White Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you’re craving all the comfort of a classic lasagna but want it in a quick and cozy bowl, this White Lasagna Soup is going to steal your heart. It blends the creamy richness of ricotta and mozzarella with tender Italian sausage, hearty white beans, and delicate ribbons of spinach all swimming in a luscious broth. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug, capturing all the layers of traditional lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and baking. Trust me, once you try this White Lasagna Soup, it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes for busy nights or anytime you want a comforting meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the key to making this White Lasagna Soup shine. Each item plays an essential role, whether it’s building depth of flavor, adding a creamy texture, or bringing in brightness and color.
- Italian sausage: Provides hearty, savory notes and a satisfying meaty texture that forms the base of the soup.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and aromatic depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Infuses warmth and a subtle kick that elevates the entire dish.
- Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful and comforting liquid base for the soup.
- White beans: Boosts heartiness and creamy texture without overpowering other flavors.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature silky richness.
- Spinach: Adds fresh color and a touch of earthiness to balance the richness.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings in creamy tang and a classic lasagna element.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for that melty, stringy cheese experience.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes that enhance every bite.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into pieces for tender pasta bliss in every spoonful.
- Salt and pepper: To season and bring all flavors to life.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Italian Sausage
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. Break the sausage apart with your spoon as it cooks so those savory bits are evenly browned. Once fully cooked, remove the sausage and set it aside—this ensures it stays juicy while you prepare the rest of the soup.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, which usually takes about three minutes. This step builds a flavorful aromatic base that’s crucial to the overall soup.
Step 3: Add Broth and White Beans
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the drained white beans. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to maintain a simmer. The beans will add creaminess and body while the broth keeps the soup light and comforting.
Step 4: Stir in Cream, Spinach, and Cheeses
Next, add the heavy cream along with the chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Stir carefully to combine, then let the soup simmer for about five minutes. During this time, the cheeses will melt and mingle with the greens and cream, creating a luscious texture.
Step 5: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Toss in the broken lasagna noodles. Allow the soup to cook until the pasta becomes tender, typically around ten minutes. The noodles soak up the rich flavors making every bite satisfyingly hearty.
Step 6: Return the Sausage and Season
Finally, add the cooked sausage back into the pot. Let everything heat together for another five minutes so the flavors meld beautifully. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, and your White Lasagna Soup is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
To really make your White Lasagna Soup pop, top each bowl with extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a wonderful heat contrast, while a few fresh basil leaves lift the aroma and freshness.
Side Dishes
This soup deserves sides that complement its richness without overwhelming it. Think crusty garlic bread for dipping or a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to add brightness. These sides help balance the meal perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in individual bread bowls, hollowed-out mini boules for a rustic touch. Alternatively, ladle the soup over a bed of cooked pasta for a deconstructed lasagna experience with less fuss but all the same flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
White Lasagna Soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days. Store it in an airtight container, making sure to cool it slightly before refrigerating to maintain the delicate cheesy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind the texture of the cream and cheeses may slightly change. Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to two months, leaving room for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheeses from separating. Avoid boiling to keep the creamy texture intact. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and works well in this soup. It will slightly change the flavor but keeps the dish delicious and lighter.
Is there a vegetarian version of White Lasagna Soup?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and add more beans or mushrooms for that meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
How do I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free ones or use gluten-free pasta shapes. Just be sure to check that all other ingredients, like broth and sausage, are gluten-free too.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the aromatics first, then combine all ingredients (except noodles) in the slow cooker. Add noodles during the last 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.
What’s the best cheese to use if I can’t find ricotta?
Cottage cheese blended smooth can be a good substitute for ricotta. Alternatively, mascarpone adds creaminess, though it’s richer and a little sweeter.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup truly captures all the best parts of a traditional lasagna in a bowl that’s quick to make and incredibly comforting. It’s perfect for when you want a hearty, cheesy meal that doesn’t require all day in the kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it will become a beloved recipe in your home, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Print
White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A comforting and creamy White Lasagna Soup featuring Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, combined with spinach and white beans for a hearty and delicious meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
Liquids and Broth
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Beans and Pasta
- 1 (15 oz) can of white beans, drained and rinsed
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Cheeses
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic: Using the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add broth and beans: Pour in the chicken broth and add the drained and rinsed white beans to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
- Add cream, cheeses, and spinach: Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, and chopped spinach. Let the soup simmer gently for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and melt the cheeses.
- Cook lasagna noodles: Add the broken pieces of lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook until the noodles are tender, approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Reintroduce the sausage and season: Return the cooked sausage to the pot and cook together for an additional 5 minutes to meld the flavors. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup will be less creamy.
- Gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Adding crushed red pepper flakes can give the soup a bit of a spicy kick.
- If Italian sausage is not available, ground pork or turkey can be used as a substitute.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: white lasagna soup, Italian sausage soup, creamy lasagna soup, ricotta soup, spinach and white bean soup, comfort food soup
