High Protein Lasagna Soup

Serve this robust soup with a crisp, bitter greens salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. The contrast makes each spoonful of the savory, cheesy broth feel even more satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that turns a regular Tuesday into something special, a reminder that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated.

I think we’ve all been there. You’re craving the deep, layered comfort of a classic lasagna—the rich meat sauce, the tender noodles, that perfect blanket of melted cheese. But the thought of boiling noodles, layering a dish, and waiting nearly an hour for it to bake feels like a weekend project, not a weeknight dinner. That’s where this beautiful, bubbling pot of High Protein Lasagna Soup comes to the rescue. It captures every single nostalgic flavor of the baked casserole but delivers it in a fraction of the time, with just one pot to wash. It’s a Protein Dinner that feels indulgent but is built on smart, wholesome choices. This recipe is about bringing the soul of a Sunday supper to your busiest weeknight, proving that a Healthy High Protein Meal can be the coziest thing on your table. If you love the idea of a creamy, Italian-inspired soup, you might also enjoy my Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Gnocchi Soup.

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Ingredients List

High Protein Lasagna Soup starts with a foundation of simple, flavorful ingredients that work together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Here’s what you’ll need to build this hearty, comforting bowl.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound lean ground beef (93/7 or leaner) or ground turkey
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional, but adds great sweetness)
• 1 (24-ounce) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
• 1 (15-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or beef broth
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 8-10 regular lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (not oven-ready)
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Creamy Cheese Topping:

• 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
• 1 large egg (optional, for extra richness and binding)

Smart Swaps & Dietary Notes:

• Meat: For a different flavor, try using Italian chicken sausage (casings removed) or a mix of beef and pork.
• Broth: Using bone broth is a fantastic way to add an extra protein boost and depth of flavor to this Healthy Soup.
• Cheese: The cottage cheese is our secret weapon for a creamy texture and added protein with less fat than using all ricotta. For a dairy-free version, use a blend of plain, unsweetened cashew or almond yogurt mixed with nutritional yeast.
• Noodles: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or even chickpea pasta for a gluten-free High Protein Lasagna Soup. You can also use mafalda pasta or broken ziti.

Timing

One of the greatest joys of this Lasagna Soup Recipe is how quickly it comes together, especially compared to its baked counterpart.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

That’s nearly half the time of a traditional lasagna, with all the flavor and none of the fuss. It’s the definition of a quick, satisfying Health Dinner Recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps for a foolproof pot of comforting soup. The process is straightforward, but each step builds the deep, complex flavor we’re after.

1. Brown the Meat: In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or turkey, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. For the best flavor, let the meat get a nice brown crust in spots—don’t just steam it.

2. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and red bell pepper (if using) to the pot with the meat. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more, until fragrant. This builds the essential flavor base.

3. Build the Broth: Pour in the marinara sauce, crushed tomatoes, and broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes to let the flavors marry.

4. Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Stir well to submerge them. Cook according to your noodle package directions, usually 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The soup will thicken as the noodles release their starch.

5. Wilt the Greens & Finish: In the last minute of cooking, stir in the fresh spinach until just wilted. Season the entire pot generously with salt and black pepper. Taste and adjust—this is your moment to make it perfect for you.

6. Prepare the Cheese Topping: While the soup simmers, mix the ricotta, cottage cheese, half of the mozzarella (½ cup), half of the Parmesan (¼ cup), and the egg (if using) in a medium bowl until well combined. This creamy mixture is what makes each bite taste like true lasagna.

7. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the creamy cheese mixture. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. The heat from the soup will gently melt the cheese topping into glorious, creamy ribbons.

Nutritional Information

This High Protein Lasagna Soup is designed to be both satisfying and nourishing. Per serving (approximately 1.5 cups of soup with cheese topping), you can expect:

• Calories: ~380
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 5g

The high protein content comes from the lean meat, the dual-cheese blend, and the optional egg, making it a meal that will keep you full and energized. It’s a balanced Recette Santé that doesn’t sacrifice an ounce of comfort.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this Healthy Soup Recipe. A well-equipped home kitchen has everything required:

• A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot (6-quart or larger is ideal)
• A sturdy wooden spoon or spatula
• A set of measuring cups and spoons
• A chef’s knife and cutting board
• A medium mixing bowl for the cheese topping
• Ladle for serving

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This High Protein Lasagna Soup earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation for so many reasons.

• All the Flavor, None of the Fuss: It delivers the iconic taste of lasagna without the lengthy assembly and bake time.
• A True One-Pot Wonder: From browning meat to simmering noodles, everything happens in a single pot, meaning minimal cleanup.
• Meal Prep Champion: This soup stores and reheats beautifully, making it a perfect Healthy Meal Prep option for lunches or easy future dinners.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: It’s a crowd-pleaser that appeals to both kids and adults. The familiar flavors are an instant win.
• Customizable Canvas: Easily adapt it for different dietary needs or to use what you have on hand (more on that below).

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

The beauty of this Lasagna Soup Recipe is its adaptability. Here’s how to tweak it to fit various dietary goals without losing its soul.

• For a Gluten-Free Version: Simply swap the regular lasagna noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice or chickpea lasagna noodles work well, but ensure you adjust the cooking time as per the package.
• For a Dairy-Free Version: Omit the cheese topping. For creaminess, stir a few tablespoons of nutritional yeast into the soup at the end for a “cheesy” flavor, or top with a dollop of plain, unsweetened vegan yogurt or cashew cream.
• To Boost Veggies: Add diced zucchini, mushrooms, or carrots when you sauté the onions. You can also blend a cup of cottage cheese directly into the soup broth for a creamy, protein-packed texture without chunks.
• For a Lower-Carb Option: Replace the lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles (zoodles) or palmini (hearts of palm noodles). Add them at the very end of cooking just to heat through.

Serving Suggestions

A bowl of this High Protein Lasagna Soup is a complete meal, but a few thoughtful touches can make it a feast.

• The Essential Bread: A slice of crusty, warm garlic bread or a soft dinner roll is non-negotiable for dipping into that rich broth.
• Fresh Finish: A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley just before serving adds a bright, herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully.
• Extra Crunch: A few homemade garlic croutons or a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes add wonderful texture and heat.
• The Perfect Side: As suggested in the intro, a simple arugula or kale salad with a sharp lemon vinaigrette provides the perfect crisp, acidic contrast to the hearty, savory soup. For another cozy pairing, try it with a bowl of my Creamy Parm Tomato Soup for a full tomato-centric comfort meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A great High Protein Lasagna Soup is easy to achieve if you sidestep these common pitfalls.

• Using Oven-Ready Noodles: These noodles are designed to absorb a specific amount of moisture in the oven. In soup, they often turn to mush. Always use regular, non-oven-ready lasagna noodles.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Add the noodles only when the broth is simmering, and cook them just until al dente. They will continue to soften slightly in the hot soup after you turn off the heat.
• Skipping the Browning: Don’t just steam the ground meat until it’s gray. Let it develop a deep, brown crust. This “fond” at the bottom of the pot is packed with flavor that will dissolve into your broth.
• Adding Cheese Too Early: If you stir the shredded mozzarella directly into the large pot of soup, it can become stringy and clump. It’s best used as a fresh topping on each individual bowl.
• Forgetting to Season in Layers: Season your meat while browning, and always do a final taste and season at the end, after the noodles have cooked and the soup has reduced slightly.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

This soup is arguably even better the next day, making it a fantastic Healthy Meal Prep star.

• Refrigeration: Let the soup cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store the creamy cheese topping separately in its own container.
• Freezing: You can freeze the soup (without the cheese topping or the noodles for best texture) for up to 3 months. To freeze with noodles, be aware they may become softer upon reheating. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened too much. Microwave in individual portions, stirring occasionally. Always reheat the soup fully before adding the cold cheese topping.
• Noodle Note: If you know you’ll have leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to individual bowls when serving. This prevents them from absorbing all the broth as the soup sits. For another hearty, Italian-inspired soup that stores wonderfully, check out my Meatball Tortellini Soup Recipe.

Conclusion

This High Protein Lasagna Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a weeknight game-changer. It proves that you can have a deeply comforting, flavor-packed Health Dinner that’s also thoughtfully prepared and incredibly simple to make. It’s the answer to the lasagna craving on a busy night, a pot of warmth that brings everyone to the table, and a brilliant strategy for Healthy Meal Prep.

I hope this pot of soup finds its way into your kitchen and becomes a new favorite. It’s the kind of food that builds memories—simple ingredients, warm memories, shared right from the stovetop. If you love this twist on lasagna, you might also enjoy my Delicious White Chicken Lasagna Soup for a creamy, Alfredo-style version, or my High Protein Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe for a similar hearty, meaty satisfaction in a different form.

Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out for you! Don’t forget to tag @StackSipSnack so I can see your beautiful, cheesy creations. Happy cooking.

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