Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
Lasagna soup is a comforting dish that combines all the familiar flavors of classic lasagna—rich tomato sauce, savory meats, melted cheese—into a warm, hearty soup. Instead of traditional lasagna noodles, this version uses bow tie pasta for a fun twist. The soup is easy to prepare, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner while still feeling like a cozy, indulgent meal.
Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to preparing your own lasagna soup with bow tie pasta.
Ingredients
For this lasagna soup recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef (you can also use ground turkey, sausage, or a mix)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 teaspoons sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- 2 cups bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 bay leaf
Directions
1. Cook the Meat and Aromatics
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. This should take around 5 to 7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the meat to keep the soup from being too greasy.
Next, add the diced onions, bell pepper (if using), and minced garlic to the pot. Cook the vegetables with the meat until they’re soft and fragrant, about 4 to 5 minutes. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as it can turn bitter.
2. Season the Soup
Once the onions and garlic are softened, stir in the Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes for extra flavor. This will give your lasagna soup that familiar herbaceous taste. You can adjust the amount of crushed red pepper depending on your spice preference.
3. Add the Tomatoes and Broth
Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato paste to the pot. Stir to combine everything, and pour in the chicken broth. Mix in the sugar, which helps cut the acidity of the tomatoes. Drop the bay leaf into the soup and stir everything together.
Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. This gives the flavors time to meld and deepen.
4. Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
While the soup is simmering, cook the bow tie pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Make sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to soften once it’s added to the hot soup.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside.
5. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Mix them together until well combined. This cheese mixture will add creaminess to the soup and give it that true lasagna flavor.
6. Combine the Soup and Pasta
After the soup has simmered for 20 minutes and the flavors have come together, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper.
Remove the bay leaf from the soup. Add the cooked bow tie pasta to the pot, stirring gently to combine. At this point, you can also stir in some fresh chopped basil for a burst of fresh flavor.
7. Serve the Lasagna Soup
To serve the soup, ladle it into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of the ricotta cheese mixture. The warmth of the soup will soften the cheese, giving it a luxurious, creamy texture that mimics the layers of a traditional lasagna.
For an added touch, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top, along with a few fresh basil leaves for garnish. If you want extra richness, you can also drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top before serving.
8. Enjoy
Serve the lasagna soup with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up all the delicious broth. This meal is perfect for chilly evenings when you want the taste of lasagna without the time-consuming effort of layering and baking.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetarian version: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You can add more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for a heartier texture.
- Gluten-free: Substitute the bow tie pasta with a gluten-free pasta option. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pastas often have a slightly different texture and cooking time.
- Storage: Lasagna soup keeps well for leftovers. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little water or broth to loosen the consistency, as the pasta may absorb some of the liquid while stored.
Final Thoughts
This lasagna soup with bow tie pasta is an easy, comforting meal that combines the best of both worlds: the beloved flavors of lasagna in a quicker, simpler soup form. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing for leftovers, it’s a filling and versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your preferences. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the cozy warmth of lasagna in every spoonful!