Cozy Fall Comfort: Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup for a Warm Hug

Ingredients for Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Sautéing aromatics. Creates the essential flavor base for your soup. Use good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• 1 pound mild ground Italian sausage: Provides rich protein and savory depth. The star ingredient for authentic Italian taste. Brown well for maximum flavor.
• 1 large yellow onion, diced: Aromatic base. Builds a sweet, savory foundation for the lasagna soup. Dice finely for even cooking.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds pungent, aromatic flavor. Absolutely essential for classic Italian comfort food taste. Mince fresh for best results.
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: Forms the rich, robust tomato base. The heart of this soup, delivering deep tomato flavor. Look for fire-roasted.
• 4 cups chicken broth: Liquid base for the soup. Infuses the lasagna soup with savory depth and warmth. Use low-sodium broth to control salt.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Intensifies tomato flavor. Adds a concentrated, umami richness to the broth. Sauté briefly to deepen its flavor.
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend. Imparts that signature Italian herbaceous profile to the soup. Check freshness for potent flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors. Balances the richness and acidity of the tomatoes. Adjust to your personal taste preference.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and spice. A simple seasoning that rounds out the overall flavor profile. Freshly cracked is always best.
• 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces: Provides the “noodle” component. Transforms the soup into a hearty, comforting lasagna experience. Don’t overcook them.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess. Achieves that luscious, velvety texture for a truly “creamy” soup. Stir in gently at the end.
• 1 cup ricotta cheese: Creates gooey, cheesy pockets. The iconic ricotta swirls deliver ultimate creamy lasagna comfort. Use whole milk ricotta for best texture.
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty topping. Adds a sharp, savory finish that melts beautifully. Grate your own for superior flavor.
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds color and nutrients. Wilted spinach provides a fresh counterpoint to the rich soup. Add just before serving.
• ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped: Aromatic garnish. Brightens the soup with a pop of fresh, herbaceous flavor. Stir in at the very end.

How to Make Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

Sauté Base:

Start by browning the Italian sausage in olive oil until no pink remains. Drain any excess fat, then add the diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in the minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. This forms a flavorful base for your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.

Simmer Sauce:

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and tomato paste. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. This builds the rich tomato foundation for your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.

Cook Noodles:

Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Ensure the noodles are perfectly al dente for the best texture in your soup.

Add Creaminess:

Once noodles are tender, stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach until wilted. This step adds a beautiful richness and vibrant color. Keep the heat low to avoid curdling. Your Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup is almost ready for its final touches.

Prepare Ricotta:

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the Parmesan. This creamy mixture will be dolloped into each serving for that classic lasagna feel. A little fresh black pepper can also be added here for extra flavor.

Serve & Garnish:

Ladle the warm Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, and chopped basil. Serve immediately for a comforting hug in a bowl.

How to Store Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

To store leftover Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Leaving it out too long can make noodles mushy and risk spoilage – don’t do what I did! Always check for off-smells or discoloration before reheating.

The soup base (steps 1 and 2) can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Cook noodles, cream, and spinach just before serving for the best texture and to avoid mushy pasta.

Gently reheat on the stove, adding broth or water if needed to adjust consistency.

What to Serve with Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup

To serve this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup, simply ladle generous portions into warm bowls. For elegance, garnish each serving with fresh basil and Parmesan. It’s perfect served warm, inviting everyone to enjoy its comforting embrace. This hearty soup beautifully pairs with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to complete the meal.

My favorite way to enjoy this soup is with a side of warm, cheesy garlic bread. It’s perfect for soaking up every drop of the rich broth and truly complements the creamy texture. This pairing makes the meal incredibly satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage in this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef, but ensure it’s seasoned well with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to match the flavor profile. I often add a pinch of fennel for that authentic Italian sausage taste.

→ How do I prevent the cream from curdling in my Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup?

Keep the heat very low when adding heavy cream and spinach, stirring gently until just combined. High heat is the culprit for curdling, a mistake I learned the hard way. Slowly incorporate it for best results.

→ Can I freeze Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup for later enjoyment?

It’s best to freeze the soup base without the noodles, cream, or spinach. Cook those fresh when reheating; otherwise, the noodles turn mushy and the cream might separate. I speak from experience!

→ Can I make this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles, ensuring they are cooked al dente according to package directions. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy swap.

→ How long can I store leftover Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup in the refrigerator?

Leftover Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup stores well in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems too thick, to refresh the consistency.