Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta is an absolute game-changer for anyone who adores the rich, layered flavors of a classic lasagna but is seeking a more convenient, comforting weeknight meal. Imagine all the beloved components – the savory meat sauce, the creamy ricotta, the melted mozzarella, and tender pasta – expertly transformed into a soul-warming, satisfying soup. This delightful twist on a traditional Italian masterpiece offers all the depth and complexity without the lengthy assembly time.
A Beloved Classic, Reimagined for Your Kitchen
Originating from Italy, lasagna has long been a symbol of family gatherings and celebratory feasts, a dish meticulously crafted over generations. While the authentic version holds a special place in our hearts, sometimes time is of the essence. That’s precisely why this innovative soup has garnered such immense popularity. People adore this dish not only for its incredible taste – a perfect harmony of tangy tomato, aromatic herbs, and luscious cheese – but also for its remarkable texture. Each spoonful delivers a comforting blend of the robust broth, succulent ground meat, and the charming bite of bow tie pasta, which perfectly mimics the lasagna sheets. This Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta truly offers a delightful culinary experience, marrying convenience with the comforting flavors we all crave, making it an instant family favorite.
Ingredients:
- For the Hearty Meat Sauce:
- 1.5 pounds lean ground beef (I often use 85/15 for flavor)
- 1.5 pounds mild or hot Italian sausage, casings removed (feel free to adjust the spice level to your liking, or use all ground beef for a milder flavor profile)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, finely diced (about 3 cups)
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (I’m a big fan of garlic, so I lean towards 8!)
- 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 (28 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (San Marzano are my absolute favorite for their sweetness)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 6-8 cups low-sodium beef broth (start with 6 and add more if you prefer a thinner soup consistency)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more, if you like a little kick in your Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta!)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Bow Tie Pasta:
- 1 pound bow tie pasta (Farfalle)
- Water and salt, for boiling the pasta
- For the Creamy Ricotta Swirl:
- 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, plus more for garnish
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ cup heavy cream (optional, but I find it makes the ricotta extra silky and luscious)
- For Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended!):
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Extra fresh basil and parsley, chopped
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese
Preparing the Hearty Meat Sauce
This is where the magic begins, friends! A truly great Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta starts with an incredibly rich and flavorful meat sauce. Take your time with these steps; they build the foundational layers of taste that will make your soup unforgettable.
- Brown the Meats: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (I love using my 7-quart Dutch oven for this recipe!), heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and the removed Italian sausage from its casings. Using a sturdy spoon or a meat chopper, break up the meat into small, even crumbles as it cooks. Stir frequently, allowing the meat to brown deeply on all sides. This browning process is absolutely essential for developing that rich, umami flavor that we all love in a good lasagna. It usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once the meat is thoroughly browned and no longer pink, use a slotted spoon to transfer it to a separate bowl. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pot; this flavorful fat is going to be our base for sautéing the vegetables. If there’s an excessive amount of fat, carefully drain off some, but don’t get rid of all of it – flavor lives in that fat!
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced yellow onions to the pot with the reserved meat drippings. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 6-8 minutes, or until the onions have softened and become beautifully translucent. They should just start to take on a light golden color around the edges, indicating that their sweetness is developing.
- Add the Garlic and Tomato Paste: Now, add the minced garlic to the softened onions. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes incredibly fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can turn bitter very quickly. Immediately after the garlic is fragrant, stir in the 6-ounce can of tomato paste. Cook the tomato paste for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously, allowing it to deepen in color and caramelize slightly. This step, often called “cooking out” the tomato paste, really enhances its flavor and reduces its raw acidity, adding another layer of depth to our Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta.
- Deglaze and Build the Sauce: Return the browned meat to the pot with the onions, garlic, and tomato paste. Pour in the 2 cans of crushed tomatoes, the 1 can of diced tomatoes (undrained, as the liquid adds flavor!), and 6 cups of the beef broth. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and the teaspoon of granulated sugar. The sugar isn’t to make the soup sweet, but rather to perfectly balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a well-rounded and harmonious flavor profile. Season generously with a good pinch of salt and a few grinds of fresh black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot; those bits are packed with flavor!
- Simmer for Flavor Development: Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer. This is where the magic truly happens, as all those wonderful flavors meld and deepen. Simmer the sauce for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If you have more time, I highly recommend simmering it for even longer, up to an hour or an hour and a half, as the longer it simmers, the richer and more complex your Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta will taste. Taste the sauce after it has simmered and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want a little more salt, pepper, or even a touch more red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. Remove the bay leaves before proceeding.
Cooking the Bow Tie Pasta
For our Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta, we want the pasta to be perfectly cooked – tender but with a slight chew, not mushy. It’s important to slightly undercook it in this stage, as it will continue to cook and absorb flavor once it’s added to the simmering soup.
- Boil the Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a generous amount of salt to the water. This is crucial for seasoning the pasta from the inside out.
- Cook the Pasta Al Dente: Add the 1 pound of bow tie pasta to the boiling water. Stir gently to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Cook according to the package directions, but aim for about 1-2 minutes less than the recommended cooking time for al dente. This means if the package says to cook for 10-12 minutes, you’ll want to cook it for about 8-10 minutes. The pasta should still have a slight bite to it. Remember, it will finish cooking in the hot soup!
- Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked to your desired al dente minus 1-2 minutes, carefully drain it in a colander. I generally do not rinse pasta when it’s going into a sauce or soup, as the starchy water helps to slightly thicken the soup and allows the sauce to cling better to the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside for a moment.
Crafting the Creamy Ricotta Swirl
This creamy ricotta mixture is the heart and soul of the “lasagna” experience in our Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta. It mimics those luscious cheese layers we all love.
- Combine Ricotta and Cheeses: In a medium-sized bowl, scoop in the entire 15-ounce container of whole milk ricotta cheese. Add the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Using fresh Parmesan makes a noticeable difference in flavor!
- Add Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in the ¼ cup of chopped fresh parsley and the ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil. These fresh herbs brighten up the rich ricotta and add a wonderful aromatic quality. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt and ⅛ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
- Make it Extra Creamy (Optional): If you desire an even silkier, more decadent ricotta swirl (which I highly recommend for an extra special touch!), gently fold in the ¼ cup of heavy cream. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it truly elevates the texture. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – sometimes a tiny pinch more salt or pepper really makes it sing. Cover the bowl and set it aside while you finish up the soup.
Assembling and Simmering the Lasagna Soup
Now it’s time to bring all the delicious components together to create your spectacular Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta. This is where the magic happens and the flavors truly marry.
- Integrate the Pasta: Once your meat sauce has simmered sufficiently and you’ve removed the bay leaves, add the slightly undercooked, drained bow tie pasta directly into the pot with the simmering sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring that all the pasta is fully submerged in the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Final Simmer for Pasta Perfection: Continue to simmer the soup, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes. During this time, the pasta will absorb more of that incredible sauce and broth, finishing its cooking process and becoming perfectly al dente while soaking up all the amazing flavors. This step is key to making sure the pasta is not only cooked but truly becomes a part of the soup, rather than just an add-in. Keep an eye on the consistency of the soup. If it thickens too much for your liking as the pasta absorbs liquid, feel free to add another ½ to 1 cup of beef broth until you reach your preferred consistency. I like my Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta to be hearty but still definitely a soup!
- Final Seasoning Check: Give the soup one last taste. This is your final chance to adjust the salt, pepper, or even add a tiny bit more red pepper flakes if you want more heat. Remember, a perfectly seasoned dish is a delicious dish!
Serving Your Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta
The moment of truth! Get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labor with this incredible Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta. It’s a meal that’s comforting, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.
- Ladle into Bowls: Carefully ladle generous portions of the hot Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta into individual serving bowls. Make sure each bowl gets a good mix of the rich meat sauce and plenty of those delightful bow tie pasta pieces. The aroma alone will have everyone’s mouths watering!
- Add the Creamy Ricotta Swirl: Now for the “lasagna” touch! Place a generous dollop (or two!) of the prepared creamy ricotta mixture directly into the center of each bowl of hot soup. The heat from the soup will gently warm the ricotta, allowing it to become even more luxurious and melt slightly into the broth.
- Garnish and Enjoy: For the ultimate presentation and flavor boost, sprinkle each serving with a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese. The mozzarella will get gloriously gooey from the heat of the soup. Finish with an extra flourish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley and basil. These fresh herbs not only add beautiful color but also a wonderful burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the soup perfectly.
- Serve Immediately: Serve your Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta hot and enjoy every comforting spoonful! This soup is truly a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a simple side salad. Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, are just as delicious the next day, often even more flavorful as the soup has had more time to meld. You might need to add a splash more broth when reheating, as the pasta will continue to absorb liquid.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it – my absolute favorite recipe for a dish that consistently brings warmth and joy to my kitchen and my family’s table. If you’ve been searching for that perfect bowl of comfort, something truly special that offers all the beloved flavors of a classic lasagna without the fuss of layering, then I truly believe this is it. This isn’t just another soup; it’s an experience. It’s rich, it’s deeply flavorful, and it manages to capture the essence of a slow-cooked, hearty meal in a fraction of the time. The combination of savory meat, tangy tomatoes, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked pasta makes every spoonful an absolute delight. You get that incredible satisfying feeling, the kind that only homemade Italian-inspired cooking can provide, but in a convenient, soul-warming bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings, bustling weeknights when you need something quick yet impressive, or cozy weekends when you want to savor every moment. Trust me, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
Enhance Your Culinary Adventure: Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations
While this soup is undeniably fantastic on its own, I love to elevate the experience with a few simple additions. For a truly complete meal, I highly recommend serving it alongside a generous slice of crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia, perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible broth. A simple green salad, lightly dressed with a vinaigrette, offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup. Don’t forget a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese right before serving – it melts beautifully and adds another layer of salty, umami goodness. Fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped, also brings a vibrant burst of color and herbaceous aroma.
But the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability! Feel free to get creative and make it your own. If you’re looking to boost the protein, consider adding some crumbled Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference) or even ground turkey in place of or in addition to the ground beef. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would make excellent additions, perhaps alongside some hearty lentils. You could even swap out the specific pasta type if bow tie isn’t readily available, opting for small shells, ditalini, or even broken up lasagna noodles for a more traditional feel – though I find the bow ties add a wonderful texture and visual appeal. For an extra creamy touch, swirl in a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or a dollop of fresh ricotta cheese right into each bowl just before serving. A pinch of red pepper flakes can introduce a pleasant kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this delightful dish to your exact taste.
Your Kitchen Awaits: Try It and Share Your Story!
Now, it’s your turn! I’ve shared my passion for this incredible soup, and I genuinely hope you feel inspired to bring it to life in your own kitchen. There’s a unique satisfaction that comes from creating something so delicious from scratch, and I promise you, the aroma alone will be enough to get everyone excited. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal, this Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta is sure to impress. Don’t just take my word for it – experience the magic yourself. Once you’ve whipped up a batch, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the recipe, or did you add your own creative spin? What did your family think? Please feel free to share your comments, tips, and even photos of your delicious creation. Your feedback means the world to me, and it helps our community grow stronger, sharing in the joy of home cooking. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a meal that will warm both body and soul. Happy cooking!
Ultimate Hearty Beef Lasagna Soup with Bow Tie Pasta
Hearty Lasagna Soup With Bow Tie Pasta is an absolute game-changer for anyone who adores the rich, layered flavors of a classic lasagna but is seeking a more convenient, comforting weeknight meal. Imagine all the beloved components – the savory meat sauce, the creamy ricotta, the melted mozzarella, and tender pasta – expertly transformed into a soul-warming, satisfying soup. This delightful twist on a traditional Italian masterpiece offers all the depth and complexity without the lengthy assembly time.
Ingredients
-
1 lb lean ground beef
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
2 large yellow onions, finely diced
-
8 cloves garlic, minced
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1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
-
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce or puree
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1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
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6-8 cups low-sodium beef broth
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2 tsp dried oregano
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2 tsp dried basil
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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2 bay leaves
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1 tsp granulated sugar
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 lb bow tie pasta (Farfalle)
-
Water and salt, for boiling pasta
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1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese
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½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
-
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
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¼ cup chopped fresh basil
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¼ tsp salt
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⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
-
¼ cup heavy cream (optional)
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
-
Step 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Brown 1 lb ground beef, breaking it into crumbles (8-10 mins). Drain excess fat, leaving 1-2 tablespoons. Transfer beef to a bowl. Add diced onions to the pot and cook until softened and translucent (6-8 mins). Stir in minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant, then add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly. -
Step 2
Return browned beef to the pot. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (undrained), 6 cups low-sodium beef broth (add more later for thinner consistency), dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, bay leaves, and granulated sugar. Season generously with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves before proceeding. -
Step 3
While sauce simmers, boil salted water in a separate large pot. Add 1 lb bow tie pasta and cook 1-2 minutes less than package directions for al dente. Drain and set aside (do not rinse). -
Step 4
In a medium bowl, combine 1 (15 ounce) container whole milk ricotta cheese, ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, ¼ cup chopped fresh basil, ¼ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper, and optional ¼ cup heavy cream. Mix until smooth. -
Step 5
Add the slightly undercooked, drained bow tie pasta directly into the simmering meat sauce. Simmer, uncovered, for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb liquid and finish cooking. If soup thickens too much, add another ½ to 1 cup beef broth. Taste and adjust final seasoning (salt, pepper, red pepper flakes) as needed. -
Step 6
Ladle hot soup into individual serving bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the creamy ricotta mixture, a handful of shredded mozzarella cheese, extra grated Parmesan cheese, and a scattering of fresh chopped parsley and basil. Serve immediately, perhaps with crusty bread or a side salad.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
