A Short Story About the Recipe

I’ve always loved the comfort of a classic lasagna, but I found myself craving something lighter, faster, and a little more nourishing for my everyday meals. That’s when the idea of a High Protein Lasagna Soup came to life. It’s everything you adore about traditional lasagna – rich tomato flavor, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta – but in a warm, cozy soup that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Instead of waiting on a baked dish to finish in the oven, this recipe comes together on the stovetop in one pot, saving both time and energy. The first time I made it, I was amazed at how satisfying it was, while still feeling balanced and nourishing. Over time, I’ve refined the recipe to make it higher in protein, ensuring it’s a filling option that fuels my day without weighing me down.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons why this soup will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. It combines the comforting flavors of lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot soup. Every spoonful offers tender pasta, seasoned ground meat, a tomato-rich broth, and a generous swirl of creamy cheese. You’ll love that it’s packed with protein to keep you satisfied longer, making it a wholesome choice for lunch or dinner. It’s one of those meals that pleases both kids and adults alike, proving that healthy and hearty can go hand in hand.

Versatile

This High Protein Lasagna Soup is wonderfully adaptable. You can use lean ground beef, ground chicken, or even turkey sausage depending on what you have on hand. The pasta can be swapped for gluten-free or whole wheat varieties to fit your dietary needs. Cheese lovers can add extra mozzarella or ricotta for creaminess, while those keeping it lighter can reduce the amount without losing the delicious flavor. It’s also easy to sneak in extra vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms, making the dish even more nutritious.

Affordable

Not only is this soup flavorful and versatile, but it’s also budget-friendly. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples like canned tomatoes, pasta, and seasonings. Ground meat and cheese are easy to find at affordable prices, and you can often stretch the recipe to serve a family or provide leftovers for the week. The one-pot preparation also means fewer dishes to clean, which is another win for your time and wallet.

Ingredients for the Recipe

1 lb lean ground beef or ground chicken
1 medium onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 ½ cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

How to Prepare This Recipe

Name: High Protein Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 1 lb lean ground beef or ground chicken; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce; 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 ½ cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp paprika; ½ tsp black pepper; Salt to taste; 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Making High Protein Lasagna Soup is a simple process, and the best part is that everything cooks in one pot. From browning the meat to simmering the broth and finishing with creamy cheese, each step builds incredible flavor while keeping preparation manageable.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1 – Cook the Meat and Aromatics
Begin by heating a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef or ground chicken and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon. Drain any excess fat if necessary. Next, stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. This base creates the savory foundation for the soup.

Step 2 – Add Seasonings and Tomatoes
Once the meat and aromatics are ready, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to coat the mixture with spices. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Allow the flavors to come together for a couple of minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 3 – Build the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring everything together. Increase the heat slightly until the soup begins to simmer. This combination of broth and tomato creates the rich, comforting flavor that makes this recipe so satisfying.

Step 4 – Cook the Pasta
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly into the pot. Stir to make sure they do not stick together. Reduce the heat slightly and let the noodles cook gently in the broth for about 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally so they cook evenly. The pasta will absorb the tomato broth, thickening the soup and giving it a lasagna-like texture.

Step 5 – Add the Cheeses
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the ricotta cheese until it melts into the soup, creating a creamy base. Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until they are evenly incorporated. The combination of cheeses brings the traditional lasagna flavor directly into your bowl. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 6 – Garnish and Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls, then top with freshly chopped basil. For an extra touch, you can add a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan right before serving. The cheese will melt slightly, making each bite even more comforting. Serve with a slice of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Quick and Easy

Although lasagna often feels like a weekend-only dish, this soup transforms the flavors into a weeknight-friendly recipe. With just one pot and straightforward steps, it takes less than 40 minutes from start to finish. Cleanup is minimal, and the cooking process is approachable even for beginners. The combination of everyday ingredients also means you can prepare it anytime without needing a long grocery list.

Customizable

One of the greatest strengths of this recipe is how easily you can customize it. If you prefer a leaner option, ground chicken works beautifully in place of beef. For extra nutrition, toss in spinach during the last few minutes of cooking, or add diced zucchini and mushrooms along with the onion. If you want a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a bit of turkey sausage will enhance the flavor. For those watching their carbs, you can swap the noodles for zucchini ribbons or a small amount of whole wheat pasta. This soup adapts effortlessly to your preferences.

Popular with Many People

This High Protein Lasagna Soup is always a hit no matter the crowd. Families enjoy its comforting taste, kids love the cheesy pasta, and adults appreciate the hearty yet balanced nature of the dish. It is also an excellent option for meal prepping because the flavors deepen when reheated, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week. Whether you are cooking for family dinners, casual gatherings, or just a cozy meal at home, this recipe delivers flavor and satisfaction every time.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to restore the desired consistency.

Can I freeze High Protein Lasagna Soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Can I use different pasta?
Certainly! While traditional lasagna noodles broken into pieces work best, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type to avoid overcooking.

Is there a vegetarian version?
Yes, you can replace the meat with lentils or a plant-based ground meat alternative. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to enhance the depth of flavor.

How can I make it lower in calories?
Use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella or reduce the amount of cheese. You can also add more vegetables to increase volume while keeping it lighter without losing the hearty feel.

Can I make it spicier?
Certainly! Add crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the seasoning step to suit your taste.

Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, most children enjoy the creamy cheese and pasta combination. You can make it milder by reducing black pepper and skipping any added spices.