Easy Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

I’ve been on an Italian food kick lately and just can’t seem to get enough. When I came across a lightened-up version of Paula Deen’s Tastes Like Lasagna Soup on a Weight Watchers recipe roundup, I knew it had to go on my “must-try” list.

This WW-friendly Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup has all the cheesy, tomato-y flavors of classic lasagna but in a simple, one-pot soup that’s so much easier to make. I adapted Paula Deen’s sons’ “Take It Lighter” recipe, trimming it down even more by skipping the oil, using fewer noodles, and adding mushrooms for extra flavor and bulk.

The result? A hearty, family-friendly soup with all the flavors of lasagna, but lighter, healthier, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Lasagna Soup

• All the classic lasagna flavor in a light, brothy soup
• WW-friendly with fewer calories and points than traditional lasagna
• Made in the slow cooker or Instant Pot (affiliate link) with simple pantry staples
• Family-friendly comfort food that everyone enjoys
• Great for meal prep or freezer-friendly leftovers

Ingredients and Substitutions

• Lean Sausage – I used turkey sausage to keep it lighter, but chicken sausage or extra-lean ground beef also work.
• Onion and Garlic – Add depth and flavor to the soup base.
• Bell Pepper – Sweetness balances the tomato broth; any color works.
• Mushrooms – Add bulk and umami with very few calories.
• Chicken or Beef Broth – Low-sodium broth keeps it WW-friendly.
• Tomato Sauce and Diced Tomatoes – Create the rich, lasagna-style base.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – Optional, for a little heat.
• Lasagna Noodles – Just a few, broken into pieces; use whole wheat if you prefer.
• Fresh Basil – Stirred in at the end for brightness.
• Shredded Mozzarella and Parmesan – Add the signature cheesy lasagna flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Stovetop Method

1. Brown sausage and aromatics. Heat a large nonstick pot over medium. Add the sausage and onion; cook, breaking up the meat, until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
2. Add veggies and garlic. Stir in bell pepper and mushrooms; cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Build the soup base. Stir in broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Cook the noodles. Add broken lasagna noodles; reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente, about 10–12 minutes (add a splash of broth/water if needed).
5. Finish and serve. Off heat, stir in basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted. Taste and adjust salt/pepper/crushed red pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve.

Tip: For a thicker soup, simmer a few extra minutes; for a thinner soup, add a bit more broth.

Instant Pot Method

1. Sauté. Select Sauté. Add sausage and onion; cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add veggies & garlic. Stir in bell pepper, mushrooms, and garlic; cook 1–2 minutes.
3. Deglaze & add liquids. Stir in broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, salt, and crushed red pepper; scrape the bottom of the pot well to prevent the Burn warning.
4. Add noodles. Stir in broken lasagna noodles, pressing them under the liquid.
5. Pressure cook. Lock lid and set vent to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes (it will take ~10–15 minutes to come to pressure).
6. Quick release & finish. Select Cancel and do a quick release. Stir in basil, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Season to taste and serve.

Tip: If you’d like it a bit thicker after pressure cooking, use Sauté for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently.

Recipe Notes

• Lighter swaps: I eliminated the added oil and used lean sausage, trimming about 1 WW Point per serving.
• Noodles: Using fewer broken lasagna noodles keeps calories and points in check while still giving that classic lasagna feel.
• Veggies: Adding chopped mushrooms boosts flavor and volume without adding many calories. Spinach or zucchini can also be stirred in at the end.
• Flavor boost: Like it spicy? Add extra crushed red pepper or a pinch of Italian seasoning.
• Make ahead: This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Store in the fridge up to 4 days or freeze single portions for up to 3 months.

WW Points and Nutrition

According to my calculations, each 1-cup serving has about:

• Calories: 202
• WW Points: To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
  (You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet)
• Old WW Plan: 5 PointsPlus

Healthy Sides to Serve with Lasagna Soup

This WW-friendly lasagna soup is hearty enough for a main meal, but adding a light side makes it even more satisfying:

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette – adds freshness and balances the rich tomato broth
• Garlic toast or crusty whole wheat bread – perfect for dipping into the soup
• Roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans – healthy, low-point pairings
• A simple fruit salad – keeps the meal light and refreshing

If you like this lightened up recipe for lasagna soup, be sure to check out my other easy, healthy Weight Watchers friendly crockpot recipes including Easy 5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Lasagna, Crock-Pot Hamburger Stew, Slow Cooker Porcupine Meatballs, Slow Cooker Sausage Spaghetti Sauce and Crock Pot Macaroni, Beef and Tomato Soup

If you’ve made this low calorie Slow Cooked Lasagna Soup, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze lasagna soup?
Yes! This soup freezes very well. Cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave (affiliate link).

How do I make lasagna soup in the Instant Pot (affiliate link)?
Follow the Instant Pot directions in the recipe card: sauté the sausage and onion, add the veggies, broth, tomatoes, and noodles, then cook on High Pressure for 3 minutes. Quick release, stir in the cheese and basil, and serve.

What kind of noodles work best in lasagna soup?
Traditional lasagna noodles, broken into pieces, give the classic flavor. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles also work well. You can even swap in smaller pasta shapes like rotini or penne if that’s what you have.

Is lasagna soup Weight Watchers friendly?
Yes! Each 1-cup serving has about 202 calories and just 3–4 WW Points, depending on your plan. Using lean sausage and fewer noodles keeps the points lower without sacrificing flavor.

What should I serve with lasagna soup?
Pair this hearty soup with a simple salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic toast. Lighter sides keep the meal balanced and WW-friendly.

More WW-Friendly Italian Soup Recipes

If you enjoyed this healthy slow cooker lasagna soup, here are more easy Weight Watchers friendly soups to try:

• Slow Cooker Italian Meatball Soup– A lighter spin on a comfort food classic.
• Italian Beef and Lentil Slow Cooker Soup – High-protein and hearty while staying low in points.
• Easy Slow Cooker Italian Wedding Soup – A family favorite made lighter with lean meatballs.
• Slow Cooker Chicken Parmesan Soup – All the flavors of chicken parm in a cozy bowl of soup.

For even more ideas, check out my roundup of the Best Weight Watchers Crock Pot Recipes.