As a busy mom of three, I know the dinner struggle all too well. One chilly Tuesday, my kids begged for lasagna, but I simply didn’t have the hour-plus to layer, bake, and wait. So, I took all the soul-warming flavors of our favorite comfort food and transformed them into a quick, one-pot wonder. The result? This incredible High Protein Lasagna Soup. It delivers every bit of that cheesy, savory, pasta-filled joy in a fraction of the time. This High Protein Lasagna Soup recipe has become our go-to for a nourishing, family-approved meal that truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Itโs food thatโs simple, packed with love, and fuels my familyโs busy lives.
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Lasagna Soup
You will adore this recipe for so many reasons. First, it comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. Second, it’s incredibly flexible. You can easily adapt it to what you have in your pantry. Most importantly, this High Protein Lasagna Soup is a nutritional powerhouse. It keeps everyone full and satisfied for hours. The rich tomato broth, tender pasta, and hearty protein make it a complete meal. Itโs the perfect solution for a hectic weeknight. Ultimately, this easy High Protein Lasagna Soup is comfort food that you can feel great about serving.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Gathering your ingredients is the first simple step. Hereโs what youโll need to create this delicious High Protein Lasagna Soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon | For sautรฉing |
| Yellow Onion, diced | 1 medium | Adds flavor base |
| Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7) | 1 pound | Or ground turkey/chicken |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | Fresh is best! |
| Italian Seasoning | 2 teaspoons | Or a mix of dried oregano and basil |
| Crushed Tomatoes | 1 (28-ounce) can | Provides the rich tomato base |
| Beef or Chicken Broth | 4 cups | Low-sodium preferred |
| Tomato Paste | 2 tablespoons | Deepens the tomato flavor |
| Mafalda Corta or Rotini Pasta | 8 ounces | Mafalda corta looks like mini lasagna sheets! |
| Ricotta Cheese | 1 cup | Part-skim or whole milk |
| Shredded Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup | For topping |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup | Plus more for serving |
| Salt and Black Pepper | To taste |
Substitutions & Variations
Don’t be afraid to make this High Protein Lasagna Soup your own! Cooking should be flexible and fun.
For the protein, ground turkey or Italian sausage work beautifully. You can even use a plant-based ground meat alternative. If you’re out of mafalda pasta, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or even broken lasagna noodles will do. For a veggie boost, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped zucchini with the broth. If you prefer a creamier High Protein Lasagna Soup, swirl in an extra 1/2 cup of ricotta directly into the pot at the end. The possibilities are endless with this versatile recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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- Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for one more minute until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Drain any excess grease from the pot. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until the tomato paste dissolves completely. Bring your High Protein Lasagna Soup to a gentle boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Add the uncooked pasta and let it cook according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Cheese Topping: While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta, 1/4 cup of mozzarella, and the parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. This cheesy mixture is the “heart” of your High Protein Lasagna Soup.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella cheese. The heat from the soup will melt the cheese perfectly.
Pro Tips for Success
Follow these simple tips for the best High Protein Lasagna Soup every single time. First, don’t skip browning the meat and onions. This step builds a deep, foundational flavor. Secondly, use a pot that is large enough to allow the pasta to move freely as it cooks. Furthermore, taste the broth before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper then. The cheeses will add saltiness later. Finally, for an extra flavor boost, consider adding a parmesan rind to the broth as it simmers. Just remember to fish it out before serving!
Storage & Reheating Tips
This High Protein Lasagna Soup stores wonderfully. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid, so when you reheat it, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to get the perfect soup consistency again. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave. I do not recommend freezing this High Protein Lasagna Soup with the pasta in it, as it can become mushy upon thawing. For freezer meals, prepare the soup base (meat and broth) without the pasta and freeze that. Then, cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
What to Serve With This High Protein Lasagna Soup

This hearty High Protein Lasagna Soup is truly a meal in itself. However, a crisp, simple side can round out the dinner perfectly. I love serving it with a quick garlic bread for dipping into the flavorful broth. A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette also provides a lovely, crisp contrast to the rich, comforting soup. For my kids, sometimes a side of apple slices is all they need. This easy High Protein Lasagna Soup is the star of the show, so keep your sides simple and easy.
FAQs
Can I make this High Protein Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire soup 1-2 days in advance. Store it in the fridge without the cheese topping. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth if needed, and then add the fresh cheese mixture when serving.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Easily! Just swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. I recommend a short, sturdy shape like brown rice rotini or chickpea shells. Be sure to check that your broth is also certified gluten-free.
Is this High Protein Lasagna Soup kid-friendly?
It’s a huge hit in my house! The familiar flavors of lasagna in a fun, soupy form are very appealing to kids. You can even let them add their own cheese topping, which makes dinner interactive and fun.
What makes this soup “high protein”?
This High Protein Lasagna Soup packs a punch from two main sources: the lean ground beef and the trio of cheeses (ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan). Using a lean protein and incorporating cheese both in and on the soup significantly boosts the protein content compared to a traditional soup.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Of course! While the ricotta-mozzarella-parmesan combo is classic, you can experiment. Cottage cheese is a great high-protein substitute for ricotta. For the topping, a provolone or Italian blend would also be delicious on this High Protein Lasagna Soup.
PrintHigh Protein Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: High-Protein
Description
A quick, one-pot wonder that transforms the soul-warming flavors of classic lasagna into a simple, nourishing soup. This High Protein Lasagna Soup is a family-approved meal perfect for busy weeknights, delivering cheesy, savory, pasta-filled joy in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 medium Yellow Onion, diced
1 pound Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
4 cloves Garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning
1 (28-ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes
4 cups Beef or Chicken Broth
2 tablespoons Tomato Paste
8 ounces Mafalda Corta or Rotini Pasta
1 cup Ricotta Cheese
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Salt and Black Pepper to taste
Instructions
1. 1. Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for one more minute until fragrant.
2. 2. Build the Broth: Drain any excess grease from the pot. Then, add the crushed tomatoes, broth, and tomato paste. Stir everything together until the tomato paste dissolves completely. Bring your soup to a gentle boil.
3. 3. Cook the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Add the uncooked pasta and let it cook according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. 4. Prepare the Cheese Topping: While the pasta cooks, mix the ricotta, 1/4 cup of mozzarella, and the parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
5. 5. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture and a sprinkle of the remaining mozzarella cheese. The heat from the soup will melt the cheese perfectly.
Notes
Substitutions & Variations: Ground turkey or Italian sausage work beautifully. You can also use a plant-based ground meat alternative. If you're out of mafalda pasta, any short pasta like rotini, shells, or even broken lasagna noodles will do. For a veggie boost, stir in a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or chopped zucchini with the broth. For a creamier soup, swirl in an extra 1/2 cup of ricotta directly into the pot at the end.
Pro Tips: Don't skip browning the meat and onions to build foundational flavor. Taste the broth before adding the pasta and adjust the salt and pepper. For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a parmesan rind to the broth as it simmers (remove before serving).
Storage: Let soup cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water as the pasta will absorb liquid. For freezer meals, prepare the soup base without the pasta and freeze that, cooking fresh pasta when you're ready to serve.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with garlic bread for dipping or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 612
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 1155mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
For more information: nutritional powerhouse