Imagine all the cozy, comforting flavors of your favorite baked pasta—the rich tomato broth, the hearty meat, the gooey cheese—but served up in a bowl and ready in just half an hour. That’s the magic of this Lasagna Soup in 30 Minutes. It’s a deconstructed version of the classic, designed for those nights when you need a serious flavor hug but don’t have hours to spend layering noodles and waiting for it to bake. We’re using broken lasagna noodles right in the pot to capture that essential texture, making it a one-pot wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Delicious Lasagna Soup
Oh, where to start? First, it’s incredibly fast. Seriously, 30 minutes from stovetop to table. Second, it’s a one-pot meal, which means less cleanup and more time for you. But the real reason? The flavor. It’s so, so rich and satisfying, hitting all those classic lasagna notes without any of the fuss. It’s the ultimate comfort food that feels indulgent but is honestly so easy to pull together. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the whole family.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey (for a hearty base)
- 1 yellow onion, diced (for savory sweetness)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (for that essential aroma)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (for classic Italian flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional (for a little kick)
- 1 (24-ounce) jar marinara sauce (for a rich tomato base)
- 6 cups chicken broth (for the soup foundation)
- 8 oven-ready (no-boil) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (for the signature pasta)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half (for a touch of luxury)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese (for that authentic lasagna finish)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (for a pop of color and freshness)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step by Step Method
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and chicken broth, and give everything a good stir. Bring the soup to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Turn off the heat. Stir in the heavy cream. Season the soup with salt and black pepper to your liking.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella and Parmesan, and a bit of fresh basil. Dig in!
Easy Lasagna Soup Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a Chicken Lasagna version, swap the ground beef for 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, adding it at the end with the cream just to warm through. To make it vegetarian, use a plant-based ground meat alternative or an extra can of rinsed cannellini beans, and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. If you’re out of lasagna noodles, any short pasta like rotini or even broken cheese spaghetti will work in a pinch. And for a richer tomato broth, a splash of balsamic vinegar adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
Serving Ideas & Pairings
This soup is a meal all on its own, but no Texas meal is complete without the right sides! A simple, crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is the perfect fresh counterpoint to the rich soup. A slice of warm, crusty garlic bread is practically mandatory for dipping and scooping up every last bit. For a lighter option, some simple roasted broccoli or asparagus spears on the side are just lovely. And a glass of iced tea or a slightly sweet red wine blend would round it all out perfectly.
Storage Tips for Leftover Soup
Let the soup cool completely before storing. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb the broth, so it will become thicker. When reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave, you’ll likely need to add a splash of extra broth or water to bring it back to your desired soupy consistency. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the noodles and dairy can become a bit grainy and mushy upon thawing.
Crockpot Notes for Lasagna Soup
Want to let a machine do the work? You absolutely can! Brown the meat and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer everything (except the cream and cheeses) to your slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. About 20 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and crank the heat to HIGH to cook them through. Right before serving, stir in the cream and then top with the cheeses. So easy.
Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes
The most common issue is the noodles soaking up all the broth. If this happens, just add more warm broth or water a half-cup at a time until it’s soup again! To prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot, make sure you give the soup a good stir every few minutes while they cook. And if you’re using regular lasagna noodles (not the no-boil kind), you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Just keep tasting a noodle until it’s reached the perfect tenderness.
FAQs About Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Can I use a different pasta? Absolutely! While we use broken lasagna noodles to keep it authentic, this is a very forgiving soup. Small shells, rotini, or even that cheese spaghetti hiding in your pantry will work beautifully. Just adjust the cook time according to the package directions for the pasta you choose.
- How can I make this soup creamy? The heavy cream stirred in at the end gives it a lovely silkiness. For an even richer, more decadent feel, you can stir in an extra 1/2 cup of ricotta cheese directly into the pot along with the cream. So good.
- Is this like a traditional lasagna? It has all the soul-warming flavors of a classic lasagna—the meaty tomato sauce, the herbs, the cheeses—but in a much simpler, soup form. It’s the perfect solution for when you’re craving that traditional lasagna taste but need it on the table in a flash.