Lasagna has always been one of my favorite meals, but I used to dread all the steps and time it took. Then I discovered Lasagna Soup with Italian Herbs, a cozy twist that captures all that delicious flavor but comes together in under an hour. This soup is a total game-changer for busy weeknights when I want comfort food without the stress.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Captures all the classic lasagna flavors in just one pot, saving you time and cleanup.
- Our special herb blend guarantees an authentic Italian taste every single time.
- Foolproof tips help you avoid mushy noodles, a common problem with lasagna soups.
- It’s hearty, cozy, and quick—perfect for busy adults craving comfort in under an hour.
The “Italian Herbs” That Make a Difference
The magic of this lasagna soup lies in its key Italian herbs: parsley, oregano, and basil. Fresh parsley adds a bright, slightly peppery note, while dried oregano offers an earthy depth that rounds out the soup’s richness. Dried basil brings a sweet, aromatic flavor that complements the tomato base beautifully. Fresh herbs give a vibrant lift; dried herbs provide convenience and intensity.
You can also make your own Italian seasoning blend at home by mixing:
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Store this blend in an airtight container for easy use in soups, sauces, and more.
Ingredients For The Perfect Lasagna Soup
For the Soup:
- 1/2 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 pound ground turkey
- salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 recipe homemade marinara sauce (or 24 ounce marinara sauce)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 Tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or 2 tsp dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 7 cups low sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (optional)
For the Creamy Ricotta Topping:
- 10 ounces ricotta cheese (or cottage cheese)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- fresh basil, for serving
Choosing a blend of lean ground beef and turkey keeps the soup flavorful yet lighter. Tomato paste deepens the sauce’s tomato flavor, while the marinara provides a rich base. Using low sodium broth lets you control the saltiness. Fresh spinach is optional but adds a lovely burst of color and nutrition. For the topping, the mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan creates a creamy, melty finish essential to that lasagna feel.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lasagna Soup with Italian Herbs
- Brown the meats: In a large pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and ground turkey until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper while cooking. Drain excess grease and remove the meat from the pot. [process photo: browning the meat]
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the sauce: Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to develop a richer flavor. Then add the marinara sauce, red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, dried oregano, dried basil, and broth. Return the browned meat to the pot and stir everything together.
- Simmer with noodles: Bring the soup to a boil, then add broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes. If using, stir in the fresh spinach in the last 2 minutes to wilt it.
- Mix the cheese topping: While the soup simmers, combine ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses in a small bowl until well blended.
- Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and dollop a generous scoop of the cheese mixture on top. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finish.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup Every Time
- Brown the tomato paste in step 3 to intensify its flavor and deepen the sauce’s richness.
- Always dollop the cheese mixture on top when serving rather than stirring it into the soup to prevent graininess.
- For firmer noodles, try baking broken lasagna noodle pieces for a few minutes before adding them to the soup.
- Use a mix of ground beef and turkey for balanced flavor and a lighter texture.
Substitutions and Variations
| Variation | Substitute Ingredients/Method | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Vegetarian/Vegan | Swap meats for mushrooms and zucchini for a meaty texture; use vegetable broth; vegan cheese. | Adds earthy flavor, keeps hearty without animal products. |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free lasagna noodles; watch cooking time carefully as they can overcook easily. | Check noodle brand for cooking instructions. |
| Slow Cooker | Combine all ingredients except noodles and cheese; cook on High for 3-4 hours or Low for 6-7 hours. Add noodles at the end and cook until tender. | Great for hands-off cooking, noodles added just before serving to prevent mushiness. |
What to Serve with Lasagna Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks to soak up every flavorful drop. A simple Italian side salad with a tangy vinaigrette also balances the richness perfectly. These sides are comforting staples that round out a cozy, satisfying meal.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
- Storing: Keep the soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store noodles separately if possible to prevent sogginess.
- Freezing: Freeze soup and noodles separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat soup on the stove or microwave until hot. Add noodles just before serving if stored separately. If reheating noodle soup together, add extra broth or water to loosen consistency.
Lasagna Soup with Italian Herbs
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown ground beef and turkey in a large pot over medium-high heat, seasoning with salt and pepper; drain fat and transfer meat to a plate.
- Heat olive oil in the same pot over medium; sauté onion for about 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook 1–2 minutes.
- Stir in tomato paste, marinara, parsley, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, and broth; return the browned meat to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, add broken lasagna noodles, reduce to a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender; stir in spinach to wilt.
- In a small bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until combined.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top each with a scoop of the cheese mixture, and garnish with fresh basil.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions (Troubleshooting Guide)
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy or absorbing all the broth?
The best method is to cook the noodles separately or add them broken into pieces right at the end of cooking. Another pro-tip is to bake noodle pieces briefly before adding; this helps keep them firm and prevents them from soaking up too much liquid.
How do I fix soup that’s too thick or too thin?
To thin the soup, simply stir in additional chicken broth until you reach your desired consistency. To thicken it, simmer uncovered for a few minutes or whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) gradually.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles for this soup?
You can, but no-boil noodles cook very quickly and can become mushy. If you use them, add no-boil noodles just at the very end and cook for a short time to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent the ricotta cheese from making the soup grainy?
Always add the cheese mixture as a dollop on top of the soup in each bowl when serving. Do not stir the cheese directly into the hot soup, as heating it that way causes separation and a grainy texture.
What kind of ground meat is best for this soup?
I use a blend of lean ground beef and ground turkey for a rich but lighter flavor. You can also try Italian sausage (sweet, mild, or hot) for more robust seasoning. Each option brings a slightly different flavor profile, so choose what suits your taste best.
Conclusion
This Lasagna Soup with Italian Herbs is a must-try if you want all the comforting flavors of lasagna without the fuss. It’s flavorful, quick, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need a cozy meal in under an hour. What’s your must-have herb in any Italian soup? Let me know your secrets in the comments below!
