Want a dinner that feels like a fancy restaurant splurge but costs less than a fast-food run? I’m right there with you. This Seafood Shrimp Lasagna Soup is my secret weapon for beating the budget blues without sacrificing flavor. If you love the idea of lasagna in a bowl, you should also try my Crockpot Lasagna Soup for an even easier, hands-off version.
You don’t need expensive ingredients to eat well. This recipe takes the cozy, layered goodness of lasagna and turns it into a one-pot soup. It’s packed with creamy ricotta, tender shrimp, and broken lasagna noodles. Every spoonful is pure comfort, and your wallet will thank you.
I promise, this isn’t a complicated project. It’s a smart, savvy way to get a healthy, satisfying meal on the table. Let’s make a soup dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Recipe Overview
Here’s the quick snapshot of what we’re making today. It’s simpler than it sounds!
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Category: Soup Dinner
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 hearty bowls
Why This Recipe Saves You Money
I built this recipe from the ground up to be kind to your budget. Every choice has a purpose.
Seafood Shrimp Lasagna Soup Recipe
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Notes
Enjoy your homemade Seafood Shrimp Lasagna Soup Recipe!
Nutrition Information
First, we use frozen shrimp. It’s almost always cheaper than fresh and just as good. We also break regular lasagna noodles instead of buying fancy pasta. A few broken sheets go a long way.
The creamy base comes from a mix of broth, tomato sauce, and milk. You don’t need heavy cream. A small tub of ricotta adds that classic lasagna richness without the cost of multiple cheeses. It’s all about getting maximum flavor from minimal, smart ingredients.
My Tips for Smart Shopping on a Budget
These are my go-to strategies for keeping costs low every single week. They make a huge difference.
Always buy shrimp frozen. Look for a bag of small or medium peeled and deveined shrimp. They thaw quickly and are perfect for soups. Use dried herbs like oregano and basil. They are pantry powerhouses and far more economical than fresh for cooked dishes.
For the tomato sauce, grab a simple can of plain tomato sauce. You can add your own seasoning. If you see ricotta on sale, grab an extra tub. It freezes well for your next lasagna recipe soup adventure, like this Gluten-Free Lasagna Soup.
The Budget-Friendly Ingredient List
Here’s everything you’ll need. Check your pantry first—you might already have half of this!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth (use what you have)
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8-10 regular lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound frozen medium shrimp, thawed
- 1 (15-ounce) container part-skim ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (if you have it)
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps for a foolproof pot of comfort. It all comes together in one big pot.
- Start by building flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cook for just one more minute until fragrant.
- Create the soup base. Pour in the broth and tomato sauce. Give it a good stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Cook the pasta. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling soup. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the noodles to be just tender.
- Add the creamy elements. Reduce the heat to a simmer. Stir in the milk. Then, add spoonfuls of the ricotta cheese and the Parmesan. Don’t worry about making it perfectly smooth—little pockets of ricotta are wonderful.
- Finish with the shrimp. Add the thawed shrimp to the hot soup. They will cook in just 3-4 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Season and serve. Turn off the heat. Taste your soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.
How to Use Up Every Last Bit (No Waste!)
I hate throwing food away. Here’s how to make sure every bit of your ingredients works for you.
If you have extra ricotta, mix it with a little jam for a quick fruit dip. Or, spread it on toast with honey. Leftover broth can be frozen in ice cube trays for future recipes.
Got a few extra shrimp? Toss them into a breakfast scramble the next day. Stale bread can be blitzed into breadcrumbs and frozen. They’re perfect for topping a future casserole.
Nutrition Notes
This is a balanced meal in a bowl. Here’s a general look at what you’re getting per serving.
- High in Protein: Thanks to the shrimp and ricotta.
- Good Calcium Source: From the dairy.
- Moderate Calories: It’s filling without being overly heavy.
- Customizable: Use whole wheat noodles or low-fat ricotta if you prefer.
Common Questions About This Recipe
You might have a couple of questions. I know I did when I first tried this idea!
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, but with one tip. Cook the soup but wait to add the shrimp until you reheat it. This keeps the shrimp from getting tough. The pasta will soak up broth, so you may need to add a little water or broth when you warm it up.
What can I use instead of ricotta cheese?
Cottage cheese is a great, budget-friendly swap. Just give it a quick blend or mash with a fork for a smoother texture. It will taste just as creamy and delicious in the final dish.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. This is your kitchen! Try shredded rotisserie chicken or even canned white beans for a vegetarian version. The method stays the same, making it a wonderfully flexible comfort soup recipe. For another delicious chicken variation, check out this Creamy Garden Chicken Lasagna Soup.
I hope this recipe shows you how creative you can get with a tight grocery budget. This Seafood Shrimp Lasagna Soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have a high price tag. It’s about being practical and resourceful in the kitchen.
Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to tweak with what you have on hand. That’s the real secret to eating well all the time. Let me know your own money-saving twists for this recipe in the comments below! Please leave a rating!
