor.
Make It Creamier: For an extra creamy texture, use half-and-half or coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for more flavor and nutrients.

How to Serve

Creamy lasagna soup is delicious on its own, but it’s also fantastic with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. Pair it with a simple green salad to balance out the richness of the soup. If you love more cheese, sprinkle some extra Parmesan over the top just before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to thin the soup if needed.

Freezing

This soup freezes well for up to 3 months. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.

Reheating

Reheat the soup on the stove over medium heat. If it has thickened too much during storage, add extra broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, feel free to use mild sausage, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you prefer.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like—penne, rigatoni, or even elbow macaroni would work well.

3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.

4. Can I make this soup vegetarian?

Yes, substitute the meat with plant-based sausage or a mix of mushrooms and lentils for a vegetarian version.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of broth or water.

6. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Yes, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer everything to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

7. Can I use almond milk instead of regular milk?

Yes, you can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk, but the soup might be a little less creamy.

8. How can I make this soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or use a spicier sausage to increase the heat.

9. What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?

You can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as a substitute for ricotta.

10. Can I add other vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Conclusion

This creamy lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food with all the rich, savory flavors of lasagna in a convenient soup form. It’s quick to prepare, customizable to your tastes, and perfect for cozy nights or meal prepping. With hearty meat, creamy broth, and plenty of cheese, this soup will satisfy your lasagna cravings without the time and effort of making the traditional dish. Enjoy it with your favorite toppings, and you’ll have a meal everyone will love.