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Cozy Lasagna Soup with Creamy Ricotta – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

cozy lasagna soup with creamy ricotta - featured image

This cozy lasagna soup with creamy ricotta delivers deep, comforting flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like it simmered all day, with tender pasta and velvety ricotta stirred into a rich tomato broth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 is ideal)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (preferably San Marzano)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces dried mafalda pasta (or broken lasagna noodles)
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it brown undisturbed for about 3 minutes, then stir and cook until no longer pink, about 5 to 6 minutes total. Spoon off excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon.
  3. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and softened.
  4. Stir in the minced garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  5. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add the pasta and stir well. Simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
  7. Remove the pot from the heat and let it sit for about 30 seconds.
  8. Add the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cheeses are fully incorporated and the broth becomes creamy and velvety.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed (about 1/4 teaspoon).
  10. Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

For meal prep, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual bowls before ladling the soup over it to prevent the pasta from absorbing too much broth. Let the soup cool slightly before adding ricotta to avoid graininess. Full-fat ricotta is crucial for a creamy texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: lasagna soup, creamy ricotta, easy dinner, 30-minute meal, comfort food, Italian soup, ground beef, weeknight dinner