I can’t stop making this high protein Lasagna Soup
I can’t stop making this high protein Lasagna Soup is a easy Italian recipe that serves 5. 260 calories per serving. Recipe by Eliya Hach on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $12.40 total, $2.48 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Turkey (lean (93% lean) for high protein, low fat)
- 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced)
- 2 Celery Stalks (diced)
- 1 medium Zucchini (diced)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 Garlic Cloves (minced)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) Diced Tomatoes (no‑salt added)
- 1 cup Tomato Sauce (plain, low‑sodium)
- 4 cups Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth (preferably homemade or store‑bought)
- 2 oz Lasagna Noodles (broken into bite‑size pieces)
- 1 cup Low‑Fat Cottage Cheese (blended until smooth, used as cream substitute)
- 0.5 cup Low‑Fat Cottage Cheese (mixed with fresh basil for topping)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Basil (chopped)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (low‑fat, grated, for garnish)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for sautéing)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Prep Vegetables
Dice the carrot, celery, zucchini, and onion; mince the garlic.
Time: PT5M
Blend Cottage Cheese
Place 1 cup low‑fat cottage cheese in the blender and blend until completely smooth, creating a creamy substitute for cream.
Time: PT2M
Sauté Aromatics and Brown Meat
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrot, celery, and zucchini; sauté 4‑5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds. Push veggies to the side, add ground turkey, breaking it up, and brown until no longer pink.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium
Add Liquids and Simmer
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer for 10 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: Low
Incorporate Noodles and Cottage‑Cheese Cream
Add broken lasagna noodle pieces and the blended cottage cheese to the pot. Stir well and continue simmering 8 minutes, or until noodles are al dente.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: Low
Portion and Garnish
Divide the soup evenly into five bowls. Top each bowl with a spoonful of the remaining cottage cheese mixed with chopped basil and a sprinkle of grated low‑fat Parmesan.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 260
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 28 g
- Fat
- 5 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: High-Protein, Low-Calorie, Gluten-Free Option (use gluten‑free lasagna noodles), Vegetarian Option (omit turkey)
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Turkey: Ground chicken, Extra‑lean ground beef
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Celery Stalks: Fennel stalks
- Instead of Zucchini: Yellow squash
- Instead of Onion: Leek
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes (2 cups)
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes (1 cup)
- Instead of Low‑Sodium Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth
- Instead of Lasagna Noodles: Gluten‑free lasagna noodles, Whole‑wheat lasagna noodles
- Instead of Low‑Fat Cottage Cheese: Greek yogurt (1 cup), Silken tofu (1 cup)
- Instead of Low‑Fat Cottage Cheese: Ricotta cheese (low‑fat)
- Instead of Fresh Basil: Dried basil (1 tsp)
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Nutritional yeast (2 tbsp)
- Instead of Olive Oil: Canola oil
- Instead of Italian Seasoning: Dried oregano + dried thyme (½ tsp each)
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Blender
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle
- Bowls for Serving
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Blending cottage cheese until completely smooth to avoid grainy texture.
- Cooking lasagna noodles just to al dente so they don’t turn mushy in the soup.
- Seasoning the broth properly before adding noodles.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑fat cottage cheese for creaminess without the extra calories of heavy cream.
- For extra depth, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika with the Italian seasoning.
- Finish with a drizzle of extra‑virgin olive oil for a glossy finish.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick after adding noodles.
Stir in additional chicken broth, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Noodles are mushy.
Reduce simmer time; test noodles a minute or two earlier and remove from heat when al dente.
Soup tastes bland.
Adjust salt and pepper, and add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or extra Italian seasoning.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months; reheat gently on stovetop.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the soup up to step 5, let it cool, then refrigerate; add fresh toppings just before reheating.
- Portion into single‑serve containers for easy grab‑and‑go meals.
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, popularized in the United States as a quick, one‑pot version that captures the flavors of meat, tomato sauce, cheese and pasta in a broth.
What are the traditional regional variations of lasagna soup in Italian cuisine?
While classic lasagna is layered, regional Italian soups like pasta e fagioli or ribollita inspire the broth‑based approach. Some variations use ricotta instead of cottage cheese, or add regional herbs such as rosemary from Tuscany.
How is the authentic traditional way lasagna soup served in Italian‑American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan and a drizzle of olive oil, often accompanied by crusty bread for dipping.
What occasions or celebrations is lasagna soup traditionally associated with in Italian‑American culture?
Lasagna soup is a casual, family‑friendly dish often enjoyed on weeknights, potlucks, or as a comforting meal during colder months rather than a formal celebration.
What other Italian dishes pair well with high‑protein lasagna soup?
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic‑bread, or roasted vegetables complement the soup’s richness without adding extra calories.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making high‑protein lasagna soup?
Common errors include over‑cooking the lasagna noodles, which makes the broth gummy, and not blending the cottage cheese enough, resulting in a grainy texture. Also, under‑seasoning the broth can leave the soup flat.
Why does this recipe use blended cottage cheese instead of heavy cream?
Blended low‑fat cottage cheese provides a creamy mouthfeel with far fewer calories and more protein, aligning with the high‑protein, lower‑calorie goal of the recipe.
Can I make high‑protein lasagna soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, the soup can be prepared up to step 5, cooled, and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add fresh cheese topping just before serving.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the soup is done?
The broth should be slightly thickened from the blended cottage cheese, the vegetables should be tender, and the lasagna noodle pieces should be al dente—soft but still firm to the bite.
How do I know when the high‑protein lasagna soup is done cooking?
Taste a noodle piece; it should be cooked through yet retain a slight bite. The vegetables should be fork‑tender, and the soup should be hot throughout (around 165°F).
What does the YouTube channel Eliya Hach specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eliya Hach focuses on healthy, high‑protein meal‑prep recipes that blend comfort food flavors with nutrition‑focused twists, often using simple one‑pot techniques.
How does the YouTube channel Eliya Hach's approach to Italian-inspired cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Eliya Hach emphasizes protein enrichment and calorie reduction by swapping traditional high‑fat ingredients (like cream) with lower‑fat, high‑protein alternatives such as cottage cheese, while still preserving authentic Italian flavor profiles.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
