Easy High-Protein One Pot Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Say hello to your new favorite weeknight meal: High-Protein Lasagna Soup! This comforting dish captures all the beloved flavors of classic lasagna in a convenient one-pot format. It’s perfect for busy evenings, offering robust taste with minimal cleanup. Packed with protein, this soup is both satisfying and incredibly simple to make, proving that wholesome meals can be effortless and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Lasagna Soup

This protein-packed lasagna comfort food is a game-changer for your kitchen routine. You will adore its simplicity and incredible flavor.

• Effortless Preparation & Cleanup: Enjoy all the deliciousness of lasagna without the hassle of layering or multiple pans. One pot means less scrubbing!
• Lasagna Flavor, Simplified: Savor the rich, savory taste of traditional lasagna transformed into a hearty and warming soup. It offers that classic comfort you crave.
• Ideal for Meal Prep: This soup keeps beautifully, making it perfect for preparing ahead. Enjoy delicious leftovers for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
• Customizable Protein: Easily adjust the type and amount of ground meat to fit your dietary preferences. This makes it a truly versatile and high-protein lasagna soup.
• Creamy Cheese Topping: The luxurious dollop of mozzarella and cottage cheese blend melts perfectly into each spoonful, adding a delightful creaminess.

Lasagna Soup Ingredients

Gathering your ingredients for this High-Protein Lasagna Soup is straightforward. Each component plays a vital role in building its rich flavor profile.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: A healthy fat for sautéing, adding a subtle richness. The Mayo Clinic highlights the extensive health benefits of olive oil, including its role in reducing inflammation and improving cardiovascular health.
• 1 small white onion, finely chopped: Provides a sweet and aromatic base for the soup.
• 5 garlic cloves, minced: Essential for deep flavor; garlic elevates almost any savory dish.
• 1.5 lbs ground turkey, beef, or chicken: The star protein! Choose lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or lean ground beef for a richer taste.
• 4 1/2 cups chicken broth (plus more as needed): The liquid base for the soup, adding depth of flavor. Look for low-sodium options.
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes (petite if you can find): Adds texture and bright tomato flavor. Petite diced tomatoes blend seamlessly.
• 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes: Creates a rich, thick tomato base for the soup.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding savory depth.
• 2 teaspoons dried basil: A classic Italian herb that pairs perfectly with tomatoes.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that enhances the traditional lasagna taste.
• 8 uncooked lasagna noodles (gluten-free if needed): The “lasagna” element, breaking them allows them to cook directly in the soup.
• 1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For melting into the creamy topping, providing that classic cheese pull.
• 8 ounces cottage cheese or ricotta cheese (or half and half!): Creates the creamy, tangy counterpoint to the savory soup. Cottage cheese offers a slightly lighter texture.
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: For garnish and a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Optional, for serving.

Lasagna Soup Equipment

You don’t need many specialized tools to create this satisfying dish. Just a few kitchen essentials will do the trick.

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot: Crucial for even cooking and accommodating all ingredients in one vessel. Choose one with at least a 5-6 quart capacity.
• Cutting board and sharp knife: For prepping the onion and garlic.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and breaking up ground meat.

How To Make High-Protein Lasagna Soup

Creating this comforting High-Protein Lasagna Soup is an enjoyable and straightforward process. Follow these steps for a delicious meal.

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large Dutch oven or pot, add the olive oil and warm over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for about 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.
2. Brown the Meat: Add the ground turkey, beef, or chicken to the pot. Break the meat into small pieces with your spoon and cook until it is fully browned, about 8-10 minutes. If using ground beef, you may want to drain any excess fat before proceeding.
3. Build the Soup Base: Next, pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Add the dried basil and Italian seasoning, mixing them thoroughly into the soup base.
4. Cook the Noodles: Bring the soup mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, break the 8 uncooked lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking, ensuring they cook through and absorb the delicious flavors. Check the noodles for al dente tenderness before serving; they should be soft but still have a slight bite.
5. Prepare the Cheese Mixture: While the soup simmers, prepare your creamy topping. In a small bowl, mix together the shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh chopped basil, and cottage cheese (or ricotta cheese, or a half-and-half blend).
6. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot High-Protein Lasagna Soup into individual bowls. Dollop each serving generously with a large scoop of the prepared cheese mixture. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this warm, hearty, and satisfying meal.

Lasagna Soup Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Perfecting your protein-rich soup is simple with these helpful pointers and troubleshooting tips.

• Adjusting Consistency: If your soup thickens too much as it cooks, simply add a splash more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
• Gluten-Free Option: This recipe works beautifully with gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just be sure to check the package directions, as cooking times can sometimes vary slightly for gluten-free pasta.
• Choosing Your Meat: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer a richer flavor, lean ground beef works wonderfully. Always aim for a lean blend to keep the soup from being too greasy.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: To make this high-protein lasagna soup dairy-free, omit the cheese mixture entirely or use your favorite dairy-free shredded mozzarella and a plant-based ricotta alternative.
• Noodles Too Soft/Hard: If your noodles are too soft, you might have simmered them too long. If they’re too hard, they need more cooking time. Keep an eye on them after the 15-minute mark.

Serving, Storage & Variations

Elevate your enjoyment of this protein-packed lasagna soup with these ideas for serving, proper storage, and exciting variations.

Lasagna Soup Serving Suggestions

Serve this robust soup with a side of warm garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes an excellent counterpoint, adding a refreshing crunch. Top with extra fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Lasagna Soup Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the cheese topping separately to maintain its fresh texture.

Freezer: This soup freezes beautifully! Once cooled, transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat

Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You might need to add a splash of extra broth or water to thin it out to your preferred consistency. Reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Lasagna Soup Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Omit the ground meat and instead add a can of drained and rinsed lentils, or sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for a hearty vegetable base.
• Different Pasta Shapes: While lasagna noodles are classic, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even small shells. Adjust cooking times according to package directions.
• Extra Veggies: Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding chopped bell peppers, spinach, or shredded carrots during the last 10 minutes of simmering.

Nutritional Benefits

This High-Protein Lasagna Soup offers impressive nutritional advantages, making it a smart choice for a balanced meal. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair and satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer. Research published by the National Institutes of Health indicates that protein is a key nutrient for increasing satiety and supporting weight management. You’ll also benefit from calcium, provided by the cheeses, which supports bone health. The tomatoes contribute antioxidants like lycopene, promoting overall well-being. Compared to traditional layered lasagna, this soup often has fewer calories and less saturated fat due to leaner meat and less heavy cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, this soup freezes wonderfully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

How can I make it vegetarian?

To make this High-Protein Lasagna Soup vegetarian, simply replace the ground meat with cooked lentils, sautéed mushrooms, or a plant-based ground crumble.

What other noodles can I use?

Feel free to use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even small shells if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand. Adjust cooking times as needed.

Are there alternative protein sources?

Absolutely! Besides ground turkey, beef, or chicken, you could add cooked lentils, cannellini beans, or crumbled firm tofu for extra protein.

How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s best to store the cheese topping separately.

Conclusion

This Easy High-Protein One Pot Lasagna Soup is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to enjoy comforting, flavorful food with ultimate ease. Its high-protein content keeps you satisfied, while the one-pot method ensures minimal cleanup, leaving you more time to savor the moment. We encourage you to try this incredibly delicious and convenient recipe soon. If you love the simplicity, explore our other one-pot meals for endless joyful cooking!

Easy High-Protein One Pot Lasagna Soup

This easy one-pot lasagna soup delivers all the hearty, comforting flavors of classic lasagna with significantly less effort and a boost of protein. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Kitchen Equipment

• Large dutch oven or pot
• Bowls

Recipe Ingredients

  

Soup Base

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small white onion finely chopped
• 5 garlic cloves minced
• 1.5 lbs ground turkey, beef or chicken can use 1 lb too
• 4 1/2 cups chicken broth please more as needed
• 14.5 ounce can diced tomatoes petite if you can find
• 14.5 ounce can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons dried basil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 uncooked lasagna noodles gluten-free if needed

Cheese Topping

• 1 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 8 ounces cottage cheese or ricotta cheese or half and half!
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

Cooking Steps

• In a large dutch oven or pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the garlic and onion, then sauté for about 5 minutes until fragrant and softened.
• Stir in the ground meat, breaking it apart, and cook until browned; drain any excess fat if necessary.
• Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and all seasonings, mixing well to combine.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then add the lasagna noodles, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for approximately 20 minutes.

Finishing

• While the soup simmers, prepare the cheese mixture by combining the shredded mozzarella, fresh chopped basil, and cottage cheese or ricotta.
• Ladle the warm soup into bowls, top with a generous scoop of the cheese mixture and grated parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a creamier soup, stir in a splash of milk or cream at the end. Adjust broth amount to reach your desired consistency. Serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping!

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