I love cooking a delicious, hearty meal. But I absolutely dread the mountain of dishes that often follows. Sound familiar? We’ve all been there, staring at a sink full of pots, pans, and utensils after creating a culinary masterpiece.
That’s why I’m so excited to share this recipe for Healthy Lasagna Soup – Light & Comforting Dinner. It delivers all the rich, cheesy, and savory flavors of traditional lasagna. But it does it all in a single pot, making cleanup an absolute breeze. If you’re looking for more easy comfort food, you should try our crockpot pierogi casserole.
This dish is the ultimate solution for a busy weeknight. You get maximum comfort with minimal effort and mess. Let’s get cooking and keep that kitchen clean.
Recipe Overview
Here’s a quick look at what you’re making. It’s straightforward and designed for success, even on your first try.
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
The Magic of a One-Pot (or One-Pan) Meal
I truly believe one-pot meals are a game-changer for home cooks. They simplify the entire cooking process from start to finish.
You brown your meat, sauté your aromatics, and simmer everything together in the same vessel. This method not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. It’s a win-win for your taste buds and your sink.
All You Need (One Pot & These Ingredients)
Gathering your ingredients first is a pro-move that makes everything smoother. I promise it makes the cooking process feel less chaotic.
You’ll notice we’re using some clever swaps. We’re building deep flavor while keeping things light and wholesome. This approach is perfect for a nourishing weeknight dinner.
The Full Ingredient List
Here is everything you’ll need to create this comforting soup. I’ve included notes on a few key items to help you out.
- 1 lb lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 (24 oz) jar of your favorite marinara sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 8 whole wheat lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Follow these steps for a perfectly cooked soup and an easy cleanup. I’ve added little tips to guide you along the way. For another wholesome meal option, check out our homemade honey wheat bread to serve alongside your soup.
Healthy Lasagna Soup – Light & Comforting Dinner Recipe
The Full Ingredient List
PREPARATION
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Healthy Lasagna Soup – Light & Comforting Dinner Recipe!
Nutrition Information
- Heat the oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or beef and onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is soft, breaking up the meat as it cooks.
- Add the garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant. This step builds a wonderful flavor base for your entire soup.
- Pour in the broth, marinara sauce, and diced tomatoes. Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for just 2-3 more minutes, until it has wilted. Turn off the heat.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro-Tips for Perfect One-Pot Cooking
These simple tips will make your one-pot cooking journey even more successful. They’re little things that make a big difference.
First, use the right size pot. A 5 to 6-quart Dutch oven or stockpot is ideal. This gives the noodles plenty of room to cook without bubbling over.
Don’t stir too much once the noodles are in. Let them simmer gently to avoid breaking them apart. Taste and adjust your seasonings at the very end, after the flavors have had time to develop.
Storing & Reheating (Easy!)
This soup is fantastic for meal prep. It stores beautifully, making your future self very happy.
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire pot on the stove over medium heat. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Nutrition Notes
This recipe is designed to be both satisfying and good for you. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it a healthier choice.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the lean ground meat and cheeses.
- Packed with Veggies: Onions, garlic, tomatoes, and spinach add fiber and nutrients.
- Whole Grains: Using whole wheat lasagna noodles adds extra fiber.
- Lower in Fat: We use lean meats and part-skim cheeses to keep it light.
Your One-Pot Questions, Answered
It’s normal to have questions when trying a new cooking style. Here are answers to some common ones.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the meat and onions first for best flavor. Then add everything except the noodles, spinach, and cheeses to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. Add the broken noodles and spinach in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
How can I make this soup even lower in carbs?
For a low-carb version, simply omit the lasagna noodles. You can add zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) at the very end of cooking, just long enough to heat through. You could also use a few leaves of chopped kale for extra bulk.
My soup seems too thick. What should I do?
No problem at all! Soups can vary based on your noodles and simmering time. Just stir in a little extra broth or some water until it reaches your desired consistency. It’s an easy fix.
I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need a pile of dirty dishes to create a memorable, comforting meal. If you’re craving more easy dinner ideas, don’t miss our steak fajita bowl recipe.
This one-pot wonder is here to make your life easier and more delicious. You deserve a hearty dinner that doesn’t come with a side of kitchen stress.
Enjoy all that flavor (and your clean kitchen!). Let me know how it went by leaving a comment and rating below!
