Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

The Best Vegetarian Lasagna Soup Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 7 reviews
  • Author: Evelyn
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Vegetarian Lasagna Soup is a hearty and comforting dish that captures all the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, cozy soup form. Made with fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, lentils, fresh spinach, and three types of cheese, this soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a satisfying lunch. The lasagna noodles cook in the broth, melding with rich tomato paste and pesto for a flavorful experience that’s both filling and nutritious.


Ingredients

Sauté Base

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
  • 1.5 tablespoons Italian seasoning
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Fresh cracked pepper, to taste

Soup Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto
  • 1/2 cup uncooked split red lentils
  • 2 (28 oz.) cans fire roasted crushed tomatoes
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1-2 teaspoons granulated sugar (optional)
  • 8 uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite sized pieces
  • 2-3 cups chopped fresh baby spinach (optional)

Cheese Toppings

  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • Fresh chopped parsley for garnish


Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for sautéing the aromatics.
  2. Sauté onion: Add the diced onion with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes until softened and translucent.
  3. Add garlic and seasoning: Reduce heat to medium. Add the sliced garlic, Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Cook tomato paste: Stir in the tomato paste, cooking for roughly 2 minutes until it darkens to a brick red color, enhancing the depth of flavor.
  5. Deglaze pot: Pour a splash of vegetable broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits to incorporate flavor.
  6. Add main soup ingredients: Add the basil pesto, lentils, crushed tomatoes, remaining vegetable broth, and sugar if using. Season again with salt and pepper. Stir to combine well.
  7. Simmer soup base: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, especially to keep lentils from settling on the bottom.
  8. Add noodles and cook: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to low or medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 12-15 minutes until noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  9. Add spinach and season: Remove from heat. Stir in the chopped spinach until it wilts, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Serve with cheese: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with Parmesan, mozzarella, and a dollop of ricotta. Cover for a few minutes to let the cheeses melt. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

  • For a vegan version, omit the cheeses or substitute with plant-based alternatives.
  • The sugar is optional and helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes if desired.
  • Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make the recipe gluten-free.
  • Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
  • The lentils add protein and fiber, making this dish hearty and nourishing.