01 -
Grab a big, sturdy pot – my trusty Dutch oven is perfect for this Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup. Brown your ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up as you go. You want it nicely browned, that's where the flavor magic begins. Once it's cooked through, drain off any excess fat. Honestly, don't skip this step, or your soup will be greasy. This is where I always make a bit of a mess, splashing a bit onto the stovetop, but hey, that's real cooking!
02 -
Reduce the heat to medium. Add a splash of olive oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onion. Let it soften for about 5-7 minutes, until it’s translucent and smells sweet. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn! I've definitely scorched garlic before, and it makes the whole dish bitter. Keep stirring, you’ll smell that lovely garlicky aroma filling your kitchen, it’s the best!
03 -
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken or beef broth. Stir in your Italian seasoning, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot – that's extra flavor! Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This really allows the flavors to meld for a delicious Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup.
04 -
Uncover the pot and crank the heat back up to a simmer. Now, toss in your broken lasagna noodles. Cook them according to package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until they’re al dente. Keep an eye on them, you don't want mushy noodles! Stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot. I once forgot to stir and had a whole clump of stuck noodles, what a pain!
05 -
Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and fresh spinach. Mix gently until the ricotta is mostly dissolved (a few small lumps are totally fine and add character!) and the spinach has wilted. This is where the Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup transforms, getting that rich, velvety texture. Taste and adjust seasonings – maybe a little more salt, or a crack of fresh pepper.
06 -
Ladle your beautiful Easy Creamy Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and, if you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh basil leaves. The aroma is just incredible at this point – a mix of savory meat, sweet tomatoes, and creamy cheese. It smells like home, honestly. Get ready for a comforting meal that feels like a big hug in a bowl!