Okay, let’s be honest – who doesn’t dream of lasagna’s comforting layers, but lacks the time (or energy!) for a multi-hour project? I get it. Weeknights are hectic. But what if I told you you could capture all that cheesy, tomato-ey goodness in a bowl, ready in under 30 minutes? Prepare to have your mind (and your taste buds) blown. We’re talking Creamy Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup, and the absolute game-changer? Mascarpone cheese. Seriously, it’s magic.
This isn’t your average tomato soup. We’re elevating things. We’re adding layers of flavor and richness that will make you question everything you thought you knew about soup. Plus, it’s surprisingly adaptable. Vegetarian? Absolutely. Want to add some protein? Go for it. This is a blank canvas for deliciousness. Ready to ditch the jarred stuff and learn how to make the best, most decadent lasagna soup EVER? Let’s get cooking!
1. The Classic Creamy Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup (Mascarpone is Key!)
This recipe is your baseline – the foundation upon which all future lasagna soup variations will be built. Don’t skip the mascarpone; it turns this from good soup to amazing soup. It adds a smoothness and tang that’s honestly addictive.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 medium Yellow Onion, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 28 ounces Crushed Tomatoes (good quality matters!)
- 15 ounces Tomato Sauce
- 4 cups Vegetable Broth (or chicken broth if you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Basil
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 4 ounces Mascarpone Cheese, softened
- Fresh Basil Leaves, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and Black Pepper to taste
- Cooked Lasagna Noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (about 1-2 cups) – Important: Don’t completely overcook the noodles; they’ll cook further in the soup!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don’t burn it! Nobody wants bitter garlic soup.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, vegetable broth, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer you simmer, the richer the flavor.
- Remove from heat. This is where the magic happens. Stir in the heavy cream and softened mascarpone cheese until completely smooth and creamy. Seriously, the texture is divine.
- Add the cooked lasagna noodles. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Go easy on the salt initially; the broth and tomatoes might already have a good amount.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love It:
This soup checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, quick, and ridiculously easy. I once tried making it without the mascarpone – big mistake. The difference is night and day. It’s the ultimate cozy-night-in meal! 🙂
2. Spicy Southwestern Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup
Craving a little heat? This variation takes our classic recipe and gives it a southwestern twist with the addition of chipotle peppers and black beans. It’s unexpectedly delicious and perfect for those who like a little oomph.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Creamy Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup, PLUS:
- 1 can (15 ounces) Black Beans, rinsed and drained
- 1-2 Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce, minced (start with one and add more to taste!)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Powder
- 1/4 cup Corn (frozen or canned, drained)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe.
- Stir in the black beans, minced chipotle peppers, chili powder, and corn.
- Continue with steps 5-8 of the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It:
The smokiness of the chipotle combined with the creaminess of the mascarpone is a seriously addictive combination. Just be careful with the chipotle – a little goes a long way! I learned that the hard way… Let’s just say it was spicy.
3. Vegetarian Lasagna Soup with Roasted Vegetables
Want to boost the nutrient content and add even more flavor? Roasting the vegetables before adding them to the soup deepens their flavor and adds a lovely caramelized sweetness.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Creamy Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup, PLUS:
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, chopped
- 1 Zucchini, chopped
- 1 Yellow Squash, chopped
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the chopped bell pepper, zucchini, yellow squash, and cherry tomatoes with balsamic vinegar on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred.
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe, adding the roasted vegetables along with the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Continue with steps 5-8 of the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It:
Roasting the veggies intensifies their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor you just can’t get from adding them raw. It’s a healthier twist on a classic and boasts impressive flavor. FYI, you can roast a big batch of these veggies and freeze them for future soup nights!
4. Hearty Chicken & Lasagna Soup with Creamy Mascarpone
Need a little extra protein? Adding shredded chicken to this soup is a brilliant move. It’s filling, satisfying, and a great way to use up leftover roasted chicken.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Creamy Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup, PLUS:
- 2 cups Shredded Cooked Chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe.
- Stir in the shredded chicken along with the heavy cream and mascarpone cheese.
- Continue with steps 6-8 of the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It:
Adding the chicken transforms this soup into a truly hearty and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a chilly evening, and the mascarpone keeps it extra creamy and luxurious. I’ve even added some grilled chicken sometimes, just for extra smoky flavor!
5. Lightened-Up Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup (Still Delicious!)
Want a slightly healthier version without sacrificing flavor? We can easily lighten this up by reducing the cream and using lighter alternatives.
Ingredients:
- All ingredients from the Classic Creamy Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup, EXCEPT use:
- 1/4 cup Light Heavy Cream (or even milk)
- 2 ounces Part-Skim Mascarpone Cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Follow steps 1-4 of the Classic recipe.
- Stir in the light heavy cream and part-skim mascarpone cheese until completely smooth.
- Continue with steps 6-8 of the Classic recipe.
Why You’ll Love It:
This version still delivers creamy, tomato-ey goodness, but with fewer calories and less fat. It’s a great option for those watching their waistlines without missing out on all the flavor! It’s honestly pretty close to the original, just a little less decadent – and that’s okay sometimes!
The Final Verdict: Mascarpone Makes ALL the Difference!
So there you have it – five delicious variations of Creamy Tomato Basil Lasagna Soup, all united by the glorious presence of mascarpone cheese. Whether you’re craving a spicy kick, extra veggies, or a protein boost, there’s a recipe here for you. The key takeaway? Don’t be afraid to experiment! Lasagna soup is incredibly versatile. Just remember to embrace the mascarpone – you won’t regret it. Now go forth and soup-ify your life! /:
