If you adore the comforting, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna but want a cozy twist that’s quicker to enjoy, this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It captures all the rich flavors of classic lasagna in a luscious, creamy broth loaded with tender noodles, savory Italian sausage, melty cheeses, and fresh spinach. Think of it as warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying in a bowl—perfect for chilly evenings or when you crave something both indulgent and soul-soothing. Every spoonful delivers a beautiful balance of creamy texture and bold Italian flair that makes it a new favorite in my kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together to create that perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh in the soup. Each one plays a key role, from the spicy warmth of Italian sausage to the silky cheeses that bring everything together.
- Olive oil: Provides the perfect base for sautéing and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Brings hearty, spiced flavor that forms the soup’s backbone.
- Yellow onion: Adds mild sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic: Gives that essential aromatic lift that brightens every bite.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that infuses the soup with classic Italian herbs.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a gentle kick if you like a touch of heat.
- Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful, rich base for the soup.
- Water: Balances the broth so it’s not too concentrated, perfect for simmering noodles.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they provide the familiar pasta comfort in soup form.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes for depth.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings melty, gooey goodness for that signature lasagna feel.
- Ricotta cheese: Gives creamy richness and a slight tang that balances the soup beautifully.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant color, nutrients, and a fresh pop of flavor.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon as it cooks until beautifully browned. This step builds the rich, savory foundation of your soup. Then toss in the diced onion and cook until it softens and turns translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and if you like a bit of heat, crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for just a minute to awaken those amazing aromas.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Noodles
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles along with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat so the soup simmers gently without a lid, letting the noodles cook until tender—usually around 10 to 12 minutes. This step is where all those great flavors mingle and the noodles soak up that delicious broth.
Step 3: Stir in the Cream and Cheeses
Turn the heat down to low and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheeses melt into the broth, transforming it into a velvety smooth and creamy delight. Then add fresh spinach and stir just until it wilts, adding a lovely splash of green and freshness to the soup. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your White Lasagna Soup Recipe with extra grated Parmesan or a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil takes it to the next level of yum. The added cheese boosts that comforting richness, while basil adds a bright herbal note that perfectly complements the creamy flavors.
Side Dishes
Nothing pairs better with this soup than a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or a basket of crusty garlic bread for dunking. Both choices add contrast—whether it’s refreshing crunch or garlicky crispness—to balance the soup’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini mason jars or hollowed-out mini loaves of Italian bread for a charming presentation. You can also swirl in a drizzle of pesto or a few sun-dried tomatoes on top to make each bowl uniquely inviting and visually appealing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe makes great leftovers! Simply transfer any extras to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld beautifully overnight, though the soup will thicken up.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that the fresh spinach and cheeses might change texture slightly. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. When thawing, add a splash of broth or cream to return it to that perfect creamy consistency.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and add extra broth or cream if it feels too thick. Microwave works fine too if you’re short on time—just heat in intervals and stir well in between.
FAQs
Can I make this White Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add mushrooms or extra veggies. The soup will still be incredibly flavorful and comforting without losing any of the creamy charm.
What’s the best type of lasagna noodles to use?
Regular dried lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces work perfectly here. Avoid no-boil noodles as they can become too mushy. Just make sure to break them before cooking so they’re easy to spoon up.
Can I use store-bought shredded cheeses for this recipe?
Yes! Pre-shredded mozzarella and Parmesan will save time and work well. However, if you have the chance, freshly grated cheeses melt better and give your soup an extra luscious texture.
Is this soup freezer-friendly?
It definitely is, though the texture of fresh spinach and ricotta can change slightly after freezing. To freshen up when reheating, stir in a little broth or cream. Making smaller portions makes freezing and thawing easier.
How thick does the soup get if left to sit?
Because of the cheese and pasta, the soup thickens as it cools and rests. This is totally normal and delicious! Just loosen it up with a splash of broth, water, or cream when reheating.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one soup that feels like a warm hug and tastes like your favorite Italian dinner all at once, it’s this White Lasagna Soup Recipe. It blends comfort, ease, and incredible flavor in every spoonful. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll find it’s a wonderful way to enjoy everything you love about lasagna without the wait or fuss. Trust me, this cozy recipe will become a treasured part of your weeknight rotation!
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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
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
White Lasagna Soup is a hearty and creamy Italian-American comfort food that combines the flavors of traditional lasagna with the warmth of a soup. Featuring savory Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses including ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, this soup offers a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, cooking for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Add Broth, Water, and Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles along with salt and black pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheeses: Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and ricotta cheese until the mixture becomes smooth, creamy, and well combined. This creates the signature rich texture of the soup.
- Add Spinach and Final Seasoning: Fold in the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts evenly throughout the soup. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Ladle the soup hot into bowls and optionally top with extra grated cheese or fresh basil leaves for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit the meat altogether and add mushrooms for a hearty texture.
- This soup tends to thicken as it sits; when reheating, add additional broth or a splash of cream to adjust the consistency.
- Use broken lasagna noodles to mimic the traditional pasta bite and ensure easy eating with a spoon.
- Adjust the level of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice tolerance.
