Creamy Lasagna Soup Without Ricotta is the ultimate comfort bowl—rich tomato broth, tender noodles, savory beef, and melty cheese, all in one pot. This version skips ricotta entirely while still delivering that signature lasagna flavor.
Print
Creamy Lasagna Soup Without Ricotta – Cozy, Cheesy & Fuss-Free
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: Serves 4–5 1x
Description
This creamy lasagna soup without ricotta is rich, cheesy, and comforting—without the hassle of layering. Made in one pot, it’s perfect for weeknights and skips ricotta while keeping that classic flavor.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
In a large soup pot, heat olive oil. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until browned.
Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and tomato paste; cook 1 minute.
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer.
Add noodles and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Reduce heat. Stir in cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
Serve hot, topped with herbs.
Notes
Sub turkey or chicken for the beef.
Use gluten-free noodles if needed.
Freeze before adding noodles for best texture.
Perfect without ricotta and family-friendly.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: creamy lasagna soup without ricotta, easy lasagna soup, no ricotta soup
Craving Lasagna? Try It in a Bowl (No Ricotta Needed)
Sometimes I want that warm, lasagna-style hug in a bowl—but without layering noodles or messing with ricotta. This creamy lasagna soup without ricotta solves it all: one pot, simple ingredients, and a big payoff in flavor.
It was inspired by my go-to chicken lasagna soup, but made for nights when you want something a little heartier—and maybe don’t have ricotta on hand (or just don’t love it). Instead of ricotta, this version uses cream and melty shredded cheeses to create a luscious texture that’s still creamy and satisfying.
If you’ve tried our slow cooker lasagna soup or even the low carb lasagna soup variation, you’ll love how this one strikes the perfect balance between classic comfort and pantry-friendly ingredients.
This soup has quickly become a family favorite here—not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s easy. One pot, about 30 minutes, and dinner is on the table.
One Pot, No Fuss – How to Make Creamy Lasagna Soup Without Ricotta
Ingredients You’ll Need
This creamy lasagna soup without ricotta brings all the cozy flavors of a traditional baked lasagna, without the layering or the ricotta. It’s quick to make and still rich and satisfying, thanks to a mix of melty cheeses and heavy cream.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 4 cups low-sodium beef or chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley (for garnish)

No ricotta? No problem. This creamy lasagna soup without ricotta uses cream and shredded cheeses to mimic that creamy texture you’d usually get from ricotta, but without the extra step or dairy-heavy flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Brown the meat
In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or sausage and cook until fully browned, breaking it into crumbles. - Sauté and season
Add the onion and cook until softened, about 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic and tomato paste and cook another minute. - Build the broth
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a low boil. - Cook the noodles
Add broken lasagna noodles. Simmer uncovered for 10–12 minutes until noodles are tender. - Make it creamy
Lower heat and stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan. The soup will turn rich and velvety—just like lasagna, but spoonable. - Serve and garnish
Ladle into bowls, top with fresh basil or parsley, and serve warm.
This creamy lasagna soup without ricotta is perfect for those who love the taste of lasagna but prefer a smoother finish—or simply don’t have ricotta on hand. If you liked our chicken lasagna soup or the ultra-rich low carb lasagna soup, this version hits that same comfort zone in less time.
Customize It – Substitutions, Storage & Easy Meal Prep
This creamy lasagna soup without ricotta is flexible, forgiving, and full of flavor. Whether you’re avoiding ricotta for dietary reasons or just want something a little lighter, there are plenty of ways to make this recipe work for you.
Ingredient Swaps That Work
- Use ground turkey or chicken: Keep it lean without losing flavor. The cream and cheese bring richness no matter the protein.
- Try gluten-free noodles: Works beautifully—just monitor cook time and stir gently to avoid sticking.
- Make it dairy-light: Use a splash of coconut cream instead of heavy cream and reduce cheese slightly. It’ll still be creamy and satisfying.
- Add veggies: Spinach, zucchini, or even chopped mushrooms cook down perfectly into the soup without overwhelming it.
We’ve tested this creamy lasagna soup without ricotta with several variations—and it always disappears fast. For a flavor-packed twist, we even served it once with air fryer cajun potatoes for a little heat on the side.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating
Storing:
Let the soup cool fully before refrigerating in airtight containers. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Yes, this soup freezes well—even with the cream. The trick? Freeze before adding the noodles. Then, add freshly cooked pasta after reheating.
Reheating:
Warm it gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up.
This soup is one of our favorite make-ahead options, much like sheet pan meatloaves with roasted potatoes—hearty, family-friendly, and freezer-safe.
Whether you’re cooking for one or planning ahead for busy nights, this creamy lasagna soup without ricotta brings the flavor and comfort of lasagna with none of the prep stress.
Balanced & Hearty – Serving Ideas and Nutrition Snapshot
Even without ricotta, this creamy lasagna soup without ricotta delivers the same cozy flavor you expect from a traditional lasagna—but in an easier, more spoonable form. It’s filling, satisfying, and pairs well with simple sides to round out your meal.
What to Serve With It
Since the soup already includes protein, pasta, and cheese, you don’t need much on the side—but a little contrast goes a long way.
Try these simple pairings:
- A light green salad or corn and tomato salad to balance the richness
- Roasted vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli
- Garlic toast or a slice of crusty bread (for non–low-carb eaters)
- A side of warm butternut squash farro salad for something cozy and seasonal

It’s also a hit at the table with kids and adults alike, especially when you offer extra cheese or fresh herbs at serving time.
Nutritional Profile (Per Generous Serving)
Nutrient | Approx. Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 430 |
Protein | 27g |
Fat | 24g |
Carbs | 25g |
Fiber | 2g |
Thanks to the combination of meat, cheese, and broth, creamy lasagna soup without ricotta is high in protein and satisfying enough to stand alone as a full dinner—without needing a ton of sides.
FAQs – All About Creamy Lasagna Soup Without Ricotta
What can you use instead of ricotta in lasagna?
Instead of ricotta, you can use cottage cheese, cream cheese, or a mixture of heavy cream and shredded cheese—like in this creamy lasagna soup without ricotta. It still delivers that creamy texture without the graininess some find in ricotta.
Do you put heavy whipping cream in lasagna soup?
Yes! Heavy cream is the secret to making this soup rich and velvety. It replaces ricotta and adds a smooth, comforting texture. It also helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
What is the best sauce for lasagna soup?
A combination of crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth makes the perfect base. For this creamy lasagna soup without ricotta, adding tomato paste deepens the flavor while cream finishes it with richness.
Can lasagna be made without ricotta?
Absolutely. Many people skip ricotta due to preference or dietary needs. You can still achieve that creamy, cheesy result by using a mixture of shredded cheeses, cream, or even cottage cheese in soups or bakes.
Wrap-Up – Lasagna Flavor Without the Fuss
If you’re craving a bowl of warmth and flavor, this creamy lasagna soup without ricotta has you covered. It’s cozy, simple, and loaded with everything you love—minus the ricotta.
Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or just want something easy to prep ahead, this soup hits the spot every time. It pairs perfectly with a light side and stores beautifully, making it a smart choice for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
📌 Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so it’s always a click away when you need a no-fuss, family-approved meal.