Oh, let me tell you, there’s something inherently magical about a bowl of soup on a chilly day. When I first tried making this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, I was just looking for a way to merge my love for lasagna with the warmth of classic soup. Let me paint the picture for you: one rainy afternoon, I was craving comfort food but was too tired to deal with layers of pasta and baking. That’s when I stumbled upon this recipe – a delightful way to enjoy everything I adore about lasagna, minus all the fuss!
This soup turns the traditional lasagna into a cozy bowl of joy that’s not just easy to whip up but is also perfect for sharing. It’s got all the hearty goodness of lasagna, with a creamy twist that warms you from the inside out. Honestly, who can resist the smell of garlic and fresh basil wafting through the kitchen while this beauty simmers on the stove?
What’s in Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
- 12 oz lasagna noodles: These are the backbone of our soup, bringing structure and heartiness. You can break them into smaller pieces, which makes for easier eating!
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage: I usually go with Italian sausage for that extra flavor kick, but ground beef works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Onions are a must for that aromatic base. They bring sweetness when sautéed that balances beautifully with the acidity of the tomatoes.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Because everything is better with garlic, am I right? It adds a punch of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes: This is where the tomato goodness comes in! It’s the essential component for that rich, comforting base.
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Homemade is always the best, but store-bought works like a charm in a pinch! This adds depth to our soup.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret ingredient that makes everything rich and creamy. Feel free to use half-and-half if you’re looking for something lighter!
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: It’s pretty much like sprinkling happiness into your pot. Trust me; this seasoning works wonders.
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little taste-test here is essential. You want the flavors to sing!
- 2 cups fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh kick to the soup. Plus, it cooks down surprisingly fast!
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: The creamy goodness that mimics the cheese layer in traditional lasagna.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that gooey cheesiness we all love in lasagna. Honestly, you could add more for a true cheese lover’s experience!
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish): The cherry on top! It brightens up the dish and brings that fresh herby flavor.
Is Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! This scrumptious soup packs a punch of nutrients while indulging your comfort food cravings. The fresh spinach and onions provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the ground beef or sausages give you protein! Just keep an eye on that heavy cream – while it adds creaminess, it’s definitely rich in calories. If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, consider substituting with a lower-fat dairy option.
The crushed tomatoes are a powerhouse of antioxidants, and pairing them with garlic can even boost your immune system. However, if you’re sensitive to gluten, you might want to replace the lasagna noodles with a gluten-free version. Overall, this is a lovely balance of indulgence and nourishment that you can feel good about enjoying.
Ingredients List
- 12 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?
- In a large pot, brown the ground beef or Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat – nobody wants greasy soup!
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot, and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. The smell will be heavenly – trust me!
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring everything to a boil.
- Next, toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. This is where the magic starts!
- Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach has wilted, about 2 minutes. Now it’s looking like a bowl of bliss!
- In a separate bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with a pinch of salt and pepper. This adds a lovely extra layer of flavor!
- Serve the soup in bowls, adding a dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella on top of each serving. Seriously, the more cheese, the better!
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving, and take a moment to appreciate your culinary masterpiece!
Your Lasagna Soup Adventure Awaits!
This soup is not just delicious, it’s a delightful experience from start to finish. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, family gatherings, or just because you want to treat yourself. And if you have leftovers (though I doubt you will!), they can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Trust me, it tastes just as amazing the next day!
So why not grab those ingredients, put on your favorite music, and let the aromas fill your kitchen? I promise you, this soup will not disappoint. I can hardly wait to hear how yours turns out. Happy cooking!
