Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

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Lasagna soup brings you all the cozy comfort of classic lasagna—meaty sauce, tender pasta, and melty cheese—but without the layering or baking. It’s everything you love about your favorite Italian dish, reimagined in a spoonable, soul-soothing form. Perfect for chilly nights or when you just want something warm and satisfying in a hurry. If you’re new to homemade soups, this one is a fantastic place to start. One pot, big flavor, and plenty of cheese? Yes, please!

Why You’ll Love This Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup is about to become your go-to cozy dinner. Here’s why:

  • Big Lasagna Flavor, Small Effort: All the comforting layers of lasagna in one easy-to-make soup.
  • Beginner Friendly: Just sauté, simmer, stir—it’s that simple.
  • Customizable: Use your favorite pasta shapes, meat, or vegetarian swaps.
  • Perfect for Leftovers: It reheats like a dream and makes a big batch!

From first bite to last spoonful, lasagna soup checks every comfort food box.

The Story Behind Lasagna Soup

How did lasagna become soup? Let’s break it down:

  • It likely began as a quick way to use up leftover lasagna ingredients.
  • Italian-American kitchens made it popular by simplifying classic recipes.
  • Bowtie or broken lasagna noodles mimic the feel of traditional layers.
  • It’s now a cold-weather staple in home kitchens across the U.S.
Lasagna Soup

Key Ingredients in Lasagna Soup

  • Ground Beef – The hearty protein base, giving the soup richness and depth.
  • Onion & Garlic – Aromatic and foundational for classic Italian flavor.
  • Tomato Trio: Diced Tomatoes, Tomato Sauce, and Tomato Paste – These combine to create a thick, tangy, and savory broth.
  • Chicken Broth & Water – Adjusts the soup’s consistency and balances richness.
  • Bowtie Pasta – A fun, easy-to-eat shape that mimics lasagna sheets.
  • Italian Seasoning, Salt & Pepper – Brings everything together with traditional herb notes.
  • Ricotta, Mozzarella, Parmesan – The melty cheese trifecta that gives lasagna soup its signature finish.
  • Fresh Parsley – Brightens the bowl and adds a fresh pop.

How to Make Lasagna Soup

  1. Heat It Up
    In a 4.5-quart soup pot, add 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté the Base
    Add the ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Sauté until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Drain off excess fat if needed.
  3. Add the Tomato Goodness
    Stir in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Add Italian seasoning, sea salt, black pepper, and uncooked bowtie pasta.
  4. Bring It to a Boil
    Increase heat to high and bring the soup to a rolling boil.
  5. Simmer Gently
    Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring frequently, until the pasta is just tender.
  6. Adjust the Consistency
    If the soup feels too thick, add 1–2 cups of water or more broth to loosen it to your liking.
  7. Cheesy Finish
    You can stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan directly into the soup once slightly cooled, or let everyone top their own bowl.
  8. Garnish & Serve
    Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and enjoy it piping hot!

Lasagna Soup Tips and Twists

Make it yours with these tips and variations:

Tips:

  • Stir often to keep pasta from sticking.
  • Cook pasta just until al dente to avoid mushiness.
  • Add water gradually to maintain your perfect soup consistency.
  • Let soup cool slightly before adding cheese—it melts better that way.
  • Use sea salt to enhance flavor depth.

Twists:

  • Sub in Italian sausage or ground turkey for a flavor shift.
  • Make it creamy with a splash of heavy cream or dollop of mascarpone.
  • Toss in baby spinach or zucchini for a veggie boost.

Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips

  • Storage:
    Let your lasagna soup cool completely. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months (longer if vacuum-sealed).
  • Reheating:
    Reheat gently on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of broth or water since the noodles absorb liquid as it sits.
  • Make-Ahead:
    Want to prep in advance? Cook the soup base without the pasta and refrigerate. Boil pasta separately when ready to serve for best texture.

Serving Suggestions for Lasagna Soup

Make your lasagna soup meal complete with these perfect pairings:

  • Quick Cheddar Bay Biscuits – Ideal for dipping and soaking up that cheesy broth.
  • Grilled Chicken Wraps – Light but satisfying if you want to double down on protein.
  • Roasted Broccoli and Carrots – A colorful, healthy side to balance the richness.
  • Avocado Toast with Egg – A modern brunch twist that works surprisingly well.
  • Simple Garden Salad with Balsamic – For a crisp and refreshing contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make lasagna soup gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free bowtie pasta and double-check your broth ingredients.

Do I have to use bowtie pasta?
Nope—rotini, broken lasagna noodles, or shells all work great.

Is this soup spicy?
Not at all, but you can add crushed red pepper flakes if you want a kick.

Can I freeze lasagna soup with pasta in it?
You can, but the pasta may become soft. For best results, freeze without the pasta.

What’s the best cheese topping?
A mix of ricotta for creaminess, mozzarella for meltiness, and parmesan for a sharp finish hits every note.

Enjoy Your Lasagna Soup

Lasagna soup brings all the flavor and warmth of traditional lasagna into a single, satisfying pot. It’s cheesy, savory, and endlessly comforting. Whether you serve it as a hearty dinner or make a big batch for lunch leftovers, this dish will earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite among both kids and adults. Time to ladle up and dig in—your lasagna soup masterpiece awaits!

Explore More Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for more delicious, beginner-friendly recipes to try after lasagna soup?

There’s a recipe for every craving at Abby’s Recipes. Keep exploring and keep cooking!

Lasagna Soup
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Easy Lasagna Soup Recipe for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

Lasagna soup is a cozy, beginner-friendly twist on traditional lasagna—full of tender pasta, hearty meat, and cheesy goodness, all in one pot.
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Italian-American
Keyword easy lasagna soup, hearty soup, lasagna soup, one pot lasagna soup, weeknight soup recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 410kcal
Author Abby Marlow

Ingredients

Base:

  • 1 –2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 large onion diced
  • 4 garlic cloves minced

Tomato Sauce Mix:

  • 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
  • 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
  • cup tomato paste

Liquid & Seasoning:

  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 –2 cups water as needed
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
  • Black pepper to taste

Pasta:

  • 8 oz uncooked bowtie pasta

Toppings (to taste):

  • ½ cup ricotta cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ¼ cup shaved or grated parmesan
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until beef is browned.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, seasoning, salt, pepper, and pasta.
  • Bring the soup to a boil over high heat.
  • Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–15 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring frequently.
  • Add water as needed to reach desired consistency.
  • Serve hot with ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Garnish with parsley.
  • Enjoy your hearty bowl of lasagna soup with crusty bread!

Notes

To prevent soggy pasta, cook until just al dente and stir often. For a creamy twist on lasagna soup, add a splash of cream or stir in mascarpone.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving):
Calories: 410 | Protein: 24g | Carbs: 32g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 6g

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