One Pot Creamy Italian Lasagna Soup

There’s something irresistibly comforting about lasagna — layers of pasta, ricotta, mozzarella, and meaty tomato sauce. But what if you could get all that flavor in one pot, in under an hour, without endless layering and baking? Enter One Pot Creamy Italian Lasagna Soup — a hearty, cozy, and creamy twist on classic lasagna that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you crave that Italian comfort food magic.

This soup is rich and flavorful, with tender pieces of lasagna noodles simmered in a savory tomato-meat broth, creamy ricotta, and melty mozzarella on top. Fresh basil, garlic, and Italian seasonings round out the flavor, giving you every comforting bite of lasagna — but in soup form.

It’s not just easy; it’s fun, family-friendly, and perfect for meal prep or leftovers. And the best part? Cleanup is a breeze because it all cooks in a single pot. Let’s dive in and make the ultimate cozy Italian soup!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. All-in-one meal: Pasta, meat, cheese, and veggies in one pot.
2. Creamy and comforting: Every spoonful tastes like indulgent lasagna.
3. Quick and easy: Ready in about 40–50 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
4. Kid-friendly: Cheese, pasta, and mild Italian flavors everyone loves.
5. Meal-prep friendly: Reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

If you love hearty Italian soups or easy weeknight dinners, this creamy lasagna soup is your new go-to recipe.

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Ingredients

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or Italian sausage for extra flavor)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups chicken or beef broth
• 8 oz broken lasagna noodles (or broken wide egg noodles)
• 1 teaspoon sugar (to balance acidity)
• ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

For Serving / Garnish:

• ½ cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Meat

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef (or sausage) over medium heat until fully browned. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Pro Tip: Browning the meat properly adds depth of flavor — don’t skip this step!

2. Sauté Onions and Garlic

Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and sugar. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer.

Pro Tip: The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and gives a richer flavor to the soup.

4. Cook the Pasta

Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook until noodles are al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

5. Make it Creamy

Reduce heat to low and stir in ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) to create a luscious, creamy texture. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Pro Tip: If you prefer extra creaminess, stir in ¼ cup more cream or a dollop of ricotta into the soup itself.

6. Serve and Top with Cheese

Ladle soup into bowls and top with dollops of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Finish with fresh basil or parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.

Pro Tip: Serve immediately — the cheese will melt into creamy, gooey perfection.

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Tips for Success

1. Use broken lasagna noodles or wide egg noodles — easier to cook evenly in soup form.
2. Brown the meat first — adds rich flavor to the broth.
3. Don’t overcook the pasta — it will continue to cook slightly when the soup simmers or is reheated.
4. Add cheese at the end — prevents it from clumping or becoming rubbery.
5. Customize the veggies — add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
6. Make it ahead — refrigerate and reheat gently; add fresh basil and cheese before serving.

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Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Version: Skip meat and add roasted mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot Italian sausage.
• Low-Carb: Use zucchini noodles or shirataki lasagna sheets instead of traditional pasta.
• Extra Creamy: Stir in mascarpone cheese or additional ricotta for a richer soup.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta.

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What to Serve With

• Crusty garlic bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
• Simple green salad: Arugula or romaine with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness.
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli or asparagus on the side adds freshness.
• Red wine: A light Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully with tomato-based soups.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen the soup.

Pro Tip: Add fresh cheese and basil just before serving — it keeps flavors vibrant and fresh.

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Nutrition Facts (per serving, 6 servings)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 24 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 680 mg

This recipe is protein-packed, comforting, and satisfying — perfect for family dinners.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping browning the meat — loses flavor depth.
2. Overcooking noodles — they become mushy.
3. Adding cheese too early — prevents smooth melting.
4. Not seasoning properly — taste the soup and adjust before serving.
5. Skipping sugar in the tomato base — balances acidity for a smoother flavor.

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FAQ

Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter version.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Cook the soup, refrigerate, and add cheese and basil before serving.

Q3: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, freeze before adding fresh cheese and basil. Reheat gently on the stove.

Q4: Can I add vegetables?
Definitely — spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully.

Q5: Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a non-dairy cream substitute and skip or replace cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

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Conclusion

This One Pot Creamy Italian Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food — cozy, hearty, and full of classic lasagna flavors without all the effort of layering a traditional lasagna. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Serve it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, and fresh herbs for a complete Italian-inspired experience.

If you loved this recipe, try my One Pan Chicken Caprese Orzo Bake next — both are one-pot Italian-inspired favorites with fresh flavors and easy prep!