Ever wondered how you can enjoy all the rich, comforting flavors of traditional lasagna without spending hours in the kitchen? What if you could transform this beloved Italian classic into a soul-warming soup that’s ready in under 30 minutes?
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup delivers all the satisfying elements you crave: tender pasta, rich meat sauce, and creamy cheese, in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast, this recipe combines convenience with incredible flavor.
The beauty of pressure cooking lies in its ability to develop deep, complex flavors quickly. This soup captures the essence of layered lasagna while being infinitely easier to prepare and serve. You’ll have a hearty, family-friendly meal that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.
Table of Contents
Ingredients List
This recipe serves 6-8 people generously, making it perfect for families or meal prep enthusiasts. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the complex flavors that make this soup irresistible.
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (or ground beef for milder flavor)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Substitution suggestions: Ground turkey works wonderfully for a leaner option. Vegetarians can substitute with plant-based ground meat or extra vegetables. For gluten-free versions, use your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
Timing
This recipe takes approximately 35 minutes total, which is 65% faster than traditional oven-baked lasagna. The time breakdown includes 10 minutes of prep work, 8 minutes of sautéing, 12 minutes of pressure cooking, and 5 minutes for natural pressure release.
Compared to conventional lasagna that requires 90 minutes of cooking time, this pressure cooker version delivers similar satisfaction in just over half an hour. The Instant Pot Lasagna Soup proves that weeknight comfort food doesn’t have to be time-consuming.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Dice the onion and zucchini into uniform pieces for even cooking. Mince the garlic and break lasagna noodles into 2-inch pieces. Having everything prepped before you start cooking ensures a smooth, efficient process.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode and add the ground sausage. Cook for 5-6 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned. The rendered fat will add incredible flavor to your soup base.
Add diced onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This aromatic foundation is crucial for developing deep, complex flavors.
Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to eliminate any raw taste. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using.
Season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for maximum flavor.
Step 4: Add Pasta and Pressure Cook
Nestle the broken lasagna noodles into the liquid, ensuring they’re mostly submerged. Don’t stir after adding pasta to prevent sticking. You can secure the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. This timing ensures the pasta cooks perfectly without becoming mushy. The pressure cooking method infuses the noodles with all the surrounding flavors.
Step 5: Natural Release and Final Touches
Allow natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure. Remove the lid and stir in diced zucchini and chopped spinach. The residual heat will cook these vegetables perfectly.
Let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt and zucchini to soften slightly while maintaining some texture.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Finale
In a small bowl, whisk together ricotta cheese with 2 tablespoons of hot soup to temper it. This prevents the ricotta from curdling when added to the hot soup.
Stir the tempered ricotta mixture into the soup, followed by half the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Reserve the remaining cheese for serving. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Instant Pot Lasagna Soup contains approximately 385 calories, making it a satisfying yet reasonable dinner option. The protein content reaches 24 grams per serving, supporting muscle maintenance and satiety.
The soup provides 18 grams of carbohydrates from the pasta and vegetables, offering sustained energy without excessive starch. Fat content sits at 22 grams, primarily from the cheese and sausage, contributing to the rich, satisfying mouthfeel.
Nutritional highlights include 15% daily value of vitamin A from spinach, 25% daily value of vitamin C from tomatoes, and 20% daily value of calcium from the three-cheese blend. The fiber content reaches 4 grams per serving, supporting digestive health.
Sodium levels are moderate at 890mg per serving, which represents about 39% of the recommended daily intake. This can be reduced by using low-sodium broth and limiting added salt during cooking.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this comfort food into a lighter option by substituting ground turkey or chicken sausage for traditional pork sausage. This simple swap reduces saturated fat by approximately 30% while maintaining robust flavor profiles.
Increase the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots during the sauté phase. These additions boost fiber, vitamins, and minerals while adding natural sweetness and texture variety.
For a lower-carb version, replace half the pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower florets. Add these vegetables during the final step to prevent overcooking while maintaining the soup’s hearty character.
Dairy-sensitive individuals can substitute cashew cream for ricotta and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Plant-based mozzarella alternatives work well for maintaining that essential cheese pull and creamy texture.
Boost protein content by adding white beans or lentils, which also increase fiber and create an even more filling meal. These legumes complement the Italian flavors beautifully while adding nutritional density.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty soup with crusty garlic bread or focaccia for the ultimate comfort food experience. The bread’s crispy texture provides a delightful contrast to the soup’s creamy consistency.
Create an elegant presentation by ladling soup into individual bowls and topping with a dollop of ricotta, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Drizzle with high-quality olive oil for added richness.
For casual family dinners, set up a DIY topping bar with extra cheese, fresh herbs, and crusty bread. This interactive approach lets everyone customize their bowl according to personal preferences.
Pair with a simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables to create a complete, balanced meal. The fresh, crisp elements complement the soup’s rich, warming qualities perfectly.
For entertaining, serve in bread bowls made from hollowed-out sourdough rounds. This rustic presentation adds visual appeal while providing an edible vessel that guests will love.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta: Stick to the 4-minute pressure cooking time to prevent mushy noodles. Remember that pasta continues cooking during natural release.
- Skipping the sauté step: Browning the meat and aromatics develops crucial flavor foundations that can’t be achieved through pressure cooking alone.
- Adding cheese too early: Incorporate cheese after pressure cooking to prevent curdling and maintain smooth, creamy texture throughout the soup.
- Insufficient liquid: Ensure pasta is mostly covered with liquid before pressure cooking. Exposed noodles may not cook evenly or could burn.
- Rushing the pressure release: Natural release for 5 minutes prevents pasta from breaking apart and allows flavors to meld properly.
- Forgetting to deglaze: Scrape up any browned bits from the pot bottom before pressure cooking to prevent burning and maximize flavor development.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover Instant Pot Lasagna Soup in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. The flavors actually improve overnight as ingredients continue to meld together.
When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore the original consistency, as pasta tends to absorb liquid during storage. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Note that the pasta texture may change slightly after freezing, becoming softer upon reheating.
Consider freezing the soup base without pasta and cheese, then adding fresh noodles and dairy when reheating. This method preserves optimal texture and prevents pasta from becoming mushy.
Meal prep enthusiasts can prepare ingredients in advance by browning meat, dicing vegetables, and storing them separately. This reduces active cooking time on busy weeknights to just 15 minutes.
Conclusion
This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup transforms a time-intensive classic into a quick, satisfying weeknight solution. With all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in soup form, it delivers comfort food satisfaction without the lengthy preparation time.
The recipe’s versatility allows for endless customization, whether you’re accommodating dietary restrictions or simply using ingredients you have on hand. From protein swaps to vegetable additions, this soup adapts beautifully to your family’s preferences.
Ready to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine? Try this recipe tonight and discover how pressure cooking can deliver restaurant-quality comfort food in your own kitchen. Share your variations and serving suggestions in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!
FAQ SECTION
Q1: Can I use whole wheat pasta for this recipe?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works well in this dish and adds a healthy, fiber-rich twist without compromising flavor or texture.
Q2: How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply replace the regular pasta with your favorite certified gluten-free variety. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q3: Can I add protein to this pasta recipe?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp are excellent additions and blend well with the sauce and seasoning.
Q4: How long can I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.
