Lasagna Soup with Pesto Swirl

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lasagna soup isn’t just your average comfort food — it’s a flavor-packed, herb-forward twist on the classic. The addition of a basil pesto swirl introduces brightness and depth, turning a hearty soup into something truly special. The base is rich and tomatoey, while the swirl is creamy and fragrant with garlic and basil. It’s a one-pot dinner with big payoff and even bigger flavor.

Ingredients

Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 pound ground turkey or lean ground beef

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces (regular or gluten-free)

For the Pesto Cheese Swirl:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 to 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Optional Garnish:

• Extra shredded cheese

• Fresh basil leaves

• Cracked black pepper or chili flakes

Instructions

1. Brown the Meat and Aromatics

In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground meat and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and dried herbs and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

2. Build the Tomato Base

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Add the Pasta

Once the soup is simmering, stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not mushy.

4. Make the Pesto Swirl

While the noodles are cooking, stir together the ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, and pesto in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.

5. Assemble and Serve

Ladle hot soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous spoonful of the pesto cheese mixture. Let it melt slightly and give it a gentle swirl with a spoon for that marbled effect. Garnish with basil or extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips for Success

• Add pesto last. Stirring pesto directly into boiling soup can dull its flavor and color. Always add the pesto swirl just before serving.

• Don’t overcook the noodles. Keep them al dente so they don’t become mushy as the soup sits.

• Use homemade or high-quality pesto. The flavor shines through, so it’s worth using the good stuff.

• Make it creamy. For an extra velvety finish, stir a splash of milk or cream into the soup before adding the pesto swirl.

Substitutions & Variations

• Vegetarian: Swap the meat for lentils, white beans, or diced mushrooms.

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan ricotta and plant-based shredded cheese. Skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.

• Low-Carb: Replace lasagna noodles with spiralized zucchini or chopped hearts of palm pasta.

• Extra Veggies: Stir in chopped spinach, kale, or roasted red peppers for more nutrients and color.

Make Ahead & Storage

• Make Ahead: You can prepare the soup base in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Wait to add noodles and pesto until reheating.

• Freezer Friendly: Freeze the soup without noodles or pesto for best results. Add those fresh when reheating.

• Reheating: Warm soup gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring in pesto-cheese mixture just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely. Just choose one with simple, whole ingredients for the best flavor.

Will the pesto swirl melt into the soup?
Yes, it softens beautifully, adding creaminess and a burst of basil flavor with every spoonful.

Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes! You can adjust the pesto amount if your child prefers milder flavors.

What type of noodles work best?
Traditional or oven-ready lasagna noodles work well. You can also use other pasta shapes like mafalda or fusilli in a pinch.

Can I use chicken instead of beef or turkey?
Yes — ground chicken or even shredded rotisserie chicken will work beautifully.

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 350–400

• Protein: 22g

• Fat: 14g

• Carbohydrates: 30g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 6g

• Sodium: Moderate depending on broth and pesto used

Why You Should Try This Flavor-Boosted Lasagna Soup

• Balanced Flavor: The basil pesto swirl introduces brightness that balances the rich tomato base.

• Weeknight Friendly: One pot, ready in under an hour, and easy to customize.

• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s impressive enough for guests but comforting enough for picky eaters.

• Flexible: Works with most dietary preferences, from gluten-free to meatless.

• Meal Prep Gold: Holds well in the fridge and easy to portion into reheatable containers.

What to Serve With Lasagna Soup

• Garlic Bread: The classic for soaking up that flavorful broth.

• Simple Green Salad: Tossed with balsamic vinaigrette and fresh veggies.

• Roasted Veggies: Like Brussels sprouts or carrots for a colorful side.

• Dessert Idea: Finish with a scoop of lemon sorbet or a few chocolate-dipped strawberries.

Final Thoughts

Lasagna Soup with Pesto Swirl is one of those dishes that surprises you with its boldness, yet comforts like a warm hug. It combines the familiar, nostalgic layers of lasagna with a fresh, herbal kick of pesto — all in one spoonable bowl. It’s not just a trend, it’s a keeper.

This recipe deserves a spot on your weekly dinner rotation. And once you swirl that pesto in for the first time? You’ll be hooked.