Creamy High Protein Lasagna Soup for a Cozy Weeknight

To ensure your High Protein Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered a few tips from my own kitchen adventures. These little touches can elevate your soup from delicious to truly unforgettable.

My Secret Trick: I always make sure to break my lasagna noodles into smaller, bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup. It makes them much easier to manage in a bowl and ensures every spoonful has a delightful noodle bite without any awkward long strands!

For an extra layer of flavor in your High Protein Lasagna Soup, don’t rush the browning of the ground turkey and sautéing of the onions and garlic. Allowing them to truly caramelize slightly at the bottom of the pot builds a wonderful depth of flavor that permeates the entire soup.

When it comes to the ricotta topping, I whisk it gently with a splash of milk and a pinch of garlic powder and salt until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. This makes it easier to dollop onto each serving and ensures a consistent, delightful texture in every bite.

Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. A little extra salt, pepper, or even a dash more red pepper flakes can brighten all the flavors and bring your High Protein Lasagna Soup to its most delicious potential.

Fun Variations for High Protein Lasagna Soup

One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe truly your own, and this High Protein Lasagna Soup is wonderfully adaptable! Here are a few ideas to spark your creativity and tailor it to your family’s preferences.

Veggie Boost

If you’re looking to sneak in more greens, consider adding finely chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or even mushrooms along with the onion and garlic. They’ll soften beautifully into the soup and add extra nutrients without overpowering the classic lasagna flavors. My sister always asks me to add a handful of finely chopped carrots for a subtle sweetness and extra color.

Spice It Up

For those who love a little heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the soup base. You could even swirl in a tablespoon of spicy arrabbiata sauce with the crushed tomatoes for an extra kick that truly warms you from the inside out.

Cheese, Please!

While the ricotta topping is divine, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. A sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or a sharper provolone would melt beautifully into the soup, adding another layer of cheesy goodness. A friend loves when I top it with a blend of Fontina and Parmesan for an extra gooey finish.

High Protein Lasagna Soup

A comforting and hearty soup that captures all the classic flavors of lasagna in a lighter, protein-packed bowl. Featuring lean ground meat, broken lasagna noodles, and a creamy ricotta swirl, it’s a wholesome and satisfying meal ready in under an hour.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Soup Base

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground turkey 93/7 or lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion chopped
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can tomato paste 6 oz
• 1 can crushed tomatoes 28 oz
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 oz, undrained
• 6 cups low-sodium chicken or beef broth
• 2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
• 1 tsp salt or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper or to taste
• 8-10 lasagna noodles about 4 oz, broken into 1-2 inch pieces
• 5 oz fresh spinach

For the Creamy Ricotta Topping

• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving
• 2 tbsp milk any kind or broth
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Pinch salt and black pepper

For Garnish

• Fresh basil leaves chopped

Equipment

• Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork

Method

 

Prepare the Soup Base

1. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add ground turkey/beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly.
3. Pour in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (undrained), and chicken/beef broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, oregano, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Stir well to ensure they are submerged. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. While the soup simmers, prepare the ricotta topping: In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, milk/broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
6. Once noodles are cooked, stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
7. Ladle the High Protein Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, and fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately.

Notes

For an even leaner soup, use extra lean ground turkey or omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian version (use vegetable broth). Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may need to add a splash of broth or water when reheating. If you prefer a thicker soup, you can smash some of the noodles against the side of the pot after they are cooked.

What to Serve With High Protein Lasagna Soup

This satisfying High Protein Lasagna Soup is truly a meal in itself, but a few thoughtful accompaniments can elevate it into a full, delightful feast. I love thinking about what complements the rich, savory flavors and adds a little something extra to the plate.

A crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette is always my go-to pairing. The fresh, tangy notes provide a lovely contrast to the hearty soup, making each spoonful even more enjoyable. It’s a simple addition that feels wonderfully refreshing.

Another fantastic option is a slice of crusty garlic bread or a warm, soft dinner roll. There’s nothing quite like dipping a piece of buttery bread into the savory broth of this High Protein Lasagna Soup, soaking up all those delicious flavors. My mom always pairs her soups with warm, crusty bread, and it’s a tradition I’ve happily continued.

For a quick-serving idea, a sprinkle of extra fresh basil or a drizzle of good quality olive oil just before serving adds a gourmet touch without any extra effort. And for a truly cozy finish, a simple fruit salad makes a refreshing dessert.

How to Store High Protein Lasagna Soup

Ensuring your leftover High Protein Lasagna Soup stays as delicious as the day you made it is key to enjoying it for days to come. Here are my tried-and-true tips for proper storage and reheating.

Refrigerator Storage

Once your soup has cooled completely, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually tend to meld and deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day! I like storing soups in glass containers; they don’t stain and keep flavors pristine.

Freezing Instructions

For longer storage, this High Protein Lasagna Soup freezes wonderfully! Allow the soup to cool completely, then ladle it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When reheating from frozen, I recommend thawing it in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to reach your desired consistency.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply warm individual portions on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If the soup has thickened significantly, feel free to add a little extra chicken or vegetable broth to achieve your preferred consistency. A fresh dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmesan after reheating brings it back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This High Protein Lasagna Soup is not just a treat for your taste buds; it also packs a punch of goodness! With lean ground turkey as its star, it offers a fantastic source of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, the abundance of tomatoes provides essential vitamins and antioxidants, proving that a comforting meal can indeed be both satisfying and nourishing, embodying my philosophy of simple, wholesome ingredients.

FAQs

Faq 1

Can I make this High Protein Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! To make this High Protein Lasagna Soup vegetarian, simply swap the lean ground turkey for a plant-based ground crumble or an equal amount of lentils. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth.

Faq 2

Can I use gluten-free lasagna noodles?
Yes, you can! Many brands now offer delicious gluten-free lasagna noodles. Just be sure to follow the package instructions, as cooking times for gluten-free noodles can sometimes vary slightly from traditional ones when making your High Protein Lasagna Soup.

Faq 3

How can I make this soup creamier?
For an even creamier High Protein Lasagna Soup, you can stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese along with the ricotta mixture at the very end. This will add extra richness and a wonderfully smooth texture.

Faq 4

Can I prepare the soup base ahead of time?
Yes, you can definitely prepare the soup base (everything up to adding the noodles) a day or two in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve your High Protein Lasagna Soup, simply reheat the base and cook the noodles fresh.

Conclusion

There you have it, my friends – a truly delightful and incredibly satisfying recipe for High Protein Lasagna Soup that brings together the best of comfort food and wholesome ingredients. It’s a dish that warms the soul, fills the belly, and brings a smile to everyone’s face, much like those cherished moments in my grandmother’s kitchen. I truly hope this recipe inspires you to create joyful, home-baked desserts and comforting meals that create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. Happy cooking!