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When I’m craving the comfort of classic lasagna but want something quicker, I turn to this easy lasagna soup. It combines all the familiar flavors—savory turkey, robust tomato base, and tender noodles—in a single pot. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. I’ll show you how each ingredient and step work together to create a rich, hearty soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Let’s start by gathering what you’ll need.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese
When it comes to ingredient choices, there’s a little wiggle room for creativity—or, you know, whatever’s left in the pantry after last night’s snack attack. Chicken broth gives a lighter flavor, but if you’re after that deep, rich taste, feel free to swap it with beef broth. The ground turkey keeps things lean, but ground beef, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble could sneak in without anyone noticing, except maybe the family dog (who seems to notice everything). Can’t find reduced-fat Parmesan? Use the regular stuff, or even a blend of mozzarella and Parm if you’re feeling rebellious. And about those lasagna noodles—don’t stress if you break them unevenly. Rustic is in. Every oddly shaped noodle just adds character. If you want a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes wouldn’t hurt, either. It’s soup, not rocket science—embrace the chaos.
Steps
- Grab a large soup pot—trust me, you’ll want the biggest one you own—set it over medium heat, and drizzle in a touch of oil. Mandoline slicers are handy for prepping uniform vegetables ahead of time.
- Toss in 1 pound ground turkey and 1 chopped onion. Stir and mash things up, breaking the turkey apart, until it’s all browned and smelling mighty fine.
- When the turkey’s cooked through, don’t forget to drain off any extra fat. No one wants a greasy soup.
- Pour in 32 ounces chicken broth, 2 cans (15 ounces each) diced tomatoes, and 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce. Splash, glug, and splatter—no need for perfection.
- Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir it all together, and take a second to admire the mayhem.
- Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it bubble away for about 30 minutes, just enough time to debate whether soup is a meal or a snack.
- Break up 2 cups worth of lasagna noodles—yes, just smash them with your hands, rustic style. Toss them into the pot and stir.
- Cook until the noodles are tender but not mushy, which usually takes 10 to 12 minutes. So basically, watch it like a hawk.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and crown each with a sprinkle of 1/2 cup reduced-fat grated Parmesan cheese. If it looks like a pizza exploded, you’re doing it right.
- Serve right away, preferably with hot Italian bread or garlic breadsticks. Or both. Because carbs are life, and who’s counting anyway.
- If you’re entertaining outdoors, consider serving this alongside a premium Korean BBQ grill to create a varied and memorable menu.
Cooking Tips
Once you’ve ladled out those hearty bowls of lasagna soup, a few clever tricks will make all the difference. I always recommend simmering just long enough to develop rich, layered flavors—overcooking can make noodles mushy. For that easy & delicious finish, stir in parmesan right before serving. If you like a thicker texture, let the soup rest a few minutes before dishing up. For extra flavor, try spooning warmed Alfredo with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh parsley over the soup for a creamy finish. For an easy no-fuss sweet treat to serve afterward, consider classic Scotcheroo bars as a simple dessert.
Final Thoughts
Isn’t it remarkable how a humble pot of soup can capture all the soul-warming comfort of classic lasagna? I find this recipe effortlessly brings together tender noodles, a savory tomato broth, and melting Parmesan into every spoonful. It’s a dish that invites you to savor homey flavors with minimal fuss. Try it once—your kitchen will be filled with inviting aromas and happy faces.