When the weather turns chilly or I’ve had one of those days, nothing calls my name quite like a bowl of Creamy Lasagna Soup. I’m talking about all the flavors of traditional lasagna but without the fussy layering or hour-long bake time. This one-pot wonder combines rich tomato broth, savory ground beef, and tender noodles, all swirled with creamy cheese. It’s comfort in a bowl that comes together in half the time of its casserole cousin. Want to know my secret for making it absolutely irresistible?
Why You’ll Love this Creamy Lasagna Soup
Every single spoonful of this creamy lasagna soup delivers the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without all the fussy layering and long baking time.
I’m talking rich tomato broth, tender pasta pieces, and that signature creaminess—ready in just one pot.
What’s not to love about transforming a labor-intensive Italian classic into a weeknight wonder?
The broken lasagna noodles absorb all those savory flavors while the heavy cream adds silky decadence.
Perfect for chilly evenings when you’re craving something hearty, or when you simply don’t have the patience for traditional lasagna.
Comfort food, simplified.
What Ingredients are in Creamy Lasagna Soup?
This one-pot wonder combines the essence of traditional Italian lasagna with the comfort of a hearty soup, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients.
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 25 oz tomato basil pasta sauce
- 28 oz diced canned tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 12 lasagna noodles, broken into 2″ pieces
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt to taste
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—you could easily swap ground turkey for the beef if you’re looking for something lighter, or add more red pepper flakes if you’re craving extra heat on a cold evening.
How to Make this Creamy Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add 1 medium diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
Add 1 pound of ground beef to the pot with the softened onions, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
Continue cooking until the beef is nicely browned and no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
Stir in 5 cloves of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
Cook for about a minute until everything becomes fragrant—this quick toast really wakes up those dried herbs.
Step 4: Pour in the Liquids
Add 25 ounces of tomato basil pasta sauce, 28 ounces of diced canned tomatoes with their juices, 4 cups of chicken broth, and salt to taste.
Bring this rich mixture to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Once boiling, add your 12 lasagna noodles that have been broken into approximately 2-inch pieces.
Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cook, uncovered, until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent clumping.
Step 6: Finish with Cream
Remove the pot from heat and stir in ½ cup of heavy cream.
This transforms the soup into something truly special—silky, rich, and utterly irresistible. Give it a final taste and adjust salt if needed.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Allow the soup to rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
During this time, the flavors meld together beautifully, and the soup thickens slightly as the pasta continues to absorb some of the liquid.
Using a premium bakeware set would be ideal if you’re planning to serve this delicious soup with homemade garlic bread or rolls on the side.
Step 8: Adjust Consistency
If the soup seems too thick (those lasagna noodles can be quite thirsty!), simply add a splash more chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Creamy Lasagna Soup
This hearty soup is practically a meal on its own, but a few simple sides can turn dinner into something special.
A classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine and homemade garlic croutons offers the perfect fresh counterpoint to the rich, tomato-based broth. Warm, crusty garlic bread is non-negotiable—you’ll want something to soak up every last drop of that creamy goodness.
For toppings, a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella melt beautifully into the hot soup, creating those stretchy cheese pulls we all secretly live for.
A glass of medium-bodied red wine, like Chianti or Sangiovese, complements the tomato flavors wonderfully, making this comfort food dinner complete.
And honestly, who doesn’t love breaking bread with soup?
Creamy Lasagna Soup Substitutions and Variations
• Flavor enhancers: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar or red wine for depth.
Fresh basil stirred in at the end brightens everything up.
- Topping bar: Set out ricotta, shredded parmesan, chopped fresh herbs, and extra red pepper flakes so everyone can customize their bowl.
- One-pot shortcut: Use no-boil lasagna noodles—they’ll cook right in the broth with no pre-breaking required.
Leftovers and Storage for this Creamy Lasagna Soup
This soup actually tastes even better the next day when all those rich flavors have had time to mingle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Keep in mind the noodles will continue absorbing liquid while stored, so you’ll likely need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
For best results, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat rather than using a microwave, which can make the noodles rubbery.
Want to freeze some? The soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months—just leave out the cream and add it fresh when reheating.
Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before warming and finishing with cream for that perfect silky texture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lasagna Soup truly captures everything we love about traditional lasagna but in a wonderfully comforting, spoonable form.
The rich tomato base, tender pasta pieces, and that final swirl of cream create something magical that satisfies in a way few dishes can.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving lasagna flavor without all the layering and baking time, or on chilly weekends when something warm and hearty is calling your name.
The beauty of this soup lies in its simplicity—familiar ingredients transforming into something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, no special occasion needed.