If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors of lasagna without all the fuss of layering noodles and baking, then this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It captures every comforting, savory bite you adore in a bowl full of warm, creamy goodness, combining tender noodles, flavorful Italian sausage, and a luscious blend of cheeses that will make every spoonful feel like a cozy Italian hug. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a little luxury on a chilly night, this soup is an absolute delight that’s easy to whip up and impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a crucial role in crafting a soup that’s rich in flavor, hearty in texture, and beautifully balanced with fresh elements. From the aromatic herbs to the creamy cheeses and tender noodles, each component works in harmony to create that iconic white lasagna taste you’ll love.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness and helps brown the sausage perfectly.
- Ground Italian sausage or chicken: Provides that savory, meaty base with classic Italian seasoning.
- Small onion, diced: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the soup.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses a fragrant punch that enhances all the flavors.
- Dried basil: Adds a warm, slightly sweet herbal note essential in Italian cuisine.
- Dried oregano: Complements basil with a robust, aromatic quality.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick of heat for those who love a bit of spice.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that ties everything together.
- Whole milk: Creates a creamy texture without overpowering richness.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its luxurious, velvety mouthfeel.
- Lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: The heart of the soup, providing that familiar pasta chewiness.
- Ricotta cheese: Lends a mild creaminess that melts beautifully into the broth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Offers gooey, melty comfort in every bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty complexity to the flavor profile.
- Fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Injects freshness and a lovely pop of color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to balance and enhance all other tastes.
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish): A bright and fresh finishing touch.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the sausage and soften the aromatics
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the ground Italian sausage. Cook it until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart as it sizzles. Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, releasing those sweet onion flavors. This step builds a solid foundation for your soup’s rich taste.
Step 2: Add garlic and dried herbs
Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Cook this mixture for just about a minute until you can smell that irresistible, aromatic blend filling your kitchen. These herbs will transport you straight to a cozy Italian trattoria.
Step 3: Pour in the liquids
Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, stirring everything to combine smoothly. The mix of broth and dairy creates that signature creamy yet light soup base that makes this White Lasagna Soup Recipe truly special.
Step 4: Add noodles and simmer
Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce the heat to a soft simmer and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick. They’ll become tender and soak up all those savory flavors.
Step 5: Melt in the cheeses and add spinach
Stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, allowing them to melt luxuriously into the soup, making it wonderfully creamy. Then add the roughly chopped spinach and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until it’s tender and wilted, adding a fresh, nutrient-packed element to the dish.
Step 6: Season and serve
Finish by seasoning with salt and black pepper to your taste. Ladle this comforting soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for that perfect pop of color and herbaceous brightness.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil on top not only makes the soup look inviting but also adds a fragrant burst that complements the cheesy, savory base perfectly. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top can also elevate every spoonful.
Side Dishes
This soup shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a crusty baguette makes the meal even more satisfying. Garlic bread or a simple Caesar salad with crunchy croutons are great companions that enhance the Italian vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or drizzle with a touch of pesto right before serving for a vibrant color and flavor boost. You can also top it with a dollop of ricotta or swirl in a bit of marinara sauce for a playful nod to traditional lasagna.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover White Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As it sits, the soup will thicken, so give it a good stir when you reheat to bring back that perfect creamy consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before adding the spinach if possible, as greens may change texture after freezing. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh spinach during reheating to keep it vibrant.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened too much after storage to return it to that creamy, dreamy texture you fell in love with.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the ground sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or simply add more vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini for a delicious vegetarian version that’s still full of flavor and heartiness.
Is it possible to use gluten-free noodles?
Yes, gluten-free lasagna noodles or any gluten-free pasta broken into smaller pieces work wonderfully here. Just keep an eye on cooking time since gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower depending on the brand.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
With some substitutions, it’s doable. Use dairy-free milk alternatives like oat or almond milk combined with a non-dairy cream substitute, and choose dairy-free cheese options to keep it creamy without the dairy. The flavor profile will be slightly different but still very comforting.
How spicy is the White Lasagna Soup Recipe?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a hint of warmth, so if you prefer a mild flavor, you can leave them out entirely, making this soup perfect for all palates, including kids and those who shy away from heat.
Can I prepare this soup in advance and reheat on a busy day?
Definitely! The White Lasagna Soup Recipe is fantastic for meal prepping. Make it a day or two ahead and store it in the fridge. Just warm it up with a bit of broth, add fresh spinach if you like, and it’s ready to enjoy in minutes.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is such a heartwarming, convenient way to enjoy one of the most beloved Italian dishes in soup form. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug from the inside out. I can’t wait for you to try making it at home and share those cozy moments around the bowl with loved ones. Trust me, once you do, it’ll become a staple you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting White Lasagna Soup combines all the flavors of classic lasagna into a creamy, hearty bowl that’s perfect for cozy dinners. Made with seasoned Italian sausage, tender broken lasagna noodles, a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and fresh spinach, this one-pot soup delivers rich Italian-American comfort food with an easy stovetop method.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage or ground chicken
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart continuously with a spoon to ensure even cooking.
- Sauté onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3–4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add garlic and herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream, stirring well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook noodles: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
- Add cheeses: Stir in the ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt fully and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the pot and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the soup.
- Season and serve: Taste and season the soup with salt and black pepper as desired. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use part-skim cheeses.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this soup gluten-free.
- The soup thickens as it sits; add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to loosen the consistency.
- Ground chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to Italian sausage.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes for desired heat level or omit for a milder soup.
