Cozy and Easy Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Recipe

Introduction

If you’re craving lasagna but want something quicker, cozier, and all done in one pot, then you’re going to fall in love with instant pot lasagna soup. This beautiful fusion between classic lasagna and comforting soup is flavorful, hearty, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting friends for a casual gathering, this Instant Pot gem will surely become a new go-to in your soup rotation.

This recipe is packed with robust Italian flavors, melty cheese, and tender pasta—all created in less than an hour in your Instant Pot. It’s soup season all year round in my kitchen, and this one’s at the top of my list right along with some of these soups and stews worth bookmarking.

Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe delivers a rich, tomato-based broth and creamy cheese finish. The ingredients are simple but give big flavor. Here’s what you need for that perfect instant pot lasagna soup:

• 1 pound ground beef or ground chicken (lean)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (24 oz) jar of marinara sauce (look for one with clean ingredients)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

📝 Swap options:

• Use ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter or vegetarian version.
• Gluten-free lasagna noodles? Totally works!
• No ricotta? Try cottage cheese or even a vegan alternative.

Timing

Making this one-pot wonder is faster than traditional lasagna and easier to clean up!

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~40 minutes

That’s about 25% less time than baking a traditional oven lasagna (which can take over an hour with layering and baking)!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Turn on your Instant Pot to the ‘Sauté’ function. Add olive oil, then toss in the diced onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and stir until fragrant (about 30 seconds).

Step 2: Brown the Meat

Add your ground meat of choice. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until it’s no longer pink—around 6–7 minutes. Drain any excess fat if needed.

Step 3: Season the Base

Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let the flavors bloom for a minute or so before proceeding.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Noodles

Turn off Sauté mode. Pour in the chicken broth, marinara sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine, then add your broken lasagna noodles.

📝 Tip: Avoid stirring the noodles in too aggressively once added—keep them submerged but try to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Pressure Cook

Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. After the timer goes off, let it naturally release for 5 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure.

Step 6: Add the Cheese

Open the lid and stir. Ladle soup into bowls, then top each with a scoop of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Let the cheeses melt in that hot, flavorful broth.

Nutritional Information

Here’s what you’re enjoying in every serving of delicious instant pot lasagna soup:

• Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to lighten up your instant pot lasagna soup, here are some delicious adjustments:

• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or lentils to reduce fat and calories.
• Use whole wheat or legume-based lasagna noodles for added fiber.
• Choose a low-sodium broth and marinara to manage salt intake.
• Use light ricotta or cottage cheese for a creamy finish with fewer calories.
• Skip the ricotta and mozzarella for a dairy-free version (use nutritional yeast!).

Serving Suggestions

Here’s how I like to serve my instant pot lasagna soup to elevate the experience:

• With crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comfort vibe.
• Over a bed of sautéed spinach or kale for extra greens.
• Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil or chili oil for a richer flavor.
• Add a dollop of pesto or a spoon of sun-dried tomato tapenade.
• Pair it with a fresh Italian salad and lemon dressing.

Interested in more ideas like this? Check out these creative soup ideas to keep your menu fresh and exciting!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your soup becomes a staple meal:

• ⛔ Forgetting to deglaze the pot after sautéing, which can lead to a “Burn” warning.
• ⛔ Tossing in the cheese during pressure cooking—add it after to avoid curdling.
• ⛔ Overcooking the noodles. Break them into right-sized pieces and follow pressure instructions strictly.
• ⛔ Skimping on seasoning; be generous with herbs for authentic depth of flavor.
• ⛔ Overfilling the pot—stick to the recommended quantities and don’t exceed the max fill line.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Make it ahead or enjoy leftovers easily with these storage tips:

• Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
• Store cheese separately to preserve texture.
• Freeze without cheese for up to 2 months; reheat and top with cheese before serving.
• Reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen texture.
• Batch cook and freeze individual portions—it’s a lifesaver for lunch!

For make-ahead lovers, you might also enjoy these mouthwatering Crockpot soup recipes that freeze and reheat beautifully.

Conclusion

Whether you’re an Instant Pot newbie or a certified soup fanatic, this instant pot lasagna soup is your comfort-meal ticket. All the lasagna love but without the fuss—just hearty spoonfuls of cheesiness, warmth, and satisfaction with every bite. It’s creamy, savory, perfectly spiced, and so easy there’s no reason not to try it.

If you loved this, explore more delicious bowls from our comfort soup recipes library. Don’t forget to share your version in the comments!

FAQs

Can I make this without an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook the meat and aromatics in a pot over the stove, add the liquids, and simmer covered for about 20 minutes or until noodles are tender.

What kind of cheese works best?

Ricotta brings authentic flavor, mozzarella gives that classic melt, and Parmesan adds depth. Mix and match or swap with dairy-free options if needed.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Ziti or rotini work great in a pinch—just adjust pressure cook time by 1–2 minutes.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

It freezes beautifully, but I recommend adding fresh cheese after reheating to preserve texture.

What’s the best side dish?

Crusty bread, Caesar salad, or roasted veggies complement it perfectly.

Want more meal-in-a-bowl ideas? Dive into our curated soup recipes collection for next-level inspiration.