You know that feeling when you crave lasagna but don’t want the heaviness? That’s exactly how this healthy lasagna soup with cottage cheese and spinach was born in my kitchen. One rainy Sunday, my kids begged for lasagna, but I wanted something lighter—so I grabbed my favorite soup pot and got creative. Turns out, blending cottage cheese (packed with protein!) and fresh spinach into a rich tomato broth gives you all the cozy flavors without the guilt. Now, it’s our go-to weeknight meal—even my picky eater licks the bowl clean. Trust me, this soup is comfort food magic with a nutritious twist.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
Let me tell you why this soup has become my weeknight hero (and why it’ll be yours too):
- Lighter than traditional lasagna – All the cozy flavors without that heavy, “I need a nap” feeling
- Protein-packed powerhouse – Between the turkey and cottage cheese, you’re getting 22g protein per bowl!
- Ready in 35 minutes flat – Faster than baking a tray of lasagna, and just one pot to wash
- Kid-approved magic – The cottage cheese melts into creamy goodness that even picky eaters adore
- Spinach sneaks in easy – You get those greens without the “eww, leaves” complaints from little ones
Seriously, this soup checks all the boxes – it’s my ultimate comfort food hack! If you enjoy quick, satisfying meals, you might also like this healthy street corn chicken rice bowl recipe.
Ingredients for Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, healthy lasagna soup – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your pantry! (Pro tip: measure everything before you start cooking – it makes the process so much smoother.)
- 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing those aromatics
- 1 medium onion, diced – yellow or white works best here
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best, but 1 tsp jarred works in a pinch
- 1 lb ground turkey – I use 93% lean for the perfect balance
- 1 tsp salt – plus more to taste at the end
- 1/2 tsp black pepper – freshly cracked if you’ve got it
- 1 tsp dried oregano – rub it between your fingers to wake up the flavor
- 1 tsp dried basil – or 1 tbsp fresh if you’re feeling fancy
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth – homemade or store-bought both work
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – look for no-salt-added if watching sodium
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped – baby spinach works great
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese – small curd blends in beautifully
- 8 oz whole wheat lasagna noodles – broken into 2-inch pieces before cooking
How to Make Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
Okay, let’s get cooking! This soup comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a pot of cozy goodness in no time. (Pro tip: keep an eye on those noodles – they cook fast!)
Cooking the Base
First, grab your biggest soup pot and heat the olive oil over medium heat – not too hot, or your garlic will burn! Add the onions and cook until they’re soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then stir in the garlic – oh, that smell is heavenly! Now add the turkey, breaking it up with your spoon as it browns. You’ll know it’s ready when there’s no pink left, about 5 minutes.
Building the Soup
Next comes the fun part – pour in your chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot (that’s flavor gold!). Bring everything to a lively boil, then add your broken lasagna noodles. Here’s the key: set your timer for 8 minutes once the noodles go in – we want them al dente, not mushy!
Final Touches
When the noodles are just tender, take the pot off the heat. Now gently stir in the spinach – it’ll wilt perfectly from the residual heat. Last but not least, fold in the cottage cheese. Don’t stir too vigorously here – we want those creamy little curds to stay intact for maximum texture contrast. Let it sit for 2 minutes, then serve it up! If you are interested in the nutritional benefits of cottage cheese, you can check out information from reputable health organizations here.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
After making this soup dozens of times (my family won’t let me stop!), I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks to make it absolutely perfect every time:
- Reserve some cottage cheese – Stir most in, but save a dollop for garnish – it makes each bowl extra creamy!
- Blend if you like it smooth – A quick pulse with an immersion blender gives a velvety texture (but I love the rustic feel of leaving it chunky).
- Salt smartly – Taste before adding salt if using regular broth – those noodles soak up seasoning like little sponges!
- Watch the noodles – They keep cooking in the hot broth, so pull them when they’re slightly firmer than you’d like.
Trust me, these little touches make all the difference between good soup and “wow, can I have seconds?” soup! For another easy weeknight meal idea, check out this healthy creamy broccoli chicken crescent bake.
Variations for Your Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
One of my favorite things about this soup is how easily you can tweak it to match your mood or what’s in your fridge. Here are some delicious swaps I’ve tested (and loved!):
- Kale for spinach – Just massage it first to soften those tough leaves
- Ricotta for cottage cheese – Creamier texture, same protein punch
- Add mushrooms – Sauté them with the onions for extra umami depth
- Try ground chicken – Or go meatless with lentils for a vegetarian twist
- Spice it up – A pinch of red pepper flakes adds the perfect kick
The beauty? It’s still cozy, healthy, and totally “lasagna” in a bowl – just your way! If you are looking for ways to incorporate more vegetables, learning about proper vegetable cooking techniques can be helpful.
Serving Suggestions for Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
Oh, let me tell you how I love to serve this soup – it’s all about those finishing touches! A crusty slice of garlic bread for dipping is non-negotiable in my house. For garnish, I’m obsessed with fresh basil ribbons and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll add a drizzle of good olive oil and some grated Parmesan. And don’t forget a simple green salad on the side – the crisp greens balance the soup’s richness perfectly. Trust me, these little extras take it from “dinner” to “dinner party” with zero extra work! You might also enjoy this recipe for healthy garlic butter shrimp scampi lasagna recipe.
Storing and Reheating Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
Here’s my hard-earned wisdom about leftovers – because this soup is so good, you’ll definitely want some for later! Store the noodles separately if you can – just toss them with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. The broth keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. When reheating, go low and slow – medium heat with frequent stirring prevents the cottage cheese from curdling. And here’s my secret: add a splash of broth when reheating to bring back that perfect soup consistency. Freezing works too (without the noodles), though the texture changes slightly. Honestly? It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together!
Nutritional Information for Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
Here’s the scoop on what’s in each comforting bowl (based on my exact ingredients): About 320 calories, 22g protein, and 4g fiber to keep you full. Remember – these numbers might shift slightly depending on your cottage cheese brand or noodle choice. But no matter what, you’re getting a seriously nutritious meal that tastes like a hug in a bowl!
Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach
I get asked about this soup ALL the time – here are the top questions from my friends (and my answers after making it a zillion times!):
Can I freeze this soup? Absolutely! Just leave out the noodles – they get mushy when frozen. Freeze the broth base, then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to eat. It keeps beautifully for 2-3 months.
Does it taste like cottage cheese? Not at all! The cottage cheese melts into creamy goodness that just makes the broth richer. My kids never even notice it’s there (shh!).
How can I make it vegan? Easy! Swap the turkey for lentils, use veggie broth, and try tofu ricotta instead of cottage cheese. It’s just as cozy and delicious!
Print
35-Minute Healthy Lasagna Soup with Cottage Cheese & Spinach Delight
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A hearty and healthy lasagna soup packed with cottage cheese and spinach. This easy recipe delivers all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a lighter, soup form.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and garlic, cook until soft.
- Add ground turkey, cook until browned.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil.
- Pour in chicken broth and crushed tomatoes, bring to a boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles, cook until al dente.
- Stir in spinach and cottage cheese.
- Simmer for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for extra fiber.
- Substitute ground beef if preferred.
- Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian