One-Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup with Hidden Veggies

Why This Recipe Stands Out

This One‑Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup with Hidden Veggies is a magic trick disguised as dinner—creamy, cheesy, and dreamy, yet loaded with nutritious vegetables cleverly blended into the tomato base. Perfect for families, especially picky eaters, who want hassle-free comfort without compromising on wholesome ingredients.

Key Highlights:

• Absolutely meatless and alcohol-free—pure, family-friendly comfort.

• True one-pot convenience—minimal effort and cleanup.

• Clever vegetable inclusion keeps flavor rich while boosting nutrition.

• Flexible and forgiving: easily adapt for dietary needs and taste preferences.

Ingredients (Serves 6)

Hidden Veggie Base

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 medium carrot, diced

• 1 celery stalk, diced

• 1 small zucchini or yellow squash, chopped

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes

Soup & Pasta

• 3 cups vegetable broth

• 1 cup low-fat milk or unsweetened plant-based milk

• 1½ cups water

• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 2‑inch pieces

• ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning

• Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheesy & Garnish Finish

• ½ cup ricotta cheese or plain yogurt

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (optional)

• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

• A drizzle of olive oil (optional)

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven

• Blender or immersion blender

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Ladle and serving bowls

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 – Build the Hidden Veggies

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until softened (~3–4 minutes).

2. Add carrot, celery, and zucchini; cook 5 more minutes until tender.

3. Blend about half of this mixture with the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes until smooth (use a blender or immersion blender), then return to pot alongside the remaining veggies.

Step 2 – Build the Broth

1. Add vegetable broth, water, milk, and Italian seasoning.

2. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

3. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to your taste.

Step 3 – Cook the Pasta

1. Stir in lasagna noodle pieces.

2. Simmer uncovered for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente and soup thickens.

Step 4 – Finish with Cream & Cheese

1. Lower the heat and gently stir in ricotta (or yogurt) until creamy.

2. If using, add mozzarella for extra gooeyness.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning, then remove from heat.

Step 5 – Serve Warm & Garnish

1. Ladle into bowls.

2. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and a light drizzle of olive oil.

3. Optionally, add a swirl of extra ricotta or Parmesan for presentation.

Variations & Customizations

Make It Dairy-Free

Replace dairy milk and ricotta with unsweetened almond or oat milk + plant-based yogurt, and skip or use vegan cheese.

Extra Protein Power

Stir in cooked white beans, lentils, or quinoa to boost protein and texture.

Swap the Veggies

Feel free to use bell peppers, spinach, kale, or mushrooms—dosage remains the same.

Make It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or any preferred pasta alternative.

Meal Prep, Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Make-Ahead

Complete the veggie base a day ahead and refrigerate. Add pasta, dairy, and reheat when ready to serve.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Noodles may soften—add a splash of milk or broth upon reheating.

Freezing

Freeze soup before adding pasta or cheese for up to 3 months. Thaw, reheat, and add fresh pasta at serving time to retain texture.

Nutrition Snapshot (Approx. per Serving)

• Calories: ~320 kcal

• Protein: ~12 g (more with beans/yogurt)

• Fat: 8 g (healthy fats from olive oil + milk)

• Carbs: 45 g

• Fiber: 6 g

• High in vitamins A, C, and calcium from veggies and dairy

FAQs

Will picky eaters notice the veggies?

Unlikely! The blended veggies add body and nutrition without altering the beloved creamy tomato-lasagna flavor.

Can I use store-bought marinara instead of blended veggies?

Yes, but blending your own ensures a cleaner taste and more hidden nutrients. Just adjust seasonings as needed.

How to avoid soggy noodles?

Cook pasta separately and add to each bowl when serving, or shorten the final simmer time.

Can I add meat?

Certainly—ground turkey or chicken works well. Brown it after the veggies, before adding liquids.

Final Thoughts

This One‑Pot Creamy Lasagna Soup with Hidden Veggies combines the coziness of lasagna with the nutrition punch of hearty vegetables—all in one comforting bowl. It’s designed to be family-safe, flexible, and delicious, whether for a casual dinner or meal prep. With its clever veggie inclusion and rich creaminess, you can enjoy lasagna flavor without the guilt.