Name: Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1-2 tablespoons Olive Oil; 1 pound Ground Beef; 1 large Onion, diced; 4 cloves Garlic, minced; 1 (15-ounce) can Diced Tomatoes, with juice; 1 (15-ounce) can Tomato Sauce or tomato puree; ⅓ cup Tomato Paste; 4 cups Chicken Broth; 1-2 cups Water, to adjust consistency; 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning; 1 teaspoon Sea Salt, or more as needed; Black Pepper, to taste; 8 ounces Bowtie Pasta (uncooked); ½ cup Ricotta Cheese; 2 ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (about ½ cup); ¼ cup Parmesan Cheese, shaved, shredded, or fresh grated; ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped

Jump to Recipe·5 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving all the cozy, cheesy comfort of traditional lasagna but want something quicker and easier to enjoy any night of the week, you’re going to love this Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of lasagna rolled up into a warming bowl of soup – hearty tomato broth, tender pasta, savory beef, and heaps of melty cheese. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to dinner, especially on busy nights or cool evenings when you want something satisfying without fussing over layers and bake times.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Flavor: It captures all the rich, herby goodness of classic lasagna without the long prep or baking time.
Perfect Pasta Choice: Using bowtie pasta keeps the noodles tender yet sturdy, avoiding the mushiness that can happen with lasagna noodles in soup.
Customizable Cheese Toppings: You can mix and match ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan to suit your mood or grocery stash.
Flexible Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer stovetop or pressure cooker, this recipe adapts easily without losing any depth of flavor.

Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese, easy lasagna soup, cheesy soup recipe, hearty tomato soup, weeknight comfort soup - A large white pot filled with a thick stew made of bowtie pasta, ground meat, and rich red tomato sauce, garnished with small bits of green herbs on top; the sauce has a shiny, slightly oily surface with tomatoes and herbs visible throughout. A silver ladle with a white handle rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the stew. The background shows a white marbled surface with some green leaves and a white round dish partially visible on the side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how the ingredients in this Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe come together so effortlessly. Each component plays a key part to build layers of savory, cheesy goodness, while being accessible and easy to find. As you shop, remember: fresh garlic and quality broth can really make a difference here!

Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese, easy lasagna soup, cheesy soup recipe, hearty tomato soup, weeknight comfort soup - Flat lay of a small pool of golden olive oil in a simple white ceramic bowl, a heap of fresh raw ground beef shaped naturally, a large peeled yellow onion cut in half to show its layers, four whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl filled with bright red diced tomatoes with juice, a small white bowl containing smooth tomato sauce, a smaller white bowl with thick, deep red tomato paste, a simple white bowl holding clear golden chicken broth, uncooked bowtie (farfalle) pasta scattered neatly in a small white bowl, a delicate mound of fresh ricotta cheese on a white ceramic plate, shredded mozzarella cheese in a small white bowl, freshly shaved parmesan cheese resting on a plain white plate, and a small bunch of fresh vibrant green parsley sprigs arranged elegantly beside them, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive Oil: A good-quality olive oil adds subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef beautifully without overwhelming the soup’s flavors.
Ground Beef: Adds hearty richness; I often use 80/20 for the perfect balance of fat and flavor.
Onion: Sweetens and builds a flavorful base when sautéed with garlic and beef.
Garlic: Essential for that classic Italian aroma; I mince fresh cloves for the best taste.
Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: Bring bright acidity and a robust tomato backbone; no need to drain the diced tomatoes so their juices boost the broth.
Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the soup slightly.
Chicken Broth: Adds warmth and depth; homemade or low-sodium store-bought works great here.
Italian Seasoning: The perfect mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme gives that signature Italian flavor.
Sea Salt & Black Pepper: The simple seasonings that bring everything together.
Bowtie Pasta: Chosen for its sturdiness and bite, it keeps its shape wonderfully in the soup.
Ricotta, Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese: These cheeses layer in creaminess, meltiness, and sharpness for that authentic lasagna feel.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness just before serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

What I love most about this Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Maybe you want it a little spicier, or prefer turkey over beef – let your kitchen creativity run wild! I often switch things up based on what’s in the fridge or what I’m craving.

Meat Variation: Sometimes I swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor profile.
Tomato Base: If you don’t have diced tomatoes, I’ve used marinara sauce plus a bit of water with great results—super convenient.
Veggie Boost: Adding chopped spinach or mushrooms during the simmer adds volume and extra nutrients without losing the lasagna vibe.
Cheese Swap: Feel free to add a dollop of mascarpone or swap mozzarella for provolone if that’s what you have on hand.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Base for Maximum Flavor

Heat your pot over medium-high and swirl in your olive oil until it shimmers. Toss in the ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic. I like to stir frequently until the beef is browned and the onions soften, about 6-8 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat here because it helps keep the soup from being greasy but doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Step 2: Build the Tomato-y Broth

Adding the canned diced tomatoes (with their juice), tomato sauce, and tomato paste now creates a wonderfully rich and thick broth base. Pour in the chicken broth, sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This is where the lasagna flavor truly starts to come alive, so give it a good stir.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Soup

Stir in the uncooked bowtie pasta, then crank the heat to high and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce to a medium simmer and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring frequently to stop the pasta from sticking. I keep tasting around minute 12 to get the perfect tenderness – you want pasta that’s tender but still has a little bite to it.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency & Layer on the Cheese

If the soup feels too thick, add a cup or two of water or broth to loosen it up until it’s exactly the way you like. When it’s off the heat but still warm, stir in dollops of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and shaved parmesan. Or, serve the cheeses on the side so everyone can top their bowl to their liking. Finally, sprinkle fresh parsley over the top – it’s a simple touch that adds brightness and color.

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Pro Tips for Making Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe

Choose Pasta Carefully: I stick to sturdier shapes like bowties or rigatoni to avoid mushy noodles when reheated.
Don’t Rush the Sauté: Browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics well develops deep flavor that simmering alone can’t achieve.
Stir Often While Cooking Pasta: This keeps noodles from clumping and ensures even cooking throughout.
Adjust Broth Last: Adding extra water or broth after cooking lets you lock in the perfect soup consistency every time.

How to Serve Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe

Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese, easy lasagna soup, cheesy soup recipe, hearty tomato soup, weeknight comfort soup - A white bowl filled with a thick soup made of shaped pasta in wavy edges, ground meat, and diced tomatoes in a rich reddish-brown broth, topped with a dollop of white creamy cheese and scattered green herb pieces, placed on a white marbled surface with a corner of golden brown bread visible on the side, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love to add a fresh sprinkle of chopped parsley because it lightens the rich soup perfectly. A drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil on top adds a lovely silkiness. If you’re feeling indulgent, add a spoonful of extra ricotta or a shower of parmesan right before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup is a meal on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for dipping. On chilly nights, a crusty baguette alongside this soup turns dinner into a cozy feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I serve individual portions in rustic bowls topped with mini mozzarella balls and fresh basil leaves for that extra wow factor. You could even do a layered “deconstructed lasagna” in clear mugs for a fun twist. Kids love having their favorite cheeses as toppings they get to sprinkle on themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keeping the cheese toppings separate helps retain their texture when reheating.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully—just make sure to leave out the fresh cheese toppings before freezing. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

When reheating, I add a bit of water or broth to loosen the soup since the noodles absorb liquid even when chilled. Warm gently over medium heat and add cheese toppings fresh to keep that melty, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta in this Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe?

Absolutely! I recommend sturdy pasta shapes like bowtie (farfalle), penne, or rigatoni because they hold up well in the soup without getting too mushy. I suggest avoiding traditional lasagna noodles since they tend to fall apart after sitting in broth, especially as leftovers.
Can I make this soup vegetarian or with different proteins?

Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or omit it altogether and add more veggies like mushrooms and zucchini. Alternatively, ground turkey or Italian sausage also work beautifully with the same cooking method.
Is this recipe suitable for pressure cookers?

Yes, it’s very adaptable! Just brown the beef, onions, and garlic in the “Sauté” mode first, then add the rest of the ingredients and cook on high pressure for 1 minute. Quick release for slightly firm pasta or natural release if you prefer it softer. It speeds up the process without sacrificing flavor.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together in the soup?

Stir frequently while the pasta cooks, and don’t forget to taste-test around the 10-minute mark. Also, adding a little water or broth as needed keeps things moving and ensures the texture stays perfect without clumping.

Final Thoughts

This Lasagna Soup with Pasta and Cheese Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it captures the heartiness of a homemade lasagna in a fraction of the time. It’s my go-to when I want that indulgent comforting meal but without the hours in the kitchen or washing a mountain of dishes afterward. I’m sure once you make it, you’ll find yourself turning to this cozy, cheesy soup again and again — and that makes me so happy because delicious meals like this just make life better. Give it a try tonight and see how quickly it becomes a family favorite!