Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Recipe
Have you ever sat down to enjoy a cozy, comforting meal and thought, “Why don’t I make this more often?” That’s exactly how I feel about this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup! It’s like all the glorious flavors of traditional lasagna but in a warm, bowl of happiness. Plus, it’s a delightful way to sneak in a little extra vegetable goodness and can be whipped up in less than an hour.
Whenever I make this soup, I’m transported back to my grandmother’s kitchen. She always had a bubbling pot of something delicious on the stove, and the scent would envelop my senses, promising love and warmth. This dish gives me that same feeling of nostalgia and comfort. So, let’s dive right into making this warm embrace of a meal!
What’s in Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
– 1 tablespoon olive oil: This is your base. I prefer to use a good quality extra virgin olive oil because it adds a lovely flavor.
– 1 medium onion, diced: This little gem adds sweetness and depth to our soup. Don’t be shy; get those onions sizzling!
– 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better, right? The more, the merrier!
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage: Choose your protein! Both are delicious, but I often lean towards Italian sausage for that extra punch of flavor.
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A must-have for that classic lasagna flavor—think of it as the magic blend that brings everything together.
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes: The can of sunshine! This adds acidity and sweetness to our soup base.
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Choose your broth based on your preference or what you have on hand. Chicken broth adds richness, while vegetable broth keeps it light.
– 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Perfect for adding those hearty pasta bits. Feel free to break them up smaller—no one’s judging!
– 1 cup heavy cream: The star of the show that makes it creamy and indulgent.
– 1 cup ricotta cheese: Yes, we’re loading up on cheese here! This gives it that classic lasagna creaminess.
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For melting and stringy goodness. Because we all know gooey cheese makes everything better!
– Salt and black pepper to taste: Always a necessity to bring out the flavors.
– Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): A pop of freshness to brighten up our soup at the end.
Is Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Oh, let’s talk about the feel-good aspect of this soup! The combination of ground beef or Italian sausage provides a hefty dose of protein; helpful for those of us who enjoy a hearty meal. The onions and garlic not only add flavor but also boast antioxidant properties. And let’s not forget the tomatoes, which are excellent sources of vitamins C and K!
However, since we’re talking about creamy goodness with heavy cream and ricotta cheese, it’s not the lightest meal on the menu. You’re definitely indulging here, so if you’re watching your calorie intake, consider using low-fat versions of cream and cheese or even a plant-based alternative. This soup may not be the perfect weight-watcher, but every spoon brings a big smile—and that’s worth it!
Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
– 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
1. First off, heat up that olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and sauté until it’s translucent. This should take about 5 minutes. Smell that? Delicious!
2. Add in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until that fragrant aroma fills your kitchen. Trust me; your neighbors will be wondering what you’re cooking!
3. Crank up the heat a bit to medium-high and throw in that ground beef or Italian sausage. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon. You want to ensure it’s fully cooked.
4. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and give it a quick stir for about a minute to really get those flavors mingling.
5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, and wait until it simmers away. Feel free to take a moment to enjoy the comforting sound!
6. Now, add in the broken lasagna noodles and cook according to package instructions. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes until they’re perfectly al dente.
7. Once those noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in that heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Give it a good mix until the cheeses are melted and everything is creamy and dreamy.
8. Add salt and black pepper to taste. Remember, seasoning is your best friend in the kitchen!
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and that remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Just look at that masterpiece!
Soup’s Up!
Now, let’s talk about how to take this soup to the next level. Pair it with some crispy garlic bread, or toss together a fresh salad to lighten up the meal a bit. If you’re feeling adventurous, sneak in some spinach or zucchini—it’s an easy way to add more veggies!
And don’t be afraid to make it your own. Love a bit of kick? Toss in some red pepper flakes for extra spice. Want a lighter version? Swap out the heavy cream for milk or a dairy-free alternative.
I truly hope you give this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup a try. It’s a recipe that has become a staple in my kitchen and has a lovely way of bringing family and friends together. Cook it up, savor every spoonful, and don’t forget to share your experience with me! Happy cooking!
