When I’m craving something cozy but still light and wholesome, my Turkey Lasagna Soup with Fresh Basil and Parmesan always hits the spot. It’s everything I love about lasagna savory tomato broth, tender noodles, and melty cheese but made lighter with lean ground turkey.
This one-pot wonder is creamy, fragrant, and just the right mix of hearty and healthy. Whether I’m cooking for a slow Sunday dinner or prepping lunches for the week, this soup is always a winner in my kitchen.
How This Soup Became My Cozy Go-To
This recipe came about after Thanksgiving when I was looking for creative ways to use leftover turkey. Instead of a traditional turkey noodle soup, I decided to combine my love for creamy lasagna soup with the lightness of turkey and it turned out incredible.
The flavor of the turkey gives the soup a lovely depth without feeling heavy, and the fresh basil at the end brings brightness that makes every spoonful taste fresh. It’s now one of my favorite healthy dinner recipes, right alongside my creamy chicken lasagna soup with spinach.
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Turkey Lasagna Soup with Fresh Basil and Parmesan
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A cozy, creamy turkey lasagna soup made with lean ground turkey, fresh basil, and Parmesan. It’s hearty yet light perfect for healthy dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lb ground turkey
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
4 cups chicken broth
6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
Add ground turkey and cook until browned.
Stir in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and broth.
Add herbs and noodles. Simmer until noodles are tender.
Stir in cream and fresh basil.
Top with Parmesan and serve warm.
Notes
Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Use leftover turkey for an easy shortcut.
Great for meal prep keeps well for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: One pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 780
- Fat: 17
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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The Ingredients That Make It Special
This recipe keeps things simple and wholesome with a few pantry staples and fresh herbs.
- Ground turkey: Lean and flavorful, it adds protein without weighing the soup down.
- Onion and garlic: The fragrant start to every good Italian soup.
- Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste: They give the soup a deep, rich tomato base.
- Chicken broth: Light and savory to balance the tomato richness.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces so each bite feels like a mini lasagna.
- Heavy cream: Just enough to give the soup a luxurious texture.
- Fresh basil: Adds brightness and a hint of sweetness.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings that salty, nutty flavor that makes the soup sing.
- Italian herbs: A mix of basil, oregano, and thyme ties it all together.
- Olive oil: To sauté and build a delicious base.
For a more veggie-packed version, I sometimes stir in chopped spinach or zucchini like I do in my vegetarian lasagna soup with zucchini and mushrooms.
How I Bring It All Together Step by Step
Step 1 – Sauté the aromatics
I start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. I add diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Then I stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to release that wonderful aroma.
Step 2 – Cook the turkey
Next, I add the ground turkey and break it up with a spoon. I cook until it’s no longer pink and lightly browned. A pinch of salt and pepper here makes a big difference in flavor.
Step 3 – Add the tomatoes and broth
Once the turkey is cooked, I stir in tomato paste and let it caramelize slightly before adding the crushed tomatoes and broth. The soup base becomes rich and flavorful almost instantly.
Step 4 – Add the herbs and noodles
I mix in Italian seasoning, a bit of basil, and oregano, then drop in the broken lasagna noodles. They cook right in the broth, soaking up all those delicious flavors while thickening the soup just enough.
Step 5 – Make it creamy
When the noodles are tender, I stir in the cream. The soup transforms into something velvety and rich without feeling heavy.
Step 6 – Finish with basil and cheese
Right before serving, I toss in a handful of freshly chopped basil and sprinkle Parmesan over the top. The basil brightens the flavors, and the cheese melts into the soup, making every bite irresistible.
If you enjoy creamy, tomato-based soups, this one’s right up there with my creamy tomato lasagna soup with three cheeses only this version feels a little lighter, perfect for any time of year.
My Favorite Ways to Mix It Up
I love this recipe because it’s flexible and easy to make your own.
- Add more veggies: Try carrots, bell peppers, or kale for extra color and nutrients.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne, inspired by my spicy lasagna soup with Italian sausage and red pepper.
- Try leftover turkey: This is one of my favorite turkey soup recipes homemade it works beautifully with cooked shredded turkey too.
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the cream for coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter option.
- Low-carb version: Replace lasagna noodles with zucchini ribbons or spaghetti squash, similar to my low-carb meal ideas.
For easy weekday lunches, I pack this soup into jars it reheats perfectly and feels just as satisfying as when it’s fresh. It’s one of those healthy lunch ideas I rely on for busy days.
Why It Belongs in Every Meal Plan
This Turkey Lasagna Soup is hearty, creamy, and full of Italian flavor, yet light enough to enjoy any day of the week. The fresh basil gives it a lovely brightness, and the turkey makes it wholesome without sacrificing comfort.
It’s one of those pasta recipes that never fails to bring warmth to the table, whether I’m making it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead. A spoonful of this soup tastes like home simple, comforting, and full of love.
