Copycat Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup Recipe

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When the chilly weather rolls in, there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of soup to warm you up from the inside out. And if you’re anything like me, comfort food is life—especially if it involves pasta and loads of cheesy goodness! That’s why when I first spotted Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup on the shelves, I knew it would be love at first bite. But, as much as I adore the convenience of their ready-made version, I couldn’t help but wonder: could I recreate the magic at home?

How to make Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup

Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup is a ready-made, refrigerated soup from Trader Joe’s that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna—tomato sauce, pasta, meat, cheese, and Italian seasonings—into a single, heat-and-eat dish rather than layered pasta.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the meat and vegetables.
• 1 pound ground turkey: Trader Joe’s uses ground turkey in their soup, but you can swap it for ground beef, chicken, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based meat substitute.
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and sweetness to the soup as it cooks.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Essential to infuse the soup with rich, savory flavor.
• 5 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Provides the liquid base. Trader Joe’s soups are well-seasoned, so use a high-quality, flavorful broth.
• 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes – Acts as the tangy and robust tomato base.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor elevates the soup’s richness.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil – For a touch of Italian herb flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the basil with earthy undertones.
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – For a subtle kick, or more if you like a spicier soup.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.
• 8 oz mafaldine pasta – Miniature lasagna-style noodles. If unavailable, regular lasagna sheets (broken into smaller pieces) or any short pasta such as rotini or bowtie can work.
• 1/4-1/2 cup heavy cream – adds a creamy texture to the soup. For lighter alternatives, substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free version like coconut cream.
• 1/2 cup ricotta cheese – Emulates the creamy layers of lasagna.
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully into the soup.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty finish.
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped – For garnish.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat and Aromatics

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes).
3. Stir in the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

1. Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, crushed tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir to combine well.
2. Add the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (optional), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. While the soup simmers, cook the pasta separately in boiling, salted water until al dente (according to the instructions on the package). Drain and set aside.
2. Tip: Cook the pasta separately to prevent it from overcooking and becoming mushy in the soup.

Step 4: Add Creaminess

1. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream to make the soup rich and velvety. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Soup

1. Add the cooked pasta to the soup pot, stirring gently to mix. Let it sit for a few minutes so the noodles absorb the flavors.

Step 6: Create the Cheesy Topping

1. In a small bowl, mix the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese together.
2. Serve the soup in bowls and add a dollop of the cheese mixture on top. The heat from the soup will melt the cheese beautifully.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil for added flavor and an elegant touch.
2. Pair it with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a side salad for a full meal.

Helpful Tips for Success

• Adjust Cook Times for Texture: If you prefer softer pasta, add it directly to the soup while simmering (instead of cooking it separately). However, this can make the soup thicker and starchier.
• Use Fresh Herbs Where Possible: Swap dried basil for fresh basil if you have it on hand—it enhances the flavor significantly.
• Customize Protein: Ground Italian sausage adds an extra kick of flavor. You can also mix turkey and sausage for a deeper flavor balance.
• Vegetarian Variation: Omit the meat and add diced zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, or lentils as hearty substitutions.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or noodles for an easy gluten-free option.
• Storage: This soup is perfect for meal prep—store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, leave out the pasta and cook fresh pasta when reheating.
• Cheese Lovers Unite: Add shredded mozzarella directly into the soup for extra gooey cheesiness in every bite.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re looking to customize or swap out ingredients when making Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup, this guide will help you tailor the recipe to suit your dietary needs, preferences, or what you have on hand.

1. Protein: Ground Meat

The original soup uses ground turkey as the protein, but there’s plenty of room for creativity here:

Alternative options:

• Ground Beef: A classic option for a more traditional lasagna flavor. Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
• Italian Sausage: Adds extra spice and flavor! You can use mild, sweet, or spicy sausage based on your preference.
• Ground Chicken: A similar lean substitute to turkey with a mild flavor.
• Plant-Based Protein: Vegetarian or vegan crumbles work great as a meatless alternative. Brands like Impossible™ or Beyond Meat® offer tasty options.
• Pulled Mushrooms or Lentils (Vegetarian): Finely chopped mushrooms (such as cremini or portobello) or cooked lentils make a hearty, umami-packed vegetarian option.

2. Broth

The Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup calls for chicken or vegetable broth as its liquid base. Here are some alternatives:

Alternative options:

• Beef Broth: Adds a deeper, more robust flavor, ideal if using ground beef or sausage.
• Vegetable Broth: Perfect for vegetarians or vegans.
• Bone Broth (Chicken or Beef): For added nutrients and richer flavor.
• Water with Flavoring: If you’re out of broth, use water with a bouillon cube or concentrate to replicate the flavor.

3. Tomatoes (Canned Crushed Tomatoes and Tomato Paste)

Canned tomatoes are essential for the Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup’s flavor base. If you don’t have them, here’s what you can use:

Alternative options:

• Diced Tomatoes: Blend a can of diced tomatoes if canned crushed tomatoes are unavailable.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Use about 4–5 medium, peeled and blended or finely chopped.
• Tomato Sauce: Substitute the crushed tomatoes with tomato sauce for a smoother consistency.
• Ketchup (for Tomato Paste): If you’re in a pinch, a tablespoon of ketchup can replace tomato paste, but it may give a slightly sweeter taste.

4. Heavy Cream

Heavy cream gives the Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup its signature creamy texture, but several substitutes are depending on your needs:

Alternative options:

• Half-and-Half: A lighter dairy option that still adds creaminess.
• Milk and Butter Mixture: Combine 3/4 cup milk with 2 tablespoons melted butter to mimic heavy cream.
• Coconut Cream (Dairy-Free): Offers a rich alternative without dairy, though it will slightly alter the flavor.
• Cashew Cream or Almond Milk: Great non-dairy alternatives for those seeking a vegan or lighter version. Cashew cream works especially well for creaminess.

5. Pasta

The recipe calls for mafaldine pasta (mini lasagna noodles) or broken lasagna sheets. If you can’t find these, virtually any pasta with a good texture can work:

Alternative options:

• Short Pasta: Penne, fusilli, bowtie (farfalle), or rigatoni are fantastic replacements since they hold up well in soups.
• Other Long Pasta Types: Spaghetti or fettuccine can be broken into smaller pieces.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Brands like Barilla or Jovial offer gluten-free options. Just cook them separately to avoid overcooking.
• Zoodles or Spiralized Veggies (Low-Carb): For a keto or low-carb option, spiralized zucchini (zoodles) or spaghetti squash are perfect stand-ins.

6. Cheese

Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup wouldn’t be complete without its cheesy topping. The original recipe calls for ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, but here’s what you can use instead:

Ricotta:

• Cottage Cheese: A protein-packed substitute that mimics a similar texture.
• Cream Cheese: Offers creaminess, but use sparingly as it’s heavier.
• Silken Tofu (Vegan): Blend until smooth for a non-dairy alternative.

Mozzarella:

• Provolone or Fontina: Both cheeses melt well and provide a similar stretchy texture.
• Dairy-Free Shredded Cheese: Brands like Violife or Daiya offer vegan mozzarella-style options.

Parmesan:

• Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano: Delicious hard cheeses that add nutty and salty notes.
• Nutritional Yeast (Vegan): Adds a cheesy, savory flavor without using dairy.

7. Herbs and Spices

For the traditional Italian flavor, the recipe uses dried basil, dried oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. These can be switched up or adjusted:

Alternative options:

• Fresh Herbs: Swap dried herbs for 3 times the amount of fresh herbs like fresh basil, thyme, or oregano for added brightness.
• Italian Seasoning Blend: A pre-mixed combination of basil, oregano, rosemary, and thyme works well.
• Paprika or Cayenne Pepper: Add these for a smoky or spicy twist respectively.
• No-Spice Option: Skip the red pepper flakes for a milder flavor profile.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy making this homemade version of Trader Joe’s Lasagna Soup! With its creamy, hearty, and comforting flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe lineup.

More Trader Joe’s Recipes:

• Homemade Trader Joe’s Cookie Dough Ice Cream Bites Recipe
• Copycat Trader Joe’s Cookie Butter Cookies Recipe