If you love the comforting layers of classic lasagna but are craving something a little lighter and quicker, the White Lasagna Soup Recipe is going to be your new favorite meal. This cozy, creamy soup captures all the cheesy, savory goodness of traditional lasagna, but in a warm bowl that’s perfect for busy weeknights or satisfying weekend dinners. With tender broken lasagna noodles, spicy Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a dreamy blend of cheeses swimming in a rich broth, every spoonful feels like a hug from your favorite Italian comfort food—without the oven time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are simple, familiar, and each one plays an essential role in building the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the richness of the cheeses to the fresh pop of spinach, these ingredients work together effortlessly to create a soup that’s hearty and elegant.
- Olive oil: A small amount to gently brown the sausage and bring out deep flavors without overpowering the soup.
- Italian sausage: Adds savory, meaty richness with a perfect hint of spice that defines this recipe.
- Yellow onion: Provides a sweet and aromatic base that complements the garlic and sausage beautifully.
- Garlic: Brings freshness and a warm punch that amps up the overall flavor profile.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties together the Italian-inspired components with ease.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat for those who want a little extra kick.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that carries all the ingredients and tenderizes the noodles.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup a luscious, velvety texture without being overly heavy.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, these provide that iconic pasta bite we love in lasagna.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates creamy pockets of richness that melt into the soup for that authentic lasagna feel.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of vibrant green, balancing the richness and adding nutritional value.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly, delivering gooey, cheesy comfort in every spoonful.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a salty, nutty finish that deepens the flavor complexity.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to fine-tune the taste to your liking.
- Fresh basil: For garnish, infusing the soup with a fragrant burst and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks until it’s nicely browned—this step builds a rich, savory foundation. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside to prevent overcooking and let the pot absorb those delicious browned bits.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until it turns translucent and soft, about three to four minutes. Then, stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and if you’re feeling adventurous, red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until everything smells wonderfully fragrant, which wakes up the flavor base and layers complexity.
Step 3: Simmer the Broth and Noodles
Return the browned sausage to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Now, add your broken lasagna noodles right into the broth. These will cook directly in the soup, soaking up the savory liquid and becoming tender in about 8-10 minutes, perfectly ready to combine with the creamy elements next.
Step 4: Add Cream and Ricotta
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and ricotta cheese until everything melds together smoothly. The ricotta adds that creamy, slightly fluffy texture reminiscent of classic lasagna layers, while the cream ensures every spoonful feels indulgent and rich without weighing you down.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach
Toss in the baby spinach and stir gently until it wilts and blends into the soup. This step is crucial for adding freshness and a burst of color, turning this soup into a well-rounded dish with a touch of garden goodness.
Step 6: Melt in the Mozzarella and Parmesan
Finally, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. As these melt, they create a beautifully cheesy and thickened broth, transforming the soup into a luscious, satisfying meal. Season generously with salt and pepper to bring out all the flavors perfectly.
Step 7: Serve Hot and Garnished
Ladle the soup hot into bowls and finish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh basil to add a bright, herbaceous note and a stunning visual touch. The White Lasagna Soup Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is the classic choice, but you can also sprinkle extra Parmesan or add a drizzle of good quality olive oil to elevate the flavor and presentation. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes at the table is perfect for those who love a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad for a full meal experience. A Caesar salad or even some roasted vegetables would complement the creamy soup wonderfully by adding crunch and refreshing contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special twist, serve it in mini bread bowls to impress guests or transform it into a hearty lunch by adding a poached egg on top. You could also layer it in a shallow bowl with extra basil and a sprinkling of crispy pancetta or fried sage leaves for texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. As the noodles absorb the broth over time, the soup may thicken, so you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to bring back that perfect consistency.
Freezing
The White Lasagna Soup Recipe freezes nicely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to three months. Because fresh spinach can change texture after freezing, you might prefer to add fresh spinach when reheating to keep that lovely green freshness.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat to prevent curdling the cream. Stir frequently and add a little extra broth if the soup feels too thick. This will ensure that every bowl tastes just as delicious as the first serving.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well, but Italian sausage adds more seasoning and flavor depth. If you swap in beef, consider adding extra Italian seasoning to maintain the signature taste.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms can help bring some meaty texture and umami flavor to replace the sausage’s richness.
Can I use whole-wheat or gluten-free noodles?
Of course! Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly. Break the noodles into smaller pieces as directed and monitor their tenderness as they cook in the broth.
How spicy is this soup?
The basic recipe has a subtle warmth from the Italian sausage and optional red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat by including more or less red pepper flakes or adding hot sauce to taste.
What’s the best way to reheat without curdling the cream?
Reheat gently on low to medium heat, stirring frequently. Avoid using high heat or microwaving directly without stirring, which can cause the cream to separate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the White Lasagna Soup Recipe—it hits every note of comfort food while being surprisingly quick and easy. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this creamy, cheesy, and savory soup is guaranteed to warm your heart and your tummy. So grab your ingredients, gather friends or family, and dive into a bowl of cozy deliciousness that feels like a hug from Italy itself!
Print
White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This White Lasagna Soup combines all the hearty and creamy flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting and easy-to-make soup. Loaded with Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, creamy ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, as well as fresh spinach and fragrant herbs, this soup is perfect for a cozy dinner that satisfies all your cheesy cravings with less fuss.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the browned sausage from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer with Broth and Noodles: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes.
- Add Cream and Ricotta: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and ricotta cheese, mixing until well combined to add creaminess to the soup.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach, allowing it to wilt gently into the soup.
- Melt the Cheeses: Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for Italian sausage for a leaner version.
- To make this soup vegetarian, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of crushed chili flakes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop to prevent the dairy from separating.
- To save time, you can use pre-minced garlic or pre-diced onions.
