Okay, let’s be honest. We all dream of slow-simmered, bubbling lasagna, layered with cheese and tomato sauce perfection. But sometimes? Life throws you a curveball, and “slow” is the last thing you have. Enter: Instant Pot Lasagna Soup! It’s the comforting hug of lasagna, without the hours of assembly. Seriously, folks, this is a game-changer. Forget takeout; we’re getting cozy in the kitchen (and it’ll take less than 30 minutes!). This listicle gives you eight amazing variations, from classic to crazy-delicious, all cooked in your Instant Pot. Ready to ditch the dinner stress and embrace the soup-er (sorry, couldn’t resist!) goodness? Let’s go!
1. Classic Comfort: The OG Lasagna Soup
This is your baseline, your starting point, the lasagna soup your grandma would approve of. It’s all about classic Italian flavors, done fast. Think rich tomato sauce, savory Italian sausage, and that luscious cheesy topping. Honestly, it’s hard to mess this one up!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian Sausage (sweet or hot, your call!)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups beef broth (chicken works too, FYI)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set your Instant Pot to “Saute” mode. Brown the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
- Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir to ensure they’re submerged.
- Seal the lid and cook on “Manual/Pressure Cook” for 4 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese. Top with mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s pure comfort food at warp speed! I once tried adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat…major win. It reminds me of Sunday dinners at my aunt’s house, only I didn’t spend half the day in the kitchen.
2. Creamy Pesto Powerhouse
This version adds a vibrant twist with pesto! That bright, herbaceous flavor melds beautifully with the tomato and cheese. It takes classic lasagna soup to a whole new level – dare to be different!
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic, PLUS:
- 1/2 cup pesto
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 from the Classic recipe.
- Stir in the pesto after the natural pressure release.
- Proceed with step 6 from the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: The pesto adds a ton of fresh flavor without needing extra herbs. Don’t skimp on the quality of pesto here—it truly makes a difference.
3. Spicy Italian Fiesta
Spice things up with this version that brings the heat! It’s perfect for those who like a little kick with their comfort food. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your personal tolerance, trust me!
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic, PLUS:
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more, if you’re brave!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 from the Classic recipe.
- Add the red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Proceed with step 6 from the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: The warmth from the red pepper flakes adds another layer of complexity to the familiar flavors. Just a little can transform the whole dish.
4. Veggie-Loaded Delight
Want to sneak in more veggies? This is your answer. Adding extra veggies not only boosts the nutritional value, but also adds depth of flavor. It’s a win-win!
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic, PLUS:
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-3 from the Classic recipe.
- Add the zucchini and bell peppers along with the crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
- Proceed with steps 4-6 from the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s a sneaky way to get those veggies in! I’ve also found that adding spinach towards the end (stirring it in after the pressure release) wilts beautifully and adds extra nutrients.
5. Cheesy Spinach & Artichoke Twist
This recipe is all about richness and flavor. The spinach and artichoke heart add a unique, savory dimension, while the extra cheese takes it over the top. I once accidentally doubled the artichoke hearts…no regrets.
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic, PLUS:
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 from the Classic recipe.
- Add artichoke hearts and spinach with the crushed tomatoes and beef broth.
- Proceed with steps 5-6 from the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: It’s like lasagna met spinach artichoke dip in a delicious, comforting hug. The savory notes from the spinach and artichoke balances the sweetness of the tomato.
6. Beefy Mushroom Magic
If you’re a mushroom fan, this is for you. Adding mushrooms lends a meaty, earthy flavor that complements the beef wonderfully.
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic, PLUS:
- 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-2 from the Classic recipe.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Proceed with steps 3-6 from the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: Earthy, savory, and oh-so-delicious. I sometimes add a splash of Worcestershire sauce for extra umami depth – it’s a secret weapon.
7. White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Switch it up with a creamy white sauce. This version is lighter and brighter than the traditional tomato-based soup, but just as satisfying. It’s a lovely change of pace!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lasagna noodles (as in Classic recipe)
- Mozzarella cheese for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Set Instant Pot to “Saute” mode.
- Add chicken broth, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add lasagna noodles. Stir to ensure they’re submerged.
- Seal the lid and cook on “Manual/Pressure Cook” for 4 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese.
- Top with mozzarella cheese.
Why You’ll Love It: A lighter take on lasagna soup that’s still packed with flavor. It’s a wonderful option if you’re looking for something a little different.
8. Lemon & Herb Zest
Brighten up your week with this refreshing and flavorful variation. The lemon and fresh herbs add a zesty, aromatic touch that’s perfect for spring or summer.
Ingredients:
- Same as Classic, PLUS:
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-5 from the Classic recipe.
- Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and thyme after natural pressure release.
- Proceed with step 6 from the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It: The brightness of the lemon cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce perfectly, making it a truly delightful soup.
Final Thoughts: Soup-er Easy, Super Delicious!
So there you have it! Eight Instant Pot Lasagna Soup recipes to satisfy every craving. Whether you’re a classic comfort-food lover, a spice fanatic, or a veggie enthusiast, there’s a recipe here for you. And the best part? They all come together in a fraction of the time it would take to make traditional lasagna. Seriously, who doesn’t love a recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes? Don’t be afraid to experiment and tweak these recipes to make them your own. Now go forth and conquer dinner – one delicious bowl of lasagna soup at a time! Happy cooking! 🙂
