Name: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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″ 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

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 10 reviews

I’m so excited to share this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe with you! It’s one of those comforting dishes that brings all the cozy flavors of classic lasagna into a warm, hearty soup form. What I love most is how it’s packed with layers of rich tomato, Italian herbs, tender beef, and the creaminess that just wraps everything together perfectly. It’s ready in no time, so whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this soup always hits the spot for me.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe

When I first made this soup, I was blown away by how the flavors of traditional lasagna translate so beautifully into a bowl. The savory ground beef mingles with the tangy tomato sauce and herbs, while the little pieces of pasta soak up all those delicious juices. Then, just when you think it can’t get better, the touch of heavy cream softens everything into a silky, luscious finish. It’s like all the best parts of lasagna, but somehow even cozier and easier to enjoy.

What makes this recipe stand out to me is how incredibly simple it is without skimping on taste or texture. I appreciate that you don’t need a ton of complicated ingredients or steps — it all comes together on the stovetop in about 30 minutes. Whether I’m cooking for my family on a busy weeknight or serving friends who appreciate comfort food, this soup consistently impresses. It’s the perfect blend of ease, warmth, and satisfying flavors that keeps me coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows many ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a plate full of square yellow lasagna pasta at the bottom left. Above the pasta, fresh green basil leaves are placed next to a jar of red tomato basil sauce and a can of diced tomatoes. Small white bowls hold shredded white cheese, chopped white onions, a white creamy cheese, minced garlic, dried green herbs, red pepper flakes, and some sun-dried tomatoes. A white plate with raw ground beef is placed near the center. On the right, a chunk of orange cheese sits next to a small white pitcher of olive oil, a measuring jug with light yellow broth, and a small white jug of cream. All items are bright and clear. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this soup are straightforward and totally pantry-friendly, which is part of what makes it so approachable. Each component plays a crucial role in building that signature creamy and rich lasagna soup flavor and texture.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Olive oil: A good base for sautéing aromatics and beef, adding subtle richness.
Onion: Finely diced to provide a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
Ground beef (80/20): This ratio keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
Garlic: Minced to bring that unmistakable Italian aroma and zest.
Red pepper flakes: Just a pinch gives the soup a mild, pleasing heat.
Dried oregano: Adds that classic Italian herbaceous note often found in lasagna.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the soup beautifully.
Tomato basil pasta sauce: Brings a ready-made herb and tomato combo that speeds up the process.
Canned diced tomatoes: Adds texture and fresh tomato pieces for a rustic feel.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that keeps the soup hearty without heaviness.
Kosher salt: Used in stages to perfectly season every layer of the soup.
Lasagna noodles: Broken into manageable pieces, they soak up all the goodness.
Heavy cream (optional): Gives the soup a luxurious, velvety finish that makes it irresistible.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts right into the soup or can be added on top for extra cheesiness.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for sharp, nutty flavor both inside and as a garnish.
Ricotta cheese: Dolloped on top for creaminess and a traditional lasagna touch.
Fresh basil: Chopped finely to add a fragrant, vibrant finish at serving time.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is soft and translucent—this usually takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Add the ground beef to the pot and sauté it until it’s browned all over. Break it up with your spoon so it cooks evenly and no big chunks remain.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, dried oregano, and tomato paste. Let the mixture cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly, which really deepens the flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the tomato basil pasta sauce, diced canned tomatoes, and chicken broth. Bring this to a gentle boil over medium-high heat.

Step 5: Once boiling, carefully add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Sprinkle in the remaining 1 teaspoon kosher salt, then reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender which usually takes about 10-12 minutes.

Step 6: Stir in the heavy cream to create that signature creamy texture. If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add 1-2 cups extra chicken broth now.

Step 7: For an ultra-cheesy touch, stir shredded mozzarella or parmesan cheese directly into the soup to melt it in perfectly.

Step 8: Ladle the soup into bowls, then top each serving with dollops of ricotta cheese, extra mozzarella, parmesan, and sprinkle with fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately and enjoy every spoonful!

Servings and Timing

This recipe comfortably serves 8 people, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. The prep time is just 10 minutes, with a cooking time of about 30 minutes, totaling roughly 40 minutes from start to finish. There’s no resting time needed, so it’s perfect when you want a warm, satisfying meal fast.

How to Serve This Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy tomato-based lasagna soup showing visible layers: soft, wavy-edged lasagna noodles in a rich orange-red sauce, chunks of melted white cheese, and bits of browned ground meat, topped with thin strips of fresh green basil scattered over the surface. A silver spoon is partially submerged in the soup, held by a woman's hand at the right edge of the bowl. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some greens blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe, I love pairing it with a crisp, green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread rounds are absolute must-haves for dipping into every last bit of that luscious broth. They add a lovely crunch and great texture contrast.

To really make the presentation pop, I spoon extra fresh ricotta and shredded mozzarella right on top, followed by a scattering of fresh basil leaves. The vibrant green adds a beautiful freshness and an inviting look. If I’m serving guests, I sometimes bring out small bowls of grated parmesan and red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their own bowl.

For drinks, I find a glass of light red wine like Chianti or a chilled sparkling water with a twist of lemon pairs wonderfully, keeping the palate refreshed. This soup is great for cozy weeknight dinners but also shines for casual gatherings or Sunday suppers, especially when served piping hot to bring out all the comforting aromas.

Variations

I love how versatile this dish is, and there are plenty of ways to customize it depending on your preferences or dietary needs. For instance, swapping ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey can add a different flavor twist and tweak the fat content. If you want to make it vegetarian, I recommend using crumbled tempeh or cooked lentils, and substituting the chicken broth for vegetable broth.

If you or someone you’re cooking for needs a gluten-free option, you can easily replace the lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta shapes broken into pieces, or even use gluten-free lasagna noodles if you find them in your store. Vegan fans can swap out the cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives—while the flavor shifts, you still get that satisfying creamy texture.

For something a little heartier, sometimes I add diced bell peppers or mushrooms when sautéing the onions. Slow cooker lovers can adapt this recipe by layering the ingredients and cooking on low for 4-6 hours, then stirring in the cream and cheese at the end. It’s just as delicious with that slow-cooked depth of flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I always store any leftover soup in airtight containers once it has fully cooled. Glass or BPA-free plastic containers work great. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating, as some ingredients naturally settle at the bottom.

Freezing

This soup freezes really well, which is fantastic for future busy nights. I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat this creamy soup is gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat. Stir often to prevent sticking and to help the cream and cheese reincorporate smoothly. Avoid microwaving for long periods, as it can sometimes cause the cream to separate. Adding a small splash of broth or water while reheating can help refresh the texture if it feels too thick.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?

Absolutely! For the Instant Pot, brown the beef using the sauté function before adding the liquids and noodles, then cook on high pressure for about 5 minutes. Slow cooker versions work by layering ingredients and cooking on low for 4-6 hours. Just add the cream and cheeses at the end for best results.

Can I substitute the lasagna noodles with other pasta?

Yes, definitely. While broken lasagna noodles are traditional here, you can use any pasta shape you like—from penne to rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time since different pasta shapes may vary. Avoid oven-ready noodles as they become too mushy when boiled in soup.

Is heavy cream necessary in the recipe?

Not strictly, but the heavy cream adds that signature silky and rich texture that makes this soup truly feel like lasagna in a bowl. You can leave it out for a lighter version or replace it with half-and-half or a non-dairy cream if preferred.

How spicy is this soup?

The only heat comes from a small amount of red pepper flakes, so it’s very mild and family-friendly. If you prefer a kick, feel free to add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when serving.

Can I prepare this soup in advance?

Yes! You can make the soup a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight. Just add fresh basil and the ricotta topping right before serving to keep them fresh and bright.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited to try this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe as I am to share it. It’s honestly one of my favorite quick comfort foods that never disappoints and always feels special. Give it a go, and I know it will become a regular in your meal rotation too!