Creamy Lasagna Soup
Creamy Lasagna Soup is a medium Italian-American recipe that serves 4. 910 calories per serving.
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 1 hr 2 min | Total: 1 hr 22 min
Cost: $14.42 total, $3.60 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 large Shallot (diced)
- 3 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 lb Ground Beef (lean (90% lean))
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 2 tsp All-Purpose Seasoning (Cooking with Tammy brand)
- 1 tsp Paprika (regular, not smoked)
- 1/4 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme (or fresh if available)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Oregano (chopped leaves)
- 2 tsp Tomato Paste (for richer color and flavor)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tsp Chicken Bouillon (powder or cube dissolved in water)
- 1 jar (24 oz) Marinara Sauce (your favorite brand)
- 1 cup Water (to rinse the marinara jar)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (low-sodium)
- 5 leaves Fresh Basil (torn)
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (full‑fat for creaminess)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (packed, added whole)
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the shallot, finely chop the garlic, and dice the red and green bell peppers.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics
Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced shallot and garlic; stir for about 3 minutes until fragrant.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with the wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and begins to render its fat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Add Bell Peppers
Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Season the Base
Sprinkle in the all‑purpose seasoning, paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, dried thyme, fresh oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
Time: PT1M
Add Tomato Paste
Add 2 teaspoons of tomato paste, stirring for about 1 minute to deepen the color and flavor.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Bouillon and Liquids
Stir in the chicken bouillon, the entire jar of marinara sauce, 1 cup of water (to rinse the jar), chicken broth, and torn fresh basil.
Time: PT2M
Bring to a Simmer
Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to low and cover the pot partially (half‑on) to prevent boil‑over. Simmer for 20 minutes.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low simmer
Add Pasta
Break the lasagna noodles into bite‑size pieces and add them to the soup. Continue to simmer, uncovered, for about 20 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the broth has thickened.
Time: PT20M
Temperature: Low simmer
Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and let the soup heat through for 2–3 minutes. Do not let it boil once the cream is added.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Low
Add Spinach and Rest
Add the fresh spinach leaves, give a quick stir, and turn off the heat. Let the residual heat finish cooking the spinach (about 2 minutes).
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls, optionally garnish with extra basil or grated Parmesan, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT0M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 910
- Protein
- 45 g
- Carbohydrates
- 70 g
- Fat
- 45 g
- Fiber
- 5 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shallot: Yellow onion
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Ground Beef: Ground turkey, Ground chicken
- Instead of Red Bell Pepper: Yellow bell pepper
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Orange bell pepper
- Instead of All-Purpose Seasoning: Italian seasoning
- Instead of Paprika: Smoked paprika (for deeper flavor)
- Instead of Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch)
- Instead of Dried Thyme: Fresh thyme (1 tsp)
- Instead of Fresh Oregano: Dried oregano (1 tsp)
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato sauce (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon: Beef bouillon
- Instead of Marinara Sauce: Crushed tomatoes with herbs
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Rotini, Elbow macaroni, Penne
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half (but less thick)
- Instead of Fresh Spinach: Frozen spinach (1 cup, thawed)
Equipment Needed
- Dutch Oven
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Ladle
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Browning the ground beef properly to develop flavor.
- Simmering the pasta until al dente without over‑cooking.
- Adding heavy cream off high heat to avoid curdling.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality marinara sauce for deeper flavor.
- Break the lasagna noodles into irregular pieces for a rustic texture.
- Add a pinch of grated Parmesan at the end for extra umami.
Troubleshooting
Pasta becomes mushy.
Reduce simmer time or add pasta later; consider cooking pasta al dente separately and stirring in at the end.
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered longer to reduce, or add a tablespoon of tomato paste or a splash of cream to thicken.
Cream curdles.
Lower the heat before adding cream and avoid boiling after the cream is incorporated.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in freezer‑safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the soup base (everything except pasta, cream, and spinach) up to step 8 and refrigerate; add pasta and cream when ready to serve.
- Cook the pasta separately and add at serving time for a firmer texture if you plan to store leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of lasagna soup in Italian-American cuisine?
Lasagna soup is a modern, comfort‑food twist on traditional Italian lasagna, created by Italian‑American home cooks who wanted a quicker, one‑pot version. It retains the classic layers of meat, tomato sauce, cheese, and pasta but in a broth, making it popular for cold weather gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian-American cooking?
While the classic version uses ground beef and marinara, some regions add Italian sausage, ricotta swirls, or substitute the pasta with broken rigatoni. In the Midwest, a cream‑based version like this one is common, whereas Southern Italian families may prefer a tomato‑only broth.
How is authentic lasagna traditionally served in Italy compared to this lasagna soup version?
Traditional Italian lasagna is baked in layers with béchamel or ricotta, mozzarella, and meat sauce, served in square portions. Lasagna soup, on the other hand, is served ladled in bowls, often topped with fresh herbs and grated cheese, offering a lighter, broth‑based experience.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian-American culture?
Lasagna soup is popular for family gatherings during the colder months, holiday pot‑lucks, and game‑day parties because it can be made in a single pot and feeds a crowd. It’s also a go‑to comfort dish for Sunday family dinners.
What other Italian-American dishes pair well with lasagna soup?
Serve lasagna soup alongside a crisp Caesar salad, garlic‑buttered focaccia, or a simple antipasto platter of cured meats and olives. A glass of Chianti or a light Italian white wine complements the rich broth.
What makes this creamy lasagna soup special or unique in Italian-American cuisine?
The addition of heavy cream creates a velvety, restaurant‑style richness that isn’t typical in traditional tomato‑only lasagna soups. Combined with fresh basil and spinach, it offers a balanced, comforting flavor profile that stands out among one‑pot pasta dishes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy lasagna soup?
Common errors include overcooking the pasta, which makes the soup gummy, and boiling the soup after adding heavy cream, which can cause curdling. Also, under‑seasoning the broth can leave the soup flat, so taste and adjust salt before serving.
Why does this lasagna soup recipe use heavy cream instead of milk or half‑and‑half?
Heavy cream has a higher fat content, which emulsifies with the tomato base to create a silky, luxurious texture that milk or half‑and‑half cannot achieve without separating. The richness also balances the acidity of the marinara.
Can I make creamy lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup base up to step 8, refrigerate for up to 3 days, and add the pasta, cream, and spinach just before serving. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if the soup has thickened too much.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the lasagna soup is done?
The broth should be thick enough to coat a spoon, the pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite, and the spinach should be wilted but bright green. A glossy, slightly creamy surface indicates the cream is well incorporated.
What does the YouTube channel Cooking with Tammy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cooking with Tammy focuses on approachable, family‑friendly comfort food recipes, often adding creative twists to classic dishes while emphasizing quick, one‑pot meals for busy home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Cooking with Tammy's approach to Italian‑American cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Cooking with Tammy emphasizes simplicity and flexibility—she often swaps ingredients based on what’s on hand and encourages viewers to personalize flavors, whereas many other channels stick strictly to traditional techniques and exact measurements.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
