If you love lasagna but don’t have time for layering and baking, this Quick Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. I remember making it one evening when I was short on time—the aroma of tomatoes, garlic, and herbs filled the kitchen, and the flavor was every bit as comforting as traditional lasagna. Ready in under 40 minutes, this soup combines pasta, a savory tomato broth, and plenty of cheese for a warm, hearty meal. It’s easy, family-friendly, and pairs beautifully with a slice of garlic bread.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 oz short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/2 cup grated Parmesan
Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy. Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.
Watch the step-by-step video in our video section.
Substitutions
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option. Swap pasta with gluten-free noodles. For vegetarian, skip meat and add mushrooms or zucchini. Dairy-free cheese substitutes also work if needed.
Equipment
Large soup pot
Wooden spoon
Knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons
Ladle for serving
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 4 days in airtight containers.
Freezer: Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months. Cook fresh pasta when reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stove and add broth if the soup thickens too much.
Top Tips
Cook pasta directly in the broth for maximum flavor. Break noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding. Stir cheese in at the end for a creamy finish. Garnish generously with herbs for freshness.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, but cook pasta separately and add when serving.
What’s the best pasta to use? Short shapes like penne, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles work well.
Can I make this in 30 minutes? Yes, especially if you prep ingredients in advance.
Is this soup kid-friendly? Absolutely—cheesy, rich, and perfect for family dinners.