Hearty Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta

Lasagna soup is the weeknight hero you didn’t know you needed. It captures all the cozy, cheesy magic of classic lasagna—minus the layering and the wait. This hearty version with bow tie pasta is rich, satisfying, and comes together in just one pot. You get all the savory comfort of tomato sauce, browned beef, and melty cheese in a slurpable bowl that’s perfect for fall and winter. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers for lunch, this lasagna soup hits the spot every time. It’s bold, hearty, and incredibly easy to adapt to your tastes or pantry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

this recipe

This lasagna soup is everything you crave in a bowl—cozy, hearty, and bursting with Italian flavor. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

• All the lasagna flavor, no layering: Classic lasagna taste with none of the prep. No baking pans, no fuss.
• One-pot convenience: Less mess, fewer dishes, and everything comes together in one comforting pot.
• Ready in under an hour: Dinner is on the table in 45 minutes or less—perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-approved and freezer-friendly: Family-friendly flavors that reheat beautifully for leftovers.
• Customizable ingredients: Swap in turkey, sausage, or different cheeses and pasta shapes with ease.
• Extra cheesy goodness: Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan melt into the broth for indulgent, creamy bites.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful lasagna soup with bow tie pasta:

For the Soup

• 1–2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking oil of choice)
• 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 85/15 recommended)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce or puree
• 1/3 cup tomato paste (about half of a 6 oz can)
• 4 cups chicken stock
• 1–2 cups water (as needed for soup texture)
• 1 tablespoon Italian herb blend
• 1 teaspoon sea salt (adjust to taste)
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 8 oz uncooked bow tie pasta (farfalle)

For Serving

• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• 2 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shaved or grated
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a rich and comforting lasagna soup your whole family will love:

1. Sauté the Beef, Onions, and Garlic

1. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large soup pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground beef, diced onion, and minced garlic.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes.
4. Drain excess fat if needed.

2. Simmer the Soup Base with Pasta

5. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and chicken stock.
6. Stir in the Italian herbs, salt, black pepper, and uncooked bow tie pasta.
7. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a medium simmer.
8. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender.
9. Add 1–2 cups of water as needed to adjust soup consistency.

3. Add Cheeses and Finish

10. Once the pasta is fully cooked, remove the pot from heat.
11. Stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan cheeses until melted (or add them to individual bowls for a creamier texture).
12. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

4. Cool and Store (Optional)

13. Let the soup cool slightly before serving or storing.
14. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
15. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore texture.

Recipe Details & Nutrition

Prep Time

• 10–15 minutes

Cook Time

• 20–30 minutes

Total Time

• 30–45 minutes

Servings

• Serves 6 hearty portions

🥄 Nutrition Facts (Estimated per Serving)

Note: These values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.

• Calories: 420–470
• Protein: 20–25g
• Fat: 15–18g
• Carbohydrates: 35–40g
• Fiber: 3–4g
• Sugar: 5–7g
• Sodium: ~700–850mg
• Calcium: High (due to ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan)

This lasagna soup is not only delicious—it’s also packed with protein and makes a balanced, satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

Make your lasagna soup even better with these helpful tips and easy variations:

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Add bow tie pasta during the last 10–12 minutes of simmering to avoid mushy noodles.
• Brown the beef well: Let it caramelize slightly for added depth of flavor in the soup base.
• Cheese control: Stir cheese directly into the pot for a creamy finish, or add to individual bowls for a lighter version.
• Adjust consistency: Add extra water or broth gradually as the pasta cooks—this helps maintain a perfect soup texture.

Easy Variations

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
• Pasta options: Penne, rotini, small shells, or even broken lasagna noodles all work well.
• Cheese substitutes: Cottage cheese or cream cheese can replace ricotta for different textures and flavors.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the meat and use vegetable broth, adding mushrooms or lentils for heartiness.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.

Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta

A hearty **lasagna soup** with bow tie pasta that delivers all the cheesy, meaty comfort of lasagna in a simple one-pot meal. Perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 5

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• – 1–2 tbsp olive oil or cooking oil of choice
• – 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or 85/15
• – 1 large yellow onion diced
• – 4 garlic cloves minced
• – 1 can 15 oz diced tomatoes, undrained
• – 1 can 15 oz tomato sauce or puree
• – 1/3 cup tomato paste about half of a 6 oz can
• – 4 cups chicken stock
• – 1–2 cups water as needed for consistency
• – 1 tbsp Italian herb blend
• – 1 tsp sea salt adjust to taste
• – Ground black pepper to taste
• – 8 oz bow tie pasta
• ### For Serving
• – 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
• – 2 oz mozzarella cheese shredded
• – 1/4 cup parmesan cheese grated
• – 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• – Large soup pot (4–5 quart)
• Wooden spoon
• Ladle

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef, onion, and garlic. Cook until beef is browned and onions are soft. Drain excess fat.
2. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chicken stock, herbs, salt, and pepper. Add uncooked bow tie pasta.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook 10–15 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is tender. Add water as needed for soup consistency.
4. Remove from heat. Stir in ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan—or add cheeses directly to bowls for serving.
5. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

– Cook pasta separately if you plan on having leftovers to prevent it from getting mushy.
– Substitute sausage, turkey, or chicken for beef.
– Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about lasagna soup to help you get it just right:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While bow tie pasta holds up beautifully, you can swap in penne, rotini, small shells, or even broken lasagna noodles. Just adjust cooking time as needed.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?

Add the pasta toward the end of cooking—about 10–12 minutes before serving. For best texture, especially if storing leftovers, cook the pasta separately and add it when serving.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. If you’re planning to freeze it, do so before adding the pasta to preserve the texture.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely. Just use a gluten-free pasta and check your broth and canned tomato products for hidden gluten.

What cheeses work best for lasagna soup?

Ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan are the classic trio. But you can also try provolone, fontina, or a bit of cream cheese for added creaminess.

Conclusion + SEO Ending Template

There’s nothing quite like a big, steamy bowl of lasagna soup to bring comfort to the dinner table—especially when it comes together so easily. This recipe gives you all the richness of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the work and cleanup. Whether you’re cozying up on a cold night or feeding a hungry family, this soup checks all the boxes: hearty, cheesy, flavorful, and fast. Keep it simple or customize it to your taste—you really can’t go wrong. Don’t forget the garlic bread!