Name: Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Cozy Comfort Meal
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Oil (Substitute with vegetable broth for a lower-calorie option.); 1 small Onion, diced (Can be replaced with shallots for a milder taste.); 4 cloves Garlic, minced (Use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.); 1.5 teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Alternatively, use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.); 1 teaspoon Onion Powder (Omit if using fresh onion.); 0.5 teaspoon Paprika (Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper flavor.); 1.25 teaspoons Sea Salt; to taste Black Pepper (Adjust based on preference.); 0.5 cup Dried Red Lentils (Provides protein and thickens the soup.); 5 cups Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (Use water or homemade broth as alternatives.); 0.5 cup Dairy-Free Milk or Cream (Coconut milk can be used for a richer flavor.); 0.5 cup Tomato Sauce (Substitute with crushed tomatoes if needed.); 1 tablespoon Tomato Paste (Replace with additional tomato sauce if unavailable.); 0.33 cup Cashew Butter (Substitute with tahini or sunflower seed butter for allergies.); 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (Lime juice can also work as a substitute.); 6 pieces Lasagna Noodles, broken (Any pasta can be used, including gluten-free options.); 0.25 cup Nutritional Yeast (Enhances the nutritional profile and flavor.); to taste Red Pepper Flakes (Omit for a mild flavor.); optional Vegan Ricotta or Mozzarella (Adds texture and flavor upon serving.); to taste Fresh Herbs (e.g., parsley) (Enhances visual appeal and adds freshness.)

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of soup that warms the soul and fills the belly. Imagine a dish that combines the heartiness of classic lasagna with the ease of a one-pot meal, all while being creamy and completely vegan! This Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup is a delightful surprise to the senses. The moment you heat up that pot, the aroma of sautéed garlic and onions fills your kitchen, hinting at the deliciousness to come.

As I created this recipe, I realized how busy weeknights often leave us searching for something quick yet satisfying. This soup is your answer! With protein-packed red lentils and tender lasagna noodles swimming in a rich tomato broth, even the most devoted non-vegans will be asking for seconds. In as little as 30 minutes, you can have a flavorful dinner that brings everyone to the table and leaves them dreaming of warm, savory bowls. So gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this cozy, delightful dish!

Why is Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup a Must-Try?

Simplicity at its finest: This one-pot wonder requires just a few basic cooking skills, making it accessible for everyone.

Flavor explosion: The robust combination of lentils, herbs, and cashew butter creates a creamy, savory broth that delights the palate.

Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings, even meat-lovers will reach for seconds!

Versatile options: Customize your soup by adding fresh veggies or swapping lentils to suit your taste.

Quick & convenient: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights. Don’t forget to check out my expert tips for perfecting this delicious dish!

Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup Ingredients

Get ready to savor this delightful dish!

For the Soup Base

Oil – Adds moisture and helps sauté vegetables; substitute with vegetable broth for a lower-calorie option.
Onion (1 small, diced) – Provides sweetness and flavor depth; can be replaced with shallots for a milder taste.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – Enhances flavor with its aromatic qualities; use garlic powder if fresh garlic isn’t available.
Italian Seasoning (1½ tsp) – Delivers aromatic herby flavors; alternatively, use a mix of dried oregano, basil, and thyme.
Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Adds an extra layer of onion flavor; omit if using fresh onion.
Paprika (½ tsp) – Contributes smokiness and color; smoked paprika can be used for a deeper flavor.
Sea Salt (1¼ tsp) & Black Pepper – Seasoning to taste; adjust based on preference.
Dried Red Lentils (½ cup / 105 g) – Provides protein and thickens the soup; substitute with green lentils, but increase cooking time.
Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth (5 cups / 1200 ml) – Base liquid for the soup; use water or homemade broth as alternatives.

For Creaminess

Dairy-Free Milk or Cream (½ cup / 120 ml) – Adds creaminess to the soup; coconut milk can be used for a richer flavor.
Tomato Sauce (½ cup / 120 ml) – Provides a rich tomato flavor; substitute with crushed tomatoes if needed.
Tomato Paste (1 tbsp) – Intensifies the tomato flavor; replace with additional tomato sauce if unavailable.
Cashew Butter (⅓ cup / 80 g) – Provides creaminess and richness; substitute with tahini or sunflower seed butter for allergies.
Lemon Juice (1 tbsp) – Brightens the soup’s flavor; lime juice can also work as a substitute.

For the Noodles

Lasagna Noodles (6, broken into pieces) – Form the soup’s base; any pasta can be used, including gluten-free options.

For the Finish

Nutritional Yeast (¼ cup) – Adds a cheesy flavor; omit if unavailable, but it enhances the nutritional profile and flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional) – Adds heat; omit for a mild flavor.
Vegan Ricotta or Mozzarella (optional, for garnish) – Adds texture and flavor upon serving; use homemade or store-bought versions.
Fresh Herbs (e.g., parsley, for garnish) – Enhances visual appeal and adds freshness; basil or chives can be used as alternatives.

This Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup not only bursts with flavor but brings together ingredients that make it an effortless and enjoyable cooking experience!

How to Make Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup

Rinse the dried red lentils under cold water, ensuring they are clean and free of debris. Set aside as you prepare the other ingredients.
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add oil. Sauté the diced onion for about 3-4 minutes until it turns translucent, then mix in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, onion powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, allowing the spices to release their aromatic qualities for about 1 minute.
Combine the rinsed red lentils, tomato sauce, tomato paste, cashew butter, and vegetable broth in the pot. Mix well and bring the mixture to a boil, watching for bubbles to form.
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup and cook for 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente but not mushy.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the dairy-free milk, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Let it simmer briefly to meld the flavors, and adjust the seasonings to taste if necessary.
Serve the soup immediately, garnished with fresh herbs and optionally with vegan ricotta or mozzarella for an extra touch of creaminess.

Optional: Top with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat!

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

This Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup is perfect for busy home cooks wanting to save time throughout the week. You can prep the base—sauté the onions and garlic, and add the spices—up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate it in an airtight container. You can also rinse and store the red lentils in water overnight for quick access. When you’re ready to enjoy your soup, just add the prepped base to a pot with vegetable broth, and bring it to a boil. Toss in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, finishing with the dairy-free milk, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast for that creamy richness. This way, you’ll have a comforting meal that tastes just as delicious, with minimal effort!

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Ensure the soup has cooled before sealing to maintain freshness.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup without noodles for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh noodles before reheating.

Reheating: When reheating the creamy vegan lasagna soup, add a splash of vegetable broth to revitalize the texture if it thickens, warming gently on the stove until heated through.

Ingredient Separation: To keep the noodles from becoming mushy, consider storing cooked noodles separately if you plan on keeping leftovers. Mix them in just before serving for that perfect bite!

What to Serve with Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup?

This soup is the heart of a comforting meal, and the right accompaniments elevate it to a feast for the senses.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up this hearty soup, bread adds a satisfying crunch and warm, baked goodness that complements the creamy textures.
Mixed Green Salad: A vibrant salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup, balancing flavors beautifully.
Garlic Breadsticks: Crispy and aromatic, garlic breadsticks provide a delicious, buttery counterpart that enhances the comforting experience of the meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned with herbs, roasted veggies add savory depth and a burst of flavor that pairs well with the creamy soup, inviting you to dig in again and again.
Vegan Parmesan Sprinkle: Dusting a bit of vegan Parmesan over your bowl enhances the flavors even further, giving that classic cheesy touch that makes the soup even richer.
Dessert Wine: A glass of chilled dessert wine brings a sweet finish to your meal, making the experience feel special and complete.
Chocolate Avocado Mousse: Conclude your dinner on a sweet note with this velvety dessert. The creaminess pairs beautifully with the warmth of the soup, delighting any sweet tooth.

These pairings will create an unforgettable meal, turning any weeknight into a delightful culinary experience.

Expert Tips for Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup

Perfect Pasta: To avoid mushy noodles, store any leftovers with the cooked noodles separate from the soup. Combine them freshly when you’re ready to serve.
Thickening Trick: This creamy vegan lasagna soup can thicken while it sits. If reheating, add extra vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency.
Veggie Variations: Use seasonal vegetables like spinach or zucchini to boost nutritional value. Just chop them small and add with the lentils for even cooking.
Flavor Boost: Make the soup richer by using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought. It intensifies the flavor and makes your creamy vegan lasagna soup truly shine.
Gentle Heat: For added spice, sprinkle red pepper flakes directly into the soup or serve on the side, allowing each person to customize their heat level.
Ingredient Swaps: If you’re missing nutritional yeast, simply omit it—though it elevates the cheesy flavor, your soup will still be delicious without it!

Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup Variations

Feel free to add your unique touch to this comforting soup—it’s all about making it your own!

Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of dairy-free milk for an even richer creaminess that will envelop you in warmth.
Gluten-Free: Substitute lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta shapes to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing flavor.
Bold Flavor: Enhance the soup’s depth by adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a tablespoon of miso for a delightful umami twist.
Veggie Boost: Toss in chopped spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and vibrant color.
Crunch Factor: Serve with toasted pine nuts or crispy chickpeas on top for a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy soup.
Fresh Herbs: Upgrade your garnish game by adding fresh basil or oregano just before serving, which will elevate the aroma and flavor.
Hearty Proteins: Mix in cooked lentils or chickpeas for a heartier meal packed with plant-based protein that will keep you full longer.
Heat Level: For a kick, sprinkle diced jalapeños or add a spoonful of sriracha directly into the pot as you simmer for a flavorful yet fiery boost.

Creamy Vegan Lasagna Soup Recipe FAQs

How do I choose ripe vegetables for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, select fresh, vibrant vegetables. Look for onions that are firm and without soft spots or blemishes, and garlic bulbs that are plump with no dark spots. The tomatoes should be ripe, with a bright red color; avoid any with wrinkled skin.

How should I store leftover soup?
Very! After letting your creamy vegan lasagna soup cool, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly to maintain freshness. If you prefer storing it immediately, you can place it in separate portions to grab a quick meal later.

Can I freeze this vegan lasagna soup?
Absolutely! To freeze, store the soup without the cooked lasagna noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat it on the stove, and add fresh noodles just before serving to maintain their texture, which should take about 9-10 minutes.

What should I do if my soup is too thick?
No problem at all! If your creamy vegan lasagna soup thickens too much during storage, just add a splash of vegetable broth or water while reheating. Stir well and let it simmer on low heat until you reach your desired consistency. This simple trick will restore its creamy texture perfectly!

Are there any common allergies related to the ingredients?
Definitely! If you or someone you’re feeding has nut allergies, consider substituting the cashew butter with sunflower seed butter or tahini. For gluten sensitivity, use gluten-free lasagna noodles and check that all other ingredients, like broth, are gluten-free. This creamy vegan lasagna soup is quite versatile, so you can cater it to your dietary needs!

Can I add more veggies to this soup?
For sure! This soup is your playground! Feel free to toss in chopped veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor. I often add them alongside the lentils, letting them cook together for a deliciously hearty bite. The more, the merrier when it comes to veggies!