Cozy High Protein Lasagna Soup

This comforting high protein lasagna soup brings all the traditional flavors of layered lasagna into a warm, hearty bowl. It has the richness of tomato sauce, tender noodles, and a creamy cheesy topping, but without the effort of assembling a full casserole. Made with lean ground meat, chicken sausage, and a nourishing tomato broth, this lighter version is still satisfying, flavorful, and perfect for both weeknights and lazy weekends.

By DelishCorner -Madilyn-

Imagine all the cozy elements of homemade lasagna simmered together into one simple pot. The noodles soak up the savory broth, the protein adds heartiness, and the cheesy topping melts beautifully into every bite. It is the kind of recipe that pleases a crowd, reheats wonderfully, and fills the kitchen with the comforting smell of an Italian classic.

Whether you want a quick dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or a healthier twist on traditional comfort food, this soup delivers all the satisfaction with less work and fewer dishes.

Insanely Good Lasagna Soup

What makes this lasagna soup so irresistible is how closely it mimics the flavors of oven-baked lasagna while staying lighter and easier to prepare. Lean ground beef and chicken sausage build a deeply savory base, while crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce create a rich broth. The noodles cook directly in the pot, absorbing all the flavor as they soften.

To finish it off, a creamy mixture of cottage cheese or ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan is spooned on top just before serving. It gives each bowl the signature cheesy element that makes lasagna beloved.

Here are a few reasons this recipe stands out:

A lightened-up comfort classic

The soup captures everything people love about lasagna but trims the heaviness. By using leaner meats, a balanced broth, and a lighter cheese topping, it stays both nourishing and satisfying.

Quick and easy

Everything cooks in one pot, from the vegetables to the meat to the noodles. With minimal prep and a short simmer time, it is ready in about 30 minutes.

High protein

Loaded with lean meat and topped with a creamy cheese blend, each serving is packed with protein, making it filling and balanced.

Great for meal prep

The flavors develop even more after resting in the fridge overnight. It reheats well, making it perfect for planning ahead.

If you enjoy cozy yet lighter comfort meals, this recipe is a great one to have in your rotation.

Ingredients

This soup uses simple ingredients to create a rich, layered flavor similar to classic lasagna.

Protein

Lean ground beef keeps the flavor traditional, but ground turkey or chicken work equally well for a lighter option.
Chicken sausage adds extra savory depth. Use uncooked sausage with the casing removed or fully cooked sausage sliced or chopped.

Noodles

Regular lasagna noodles broken into bite-size pieces give the soup its signature lasagna feel. It is important to avoid oven-ready noodles because they soften too much and do not hold up well in soup.

Tomato base

A combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste creates a thick, rich broth that clings to the noodles and protein.

Vegetables

Onion, red bell pepper, and garlic build the aromatic base of the soup.

Broth

Chicken broth is used to develop the soup’s body. You can adjust the amount to make the consistency thicker or thinner based on your preference.

Seasonings

Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper bring out that familiar lasagna taste.

Cheese Topping Ingredients

The cheesy topping is an essential part of the experience. It melts beautifully into the hot soup and gives each bowl a velvety finish.

Cottage cheese or ricotta
Either option works, though cottage cheese adds more protein and a lighter texture.

Mozzarella and parmesan
These cheeses add creaminess and classic Italian flavor.

Variation Ideas

Ravioli or tortellini twist

Swap the lasagna noodles for cheese-filled ravioli or tortellini for a fun variation.

Spicy version

Use spicy sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes.

Pasta swap

Rotini, ziti, farfalle, radiatori, or campanelle all work well.

Veggie boost

Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or extra bell pepper for added nutrients.

Gluten-free option

Use certified gluten-free lasagna noodles or another gluten-free pasta shape.

How To Make High Protein Lasagna Soup

Sauté the vegetables

Start by cooking the onion, pepper, and garlic in olive oil until they soften and become fragrant.

Brown the meats

Add the ground meat and chicken sausage. Break them into small pieces as they cook. Once browned, stir in the tomato paste and seasonings and cook briefly to deepen the flavor.

Build the broth

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cook the noodles

Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and stir them into the pot. Let the soup gently boil until the noodles soften.

Mix the topping

While the soup cooks, combine the cottage cheese or ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in a bowl.

Serve

Let the soup cool slightly so it can thicken. Ladle into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Fresh basil or parsley adds a bright touch.

By DelishCorner -Madilyn-

How To Store

Refrigerate

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to four days.

Freeze

Freeze the soup and cheese mixture separately for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips For Success

Use regular lasagna noodles for the best texture.
Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving so it thickens naturally.
Do not skip the cheese topping, as it creates the classic lasagna effect.
Full-fat cottage cheese adds the creamiest finish.

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Cozy High Protein Lasagna Soup


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  • Author: Madilyn

Ingredients

Soup

1 tbsp olive oil

1 medium yellow onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 lb lean ground beef, or ground turkey or chicken

1 lb chicken sausage, casing removed or chopped if fully cooked

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

1 tsp Italian seasoning

2 tbsp tomato paste

28 oz crushed tomatoes

8 oz tomato sauce

56 cups chicken broth (use 5 cups for a thicker soup)

8 regular lasagna noodles, broken into 6 pieces each (do not use oven-ready noodles)

Cheese Topping

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese or ricotta, or a mix of both

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese


Instructions

  1. Sauté the vegetables
    Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

  2. Brown the meats
    Add the ground meat and chicken sausage to the pot. Break them into small pieces as they cook. Stir occasionally and cook for 5–8 minutes until browned.

  3. Season and add tomato paste
    Stir in the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste. Cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen the flavor.

  4. Build the broth
    Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

  5. Cook the noodles
    Add the broken lasagna noodles. Let the soup cook at a light boil for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles soften.

  6. Prepare the cheese topping
    While the soup cooks, combine the cottage cheese or ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan in a medium bowl. Set aside.

  7. Serve
    Allow the soup to cool slightly so it thickens. Ladle into bowls and top with a generous spoonful of the cheese mixture. Add fresh basil or extra cheese if desired.

Notes

If you prefer a thicker soup, begin with 5 cups of broth and add more only if needed.
Use regular lasagna noodles. Oven-ready noodles soften too much and do not hold their texture in soup.
The soup will thicken significantly as it cools, so allow at least 20 minutes after cooking for the ideal consistency.

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