Weight Watchers Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Lasagna has always been one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, tender noodles, and savory meat layers come together in a way that’s simply irresistible. But if you’re on a Weight Watchers journey, you’ve probably already realized that a traditional slice of lasagna can take a big chunk out of your daily points budget.

That’s where my Weight Watchers Lasagna Soup recipe comes in. The first time I made this, it was on a chilly evening when I was craving comfort food but didn’t want to blow my SmartPoints for the day. I remember standing by the stove, ladling out a steaming bowl of soup that smelled like everything I love about lasagna — without the heavy points. And when I took that first spoonful? Magic.

This recipe has quickly become one of my weeknight heroes. It’s hearty yet light, deeply flavorful but smart on points, and versatile enough to please the whole family. If you love Italian comfort food but want to stay on track, this Weight Watchers Lasagna Soup recipe is about to become your new go-to.

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💫 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• 🍅 Rich tomato broth with the classic taste of lasagna
• 🥣 Cozy comfort food made WW-friendly
• ⏱️ Ready in about 35 minutes
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Family-friendly — even picky eaters love it
• ⚖️ Low SmartPoints per serving — only 6 estimated points!
• 🥗 Pairs perfectly with a side salad or garlic roasted veggies

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WW SmartPoints Info

• Estimated SmartPoints per serving: 6
• Estimated SmartPoints for whole recipe (4 servings): 24
• How SmartPoints were calculated: Based on lean ground turkey, whole-wheat pasta, fat-free ricotta, and reduced-fat mozzarella.

💡 Note: SmartPoints are estimated using WW principles. Your exact plan may vary slightly depending on the WW app updates.

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My Personal Experience

The first time I tried making lasagna soup, I wasn’t sure how well the flavors would translate. I had this picture in my head of a watery tomato broth with limp pasta floating around — not exactly the comforting lasagna I love. But as the soup simmered and the aromas filled my kitchen, I realized I was on to something.

The ground turkey browned beautifully, the garlic and onions made the base smell heavenly, and once the pasta softened in the tomato broth, it transformed into this rich, hearty bowl of comfort. I topped mine with a dollop of fat-free ricotta and a sprinkle of reduced-fat mozzarella, and suddenly I had all the indulgence of lasagna — spoonful by spoonful.

This dish now lives in my weekly rotation. It’s easy, filling, and I love knowing I can enjoy all the flavors of lasagna without the guilt. My husband even requests it when the weather gets chilly, and that’s saying something because he’s usually a “real lasagna or nothing” kind of guy.

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Required Equipment

🥄 Large Pot or Dutch Oven

You’ll need a deep pot to build the soup base and simmer all the ingredients together. A Dutch oven works perfectly because it distributes heat evenly.

🔪 Cutting Board & Knife

For chopping onions, garlic, and fresh herbs. Prepping veggies properly ensures even cooking.

🥄 Wooden Spoon or Spatula

Helpful for browning ground turkey and stirring the soup without scratching your pot.

🥣 Ladle

Makes serving much easier and helps portion evenly so you don’t over-serve points.

🥄 Measuring Cups & Spoons

For keeping track of your pasta, cheese, and broth portions — this is key for staying accurate with SmartPoints.

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Ingredients & Substitutions

Here’s everything you’ll need:

• 1 lb lean ground turkey (99% fat-free) – keeps SmartPoints low but still adds hearty protein.
  Substitution: Lean ground chicken or beef (adds +1–2 SmartPoints per serving).
• 1 cup whole wheat pasta (broken into small pieces, like lasagna noodles) – higher fiber and lower points than regular pasta.
  Substitution: Use chickpea pasta for added protein (+1 SmartPoint).
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth – gives body to the soup without too much sodium.
  Substitution: Vegetable broth works too (no point change).
• 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes – adds classic lasagna flavor.
  Substitution: Diced tomatoes for a chunkier texture.
• 1 small onion, diced – zero points and essential for flavor.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – another zero-point flavor booster.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – dried basil, oregano, thyme blend that makes the broth taste like lasagna.
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes – optional but adds a gentle heat.
• 1/2 cup fat-free ricotta cheese – creamy lasagna topping without the points of regular ricotta.
• 1/2 cup reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, shredded – melts beautifully on top with fewer SmartPoints.
• Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish) – zero points and adds freshness.

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How to Make Weight Watchers Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In your pot or Dutch oven, heat a little cooking spray over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and break it apart with your spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink.

Tip: Don’t skip breaking up the turkey well — smaller crumbles give the soup that classic lasagna texture.

Step 2: Build the Base

Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Add the Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then add the broken pasta pieces. Lower the heat to a simmer and cook until the pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes.

Tip: If you’re planning leftovers, cook pasta separately and add only when serving to avoid sogginess.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Ladle soup into bowls. Top with a spoonful of ricotta and a sprinkle of mozzarella. Garnish with fresh basil.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Overcooking the pasta – it will keep cooking in hot soup.
• ❌ Using full-fat cheese – SmartPoints jump quickly with this change.
• ❌ Skipping the broth – it thins the soup and balances the tomato flavor.
• ❌ Not measuring pasta – pasta is high in points; eyeballing can throw you off.

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Pro Tips for Best Results

• Cook pasta separately if meal-prepping.
• Add cheese only when serving — keeps it fresh and gooey.
• Season in layers: meat, then broth, then final adjustment.
• Use fresh basil for brightness — it makes a big difference.

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WW-Specific Nutrition & Strategy

Ground turkey is a WW favorite because it’s filling, flavorful, and low in SmartPoints. By pairing it with whole wheat pasta, you get fiber that keeps you full longer. The ricotta and mozzarella add creaminess without tipping the SmartPoint balance.

A serving of this soup is satisfying enough to stand alone, but I often pair it with a side salad (zero points if you keep dressing light) or roasted zucchini. That way, I fill my plate while keeping daily points in check.

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Variations You Can Try

• Cheesy Version: Add extra mozzarella (+1 SmartPoint per serving).
• Spicy Kick: Stir in chopped jalapeños or extra chili flakes (no point change).
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini or spinach (zero points).
• Meaty Option: Use lean ground beef instead of turkey (+1–2 SmartPoints).

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Tips for This Recipe

• Portion control is key — ladle evenly into 4 bowls.
• Garnish right before serving for that “wow” factor.
• Store cheese separately if meal-prepping to keep freshness.

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Optional Additions

• Grated Parmesan (+1 SmartPoint per tablespoon).
• Extra broth if you prefer thinner soup (no point change).
• Mushrooms or bell peppers for more volume (zero points).

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Serving Ideas

• Pair with roasted garlic green beans.
• Serve with a small side of light Caesar salad.
• Perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead lunches.

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Storage Recommendations

• Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Keep pasta separate if possible.
• Freezer: Freeze soup base (without pasta) for up to 2 months. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove or in the microwave. Add extra broth if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes — but freeze without pasta. Pasta becomes mushy when frozen. Add fresh pasta when reheating.

2. Can I use ground chicken instead of turkey?
Absolutely. SmartPoints remain similar, usually no more than +1 difference.

3. How can I lower the SmartPoints further?
Skip mozzarella topping (saves 1 point per serving).

4. Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes — this prevents sogginess and makes it meal-prep friendly.

5. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes — replace turkey with lentils or mushrooms. Same points if lentils are used.

6. How do I thicken the broth?
Simmer longer or add less broth for a thicker, stew-like soup.

7. What if I don’t like ricotta?
Swap with fat-free cottage cheese (same points).

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 6g
• Total Carbs: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Net Carbs: 32g
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 820mg

SmartPoints per serving: 6 (Estimated)

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Recipe Snapshot

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Course: Soup / Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 310
• SmartPoints per serving: 6 (Estimated)