Healthy Lasagna Soup Recipe

Lasagna Soup-it’s like your favorite lasagna, but in a cozy, comforting bowl of soup. It’s rich, hearty, and perfect for a cold evening when you need something filling. The beauty of Lasagna Soup is that you get all the flavors of a classic lasagna-like the savory ground meat, melty cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and al dente pasta-without all the layers. It’s a one-pot meal that’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit almost any dietary preference.

And let’s face it, sometimes rolling up those lasagna noodles and baking them is just too much effort. With Lasagna Soup, you get all that deliciousness with way less hassle. So, if you’re craving lasagna but want something a little more laid-back, this recipe is your ticket to satisfying those cravings in a fraction of the time. Plus, it’s easily customizable, so you can tweak the recipe to fit your tastes or what’s in your pantry.

Now, let’s dive right into the recipe!

This version of lasagna soup isn’t just easy to make-it’s healthy, too. By using lean ground turkey, whole wheat pasta, and plenty of veggies, you’ll still get all the richness you love without the extra calories. This recipe also makes it easier to sneak in some healthy ingredients you might not always associate with traditional lasagna, like spinach and carrots, making it a one-bowl meal that’s both filling and nourishing.

Ingredients Needed

Ground Turkey Or Lean Ground Beef (1 Lb)

Ground turkey gives the soup a lighter, leaner feel without sacrificing any of that savory flavor. You can always go for lean beef, but turkey will keep the dish healthier without losing the richness of the meat.
Whole Wheat Lasagna Noodles (8 Oz)

Whole wheat noodles pack in extra fiber and nutrients compared to regular white pasta. You can break them up into smaller pieces to give you that pasta-in-soup texture.
Canned Crushed Tomatoes (28 Oz Can)

Crushed tomatoes form the base of the soup’s hearty, rich broth. They provide that tangy, slightly sweet flavor that is characteristic of lasagna sauce.
Low-Sodium Chicken Or Vegetable Broth (4 Cups)

For the soup’s base, low-sodium broth is essential to keep it light. You can choose chicken broth for a more savory taste or vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
Fresh Spinach (3 Cups, Packed)

Spinach not only boosts the nutritional value of the soup but also adds a vibrant green color. It wilts beautifully in the hot broth, giving you that fresh pop of flavor.
Ricotta Cheese (1 Cup)

Ricotta is one of those ingredients that adds creaminess and richness to the soup. It melts right into the broth and helps mimic that classic lasagna texture.
Mozzarella Cheese (1 ½ Cups Shredded)

Mozzarella adds that melt-in-your-mouth cheesy goodness. It’s also great for topping the soup after it’s served, giving you that cheesy pull every bite.
Parmesan Cheese (½ Cup Grated)

Parmesan is the final finishing touch that elevates the flavor. It’s savory and salty, just like the topping of a traditional lasagna.
Garlic (3 Cloves, Minced)

Fresh garlic is a must. It adds aromatic depth and a slight kick to the broth, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Onion (1 Medium, Chopped)

The onions provide a base sweetness and a subtle flavor that blends with the garlic and tomatoes.
Carrots (2 Medium, Diced)

Carrots bring in some natural sweetness and a bit of crunch, which contrasts beautifully with the soft noodles and melty cheese.
Olive Oil (2 Tablespoons)

Olive oil is used for sautéing the meat and veggies, and it adds richness to the overall dish.
Dried Italian Seasoning (1 Tablespoon)

This seasoning blend combines basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, giving the soup that distinct Italian taste.
Salt And Pepper To Taste

A little salt and pepper go a long way to bringing out the flavors and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes.

Cooking Instructions

Making Lasagna Soup is super simple. Here’s how to do it:

Cook The Ground Meat

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground turkey (or beef) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté The Veggies

Add the chopped onions, carrots, and garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies start to soften and become fragrant.
Build The Soup Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth, then add the dried Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer The Soup

Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the carrots to soften. If the soup gets too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water.
Add The Pasta

Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and add them to the pot. Stir them in, making sure they’re submerged in the broth. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Stir In The Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the spinach and let it wilt into the soup. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
Finish With Ricotta And Cheese

Add the ricotta cheese into the soup, stirring until it dissolves and makes the broth creamy. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Let the cheese melt into the soup, creating that gooey, comforting texture.
Season And Serve

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if you like.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Turkey: A lean alternative to beef, ground turkey offers a slightly lighter version of the dish without sacrificing flavor. It’s also a great source of protein, helping make this dish hearty without overloading on fat.
Whole Wheat Noodles: Choosing whole wheat noodles over traditional white pasta adds fiber and essential nutrients, making the soup a healthier option. Whole wheat pasta has a more robust flavor and texture, complementing the soup’s other ingredients.
Ricotta Cheese: Often associated with lasagna, ricotta provides a creamy texture that balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and adds richness to the broth. It’s a lower-fat alternative to other cheeses, so you can enjoy that creamy mouthfeel without the extra calories.
Spinach: This green powerhouse is packed with vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin K, making it an excellent addition to boost the soup’s nutritional value. Plus, it cooks down so nicely that you get a good amount of greens in every bowl without even realizing it.

Expert Tips

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Because the noodles cook right in the broth, they can absorb too much liquid and get mushy if left too long. Keep an eye on the noodles and stir occasionally to ensure they cook just until tender.
Add a Touch of Cream: If you want to elevate the soup’s creaminess even more, a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream can make it extra indulgent. Just don’t overdo it!
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh basil, oregano, or parsley on hand, adding them at the end for garnish will bring a fresh, aromatic note to the soup.
Prepare Ahead: Lasagna soup can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for a couple of days. In fact, like most soups, it often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had more time to meld together.
Freeze for Later: The soup freezes beautifully. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When reheating, just add a little extra broth to loosen it up.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground turkey with sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version. Mushrooms provide a meaty texture, while lentils add protein and fiber.
Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free pasta or skip the pasta altogether and replace it with zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a lower-carb option.
Spicy Lasagna Soup: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can even stir in a bit of hot sauce when serving to spice things up.
Dairy-Free: Skip the ricotta and cheese, or use dairy-free alternatives like cashew cheese or a vegan mozzarella.

Final Words

This Lasagna Soup recipe is a delightful twist on a classic. It’s hearty, comforting, and adaptable to any dietary need. Whether you’re looking to eat a little healthier, trying to feed a crowd, or simply craving something cozy, this soup has you covered. With its combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a family favorite.

Healthy Lasagna Soup Recipe