Last week, my neighbor knocked on my door just as I was stirring a pot of bubbling Creamy Pesto Lasagna Soup with Burrata. The aroma had drifted through her window, and she couldn’t resist asking what I was cooking. That moment perfectly captured what this Easy Pesto Soup represents, a dish so irresistible that it draws people together.
This Burrata Pasta Soup transforms traditional Italian flavors into something completely new yet comfortingly familiar. Furthermore, it combines the rich, herby notes of basil pesto with tender lasagna sheets, all swimming in a velvety cream base. Meanwhile, creamy burrata melts throughout each bowl, creating pockets of indulgent cheese that make every spoonful extraordinary.
What sets this Cheesy Soup Recipe apart is its ability to deliver complex Italian flavors in just one pot. Additionally, busy weeknight dinners become effortless when you can create such a satisfying Family Comfort Food without spending hours in the kitchen. Therefore, this Weeknight Italian Dinner will quickly become your go-to recipe when you crave something both elegant and approachable.
Ingredients
This Creamy Italian Dinner requires carefully selected ingredients that work together harmoniously. Here’s what you’ll need to create this soul-warming soup:
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (yellow onions work best)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced fresh
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 2 cups heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste (adds depth and color)
For the Pasta Component:
- 8 oz lasagna sheets, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
For the Cheese Elements:
- 8 oz fresh burrata cheese, torn into chunks
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Substitution Options:
Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version. Swap lasagna sheets with penne or rigatoni if needed. Use store-bought pesto when fresh basil isn’t available, though homemade always tastes better.
Timing
This Cozy Pasta Soup comes together surprisingly quickly, making it perfect for busy schedules. Here’s your time breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Remarkably, this timing beats traditional lasagna preparation by 75%, while delivering equally satisfying flavors. Moreover, most of the cooking happens hands-off, allowing you to prepare side dishes or simply relax while the soup simmers.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Heat Your Base
Start by warming olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add diced onions and cook for 5 minutes until they become translucent. Next, stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This aromatic foundation sets the stage for your Pesto Soup Recipe.
Build the Flavor Foundation
Add tomato paste to the pot and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. This step deepens the overall flavor profile significantly. Then, slowly pour in the broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Create the Creamy Base
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, ensuring smooth integration. Add pesto slowly while stirring, allowing the vibrant green color to transform your soup base completely.
Cook the Pasta
Add broken lasagna pieces to the simmering soup. Cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite, as it will continue cooking in the hot soup.
Final Assembly
Remove the pot from heat and stir in half the Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the hot soup into serving bowls, then gently place torn burrata pieces on top of each portion.
Garnish and Serve
Finish each bowl with remaining Parmesan, fresh basil, and a drizzle of good olive oil. The burrata will begin melting immediately, creating creamy ribbons throughout the Burrata Pasta Soup.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this Creamy Pesto Lasagna Soup with Burrata provides substantial nutrition alongside incredible flavor:
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 34g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 890mg |
| Calcium | 25% DV |
| Iron | 12% DV |
The high protein content comes primarily from the cheese components, while the pasta provides sustained energy. Additionally, basil pesto contributes beneficial antioxidants and heart-healthy fats from olive oil.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Family Comfort Food into a lighter option without sacrificing taste. Here are several modifications that maintain the soup’s comforting essence:
Dairy Modifications:
Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream for dairy-free versions. Use low-fat ricotta instead of burrata to reduce calories by approximately 150 per serving. Greek yogurt can substitute for some cream, adding protein while cutting fat.
Carbohydrate Swaps:
Substitute lasagna sheets with zucchini ribbons or shirataki noodles for low-carb alternatives. Whole wheat pasta increases fiber content by 40% compared to regular pasta. Meanwhile, adding white beans provides extra protein and fiber.
Sodium Reduction:
Choose low-sodium broth and make homemade pesto to control salt content better. Fresh herbs and lemon juice can boost flavor without adding sodium.
Serving Suggestions
This versatile Weeknight Italian Dinner pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Consider these creative serving ideas:
Bread Pairings:
Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread for dipping. Focaccia or ciabatta rolls complement the Italian theme perfectly. Alternatively, toasted baguette slices with additional pesto create elegant appetizers.
Salad Combinations:
A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the soup’s richness nicely. Caprese salad echoes the Italian flavors while providing fresh contrast. Caesar salad also pairs exceptionally well with this Cheesy Soup Recipe.
Wine Pairings:
Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complement the creamy, herby flavors beautifully. For red wine lovers, light Chianti works wonderfully without overwhelming the delicate soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several pitfalls can derail this otherwise straightforward Easy Pesto Soup. Here’s how to avoid them:
Temperature Control Issues:
Never boil the soup after adding cream, as this causes curdling. Keep heat at medium-low once cream is incorporated. Similarly, add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess.
Pasta Problems:
Don’t add pasta too early, or it becomes mushy and absorbs too much liquid. Conversely, broken lasagna pieces should be roughly uniform in size for even cooking. Additionally, stir pasta occasionally to prevent clumping.
Seasoning Mistakes:
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as pesto and cheese add significant saltiness. Start with less salt than you think you need. Furthermore, fresh herbs added too early lose their bright flavor and color.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage maintains this Cozy Pasta Soup‘s quality and safety effectively:
Refrigerator Storage:
Cool soup completely before refrigerating in airtight containers. It keeps fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly. However, note that pasta continues absorbing liquid, so add extra broth when reheating.
Freezing Guidelines:
This soup freezes for up to 2 months, though texture changes slightly. Freeze in portion-sized containers for convenient reheating. Additionally, consider freezing the base without pasta and adding fresh pasta when serving.
Reheating Instructions:
Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add extra broth or cream if the soup seems too thick. Never microwave burrata directly, instead add fresh pieces to reheated soup.
Conclusion
This Creamy Pesto Lasagna Soup with Burrata proves that extraordinary comfort food doesn’t require extraordinary effort. Moreover, it delivers all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. The combination of creamy textures, bright pesto, and melting burrata creates an unforgettable dining experience.
Whether you’re feeding hungry family members or entertaining dinner guests, this Creamy Italian Dinner never disappoints. Try this recipe tonight and discover why neighbors might start appearing at your door. Share your results in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if it becomes your new favorite Family Comfort Food!
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the base up to 2 days ahead without adding pasta or burrata. Add these components when reheating to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
What if I can’t find burrata cheese?
Fresh mozzarella makes an excellent substitute, though it won’t be quite as creamy. Alternatively, use additional ricotta cheese mixed with a tablespoon of heavy cream.
How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and verify your pesto doesn’t contain anchovies. All other ingredients are naturally vegetarian-friendly.
Can I use dried pasta instead of lasagna sheets?
Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells work perfectly. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
Why is my soup too thin or too thick?
Thin soup can be thickened by simmering longer or adding a cornstarch slurry. Thick soup needs additional broth or cream, added gradually while stirring.
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