01 -
First, grab your biggest pot or Dutch oven. Add a splash of olive oil, then brown your ground beef or Italian sausage over medium-high heat, about 5-7 minutes. Break it up and get some good color. Drain any excess fat – crucial, trust me, I've had greasy soup! Add chopped onion; let it soften for 3-4 minutes until translucent and smelling sweet. Stir in minced garlic for just a minute until fragrant. Don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've learned from!
02 -
Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and basil. Give it a good stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot—that's pure flavor right there! 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 is where all those Italian flavors really get to know each other. I love how the kitchen starts smelling like a nonna's house during this step. It's the aroma of comfort, honestly.
03 -
Uncover your pot and crank the heat back up to medium. Carefully drop in your broken lasagna noodles. Stir them often to prevent sticking – this is where I always forget and end up with a few fused together, oops! Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until al dente. While the noodles are cooking, pour in the heavy cream. This is the game-changer for our easy creamy lasagna soup, transforming it into something truly luxurious. The color changes, the texture thickens… it's beautiful.
04 -
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked and the soup is looking gloriously creamy, it's time for the spinach. Add your fresh spinach a handful at a time, stirring until it wilts down completely. It might look like a lot at first, but it shrinks so much! I love the fresh green against the rich red sauce. Give the whole pot a taste, then season generously with salt and black pepper. You'll be surprised how much seasoning this easy creamy lasagna soup needs to really sing.
05 -
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese with half of the grated Parmesan and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until it's smooth and creamy. This mixture is what gives our lasagna soup that signature cheesy, gooey element without all the layering. I sometimes add a little fresh parsley here, too, just for an extra pop of herbaceousness. Don't skip this step; it elevates the whole experience, making each spoonful feel extra special.
06 -
Ladle generous portions of the hot, easy creamy lasagna soup into bowls. Now for the best part: dollop a spoonful of the ricotta mixture right on top of each serving. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and, if you're feeling fancy, a little fresh basil or parsley. This is where it all comes together, looking as good as it smells. Take a moment to breathe in that incredible aroma before diving in. Trust me, it's pure comfort in a bowl.