If you love the cozy flavor of lasagna but hate the layering mess, this Cheesy Lasagna Soup with a Twist is your answer. Made with bowtie pasta and a rich tomato broth, it’s the same comfort food magic in a much easier, soupier form. Creamy ricotta, stretchy mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan give it that over-the-top cheesy finish—all without ever touching a pasta sheet.
Table of Contents
Why I Love This Recipe
It’s easier than traditional lasagna
Don’t get me wrong—I love classic lasagna. But between boiling the noodles, making the sauce, layering it all, and then waiting almost an hour to bake, I don’t always have the time. This soup skips all the fuss. Just one pot and about 30 minutes later, you’ve got a comforting bowl that delivers the same flavor, inspired by cozy dishes like Lazy Day Lasagna Soup.
A fun twist with bowtie pasta
Instead of broken noodles, this version uses bowties (farfalle), giving the dish a playful shape and great texture. They hold the sauce well and look adorable in the bowl. You can also try rotini or shells depending on what’s in your pantry. Just like in Fall Harvest Lasagna Soup, it’s all about big flavor with minimal effort.
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Cheesy Lasagna Soup (No Pasta Sheets!)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
This Cheesy Lasagna Soup puts a fun spin on classic lasagna by using bowtie pasta and cheesy toppings—all in one comforting, easy-to-make bowl. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp tomato paste
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp dried basil
Salt & pepper to taste
2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle), uncooked
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup ricotta cheese
1/4 cup grated parmesan
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add ground meat and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
3. Add crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, basil, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
4. Stir in uncooked bowtie pasta and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes.
5. Reduce heat and stir in mozzarella until melted. Add dollops of ricotta.
6. Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with parmesan, and garnish with fresh herbs.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use veggie broth.
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper for some heat.
To reheat leftovers, add a splash of broth as the pasta absorbs liquid over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 68mg
Keywords: Cheesy Lasagna Soup, Lasagna Soup with bowtie pasta, easy pasta soup, one pot dinner
How to Make It
Start with the base
Sauté your onions and garlic in a large pot with a splash of olive oil. Add ground beef or Italian sausage and cook until browned. Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and Italian herbs. Let the mixture simmer to develop that deep, savory flavor.
Add pasta and finish cheesy
Once your base is flavorful, add the bowtie pasta and broth. Simmer until the pasta is al dente. Just before serving, stir in a handful of mozzarella and a few dollops of ricotta for creaminess. Don’t forget to sprinkle some grated parmesan over the top—it gives it that classic lasagna edge, like our cheesy garlic bread version.
Tips & Tricks
Use veggie broth for a lighter take
If you want to cut down on richness, opt for vegetable broth and lean ground turkey or plant-based meat. You can even skip the meat entirely, like in Vegetarian Lasagna Soup with Ricotta, and still end up with something totally satisfying.
Make it ahead-friendly
The soup keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge, but the pasta will soak up liquid. Reheat gently with an extra splash of broth. For make-ahead, keep the pasta separate and combine when ready to serve.
FAQ
Can I use another type of pasta?
Absolutely. Bowties are fun, but penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work great here.
What’s the best cheese blend?
A mix of whole milk ricotta, low-moisture mozzarella, and a touch of parmesan gives you that classic lasagna taste in soup form. You can sub in cottage cheese or provolone for different textures.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Lasagna Soup is pure weeknight magic. No layering, no baking—just one pot, lots of flavor, and enough cheese to make every spoonful satisfying. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave again and again, especially as the weather cools down. Whether you’re a pasta lover or just need an easy dinner win, this recipe’s got you covered.