Instant Pot lasagna soup is the perfect way to enjoy all the rich, cheesy flavors of classic lasagna—without the long prep time. This easy Instant Pot recipe turns traditional lasagna into a hearty, comforting soup that cooks fast and tastes amazing. Instead of layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, everything comes together in one pot, making cleanup simple and stress-free.
This lasagna soup recipe uses broken lasagna noodles, savory Italian-seasoned meat, rich marinara sauce, and a creamy cheese finish to create a cozy meal the whole family will love. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or when you want comfort food without extra work. Best of all, the pressure cooker locks in flavor and cooks everything evenly in under 30 minutes.
If you love comfort food recipes that are quick, filling, and beginner-friendly, this Instant Pot lasagna soup is a must-try.
What Is Instant Pot Lasagna Soup?
Instant Pot lasagna soup is a deconstructed version of classic lasagna, cooked as a rich and hearty soup in a pressure cooker. Instead of carefully layering noodles, sauce, and cheese, all the ingredients are cooked together in one pot, saving time and effort. You still get the same Italian flavors—tomato sauce, tender pasta, savory meat, and creamy cheese—but in a warm, spoonable form.
This lasagna soup recipe is popular because it’s faster, easier, and less messy than traditional lasagna. The Instant Pot helps cook the pasta evenly while locking in flavor, making the soup thick, comforting, and satisfying. It’s perfect for beginners who want a reliable Instant Pot recipe and for busy families craving comfort food without hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
There are so many reasons to love this easy Instant Pot lasagna soup. First, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pot, so cleanup is quick and simple. No layering, no baking, and no extra dishes.
This soup is also family-friendly and easy to customize. You can use ground beef, Italian sausage, or turkey, and even make a vegetarian version. The flavors are rich, cheesy, and comforting—just like traditional lasagna. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, which makes it great for meal prep.
If you enjoy pressure cooker recipes that are hearty, flavorful, and beginner-friendly, this Instant Pot lasagna soup recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Instant Pot lasagna soup recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients. You’ll need ground beef or Italian sausage for flavor, onion and garlic for depth, and marinara or pasta sauce for a rich tomato base. Chicken or beef broth helps create the perfect soup texture.
For the pasta, use broken lasagna noodles—they cook perfectly in the pressure cooker and give the soup its classic lasagna feel. Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper add warmth and balance.
Cheese is added at the end for creaminess. Ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and parmesan are the most popular choices. These ingredients combine to create a hearty, comforting soup that tastes like lasagna without the extra work.
Best Pasta for Lasagna Soup
Choosing the right pasta is important for the best Instant Pot lasagna soup texture. Traditional lasagna noodles, broken into smaller pieces, are the top choice because they hold their shape well during pressure cooking. They give the soup that true lasagna-style bite.
If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use mafalda, rotini, or bowtie pasta. These shapes trap sauce and work well in pressure cooker recipes. Avoid very thin pasta, as it can become mushy.
Always add enough liquid so the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t trigger a burn notice in the Instant Pot. Cooking pasta directly in the soup saves time and boosts flavor, making this one-pot lasagna soup thick, hearty, and perfectly satisfying.
Step-by-Step Instant Pot Lasagna Soup Instructions
Start by setting your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add oil, then cook the ground beef or sausage until browned. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Turn off sauté mode and deglaze the pot with a splash of broth to avoid burning.
Next, add marinara sauce, remaining broth, Italian seasoning, and broken lasagna noodles. Do not stir too much—just gently press the noodles under the liquid. Seal the lid and pressure cook for a short time.
Once done, perform a quick release. Stir well and let the soup thicken naturally. Add cheese when serving, not during pressure cooking, for the best creamy texture.
Instant Pot Cooking Tips for Perfect Results
To make the best Instant Pot lasagna soup, always deglaze the pot after sautéing meat. This prevents the dreaded burn notice. Make sure pasta is fully covered with liquid before pressure cooking.
Avoid overcooking. Pasta continues to soften after pressure release, so shorter cook times are better. If the soup feels too thick, simply add more broth. For a thicker soup, let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Never stir cheese directly into the hot pot. Add ricotta or mozzarella to individual bowls for a smooth, creamy finish. These small tips make a big difference and help ensure your pressure cooker lasagna soup turns out perfect every time.
Lasagna Soup Variations
This Instant Pot lasagna soup recipe is easy to customize. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Use vegetable broth for full flavor.
To make it dairy-free, simply leave out the cheese or use plant-based alternatives. For a high-protein lasagna soup, use lean ground turkey or add extra meat.
If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta and slightly reduce cook time. You can also make a low-calorie version by using lean protein and low-sodium sauce.
These variations allow you to enjoy comfort food your way while keeping the same rich, Italian-inspired taste.
How to Make It Healthier
You can easily turn this into a healthier Instant Pot lasagna soup with a few simple swaps. Use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef to reduce fat. Choose low-sodium marinara sauce and broth to control salt levels.
Add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for more fiber and nutrients. For fewer calories, use smaller portions of cheese or skip ricotta and rely on parmesan for flavor.
These small changes keep the soup hearty and satisfying while making it a better option for meal prep and balanced eating—without sacrificing taste.
Serving Suggestions & Toppings
Serve your Instant Pot lasagna soup hot with classic toppings. A spoonful of ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and a sprinkle of parmesan create that authentic lasagna feel. Fresh basil or parsley adds color and freshness.
This soup pairs perfectly with garlic bread, breadsticks, or a simple green salad. For a layered experience, add cheese first, then ladle the soup on top.
These serving ideas turn a simple soup into a comfort food meal that feels complete and satisfying for lunch or dinner.
Storage, Freezing & Meal Prep
This lasagna soup stores very well, making it great for meal prep. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken over time, so add broth when reheating.
For freezing, let the soup cool completely. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
If possible, freeze without cheese and add it fresh when serving. This keeps the texture smooth and creamy after reheating.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overcooking the pasta, which can make the soup mushy. Always use short pressure cook times. Another issue is skipping the deglazing step, which can cause the Instant Pot to burn.
Adding cheese too early can also ruin the texture. Cheese should be added at the end, not during cooking. Finally, avoid stirring pasta aggressively before pressure cooking.
By avoiding these mistakes, your Instant Pot lasagna soup recipe will turn out flavorful, thick, and perfectly cooked every time.
FAQs
Can you freeze Instant Pot lasagna soup?
Yes, it freezes well without cheese added.
How long does it take to cook?
About 25–30 minutes total.
Can I use jar sauce?
Yes, jar marinara works perfectly.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the meat.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot lasagna soup delivers all the comfort of classic lasagna in a faster, easier way. It’s rich, cozy, customizable, and perfect for busy days. Once you try it, it’ll become a regular on your dinner table.
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