If you have ever wished for all the gooey, comforting flavors of lasagna served up in a bowl, then you are going to fall head over heels for this White Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like your favorite Italian classic transformed into a warm, hearty soup that combines tender lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, creamy cheeses, and fresh spinach all simmered in a rich broth. Every spoonful bursts with cozy, homemade goodness and it’s surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight, making it a perfect dish to share with family or friends when you want something satisfying but fuss-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is what makes this soup truly special. Each one lends a specific flavor, texture, or color that transforms simple components into a soulful meal you’ll crave again and again.
- Olive oil: For that silky base to brown your sausage and soften the onions perfectly.
- Ground Italian sausage (1 pound): Provides the rich, spicy core flavor that defines this soup’s character.
- Small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
- Garlic cloves (4, minced): A punch of aromatic magic that awakens the senses.
- Dried basil (1 teaspoon): Classic Italian herb that brings earthiness and freshness.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Offers that warm, slightly bitter note traditional to Italian dishes.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (½ teaspoon): Brings subtle heat that wakes up the palate without overpowering.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors perfectly balanced.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds gentle spice and complexity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (4 cups): The soul of the soup that carries every flavor and makes it rich and comforting.
- Water (2 cups): Helps with cooking noodles and keeps the broth light but flavorful.
- Lasagna noodles (8, broken into pieces): The fun pasta element, giving you bite-sized lasagna goodness in every spoonful.
- White beans (1 can, drained and rinsed): For creamy texture and added protein that enriches the soup.
- Fresh spinach (2 cups, chopped): Adds vibrant color and a fresh, leafy element that brightens the bowl.
- Heavy cream (½ cup): Makes this soup luxuriously creamy and luscious.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup, shredded): Melts beautifully throughout for that classic gooey texture.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Delivers a sharp, salty bite that rounds out the cheese flavors.
- Ricotta cheese (½ cup, for topping): The perfect dollop on top that adds richness and softness to each serving.
- Fresh basil (optional, for garnish): Adds a splash of fresh herbaceousness and looks simply stunning.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add your ground Italian sausage. Break it up gently with a spoon while cooking until it’s nicely browned. This step locks in that incredible savory flavor and also starts building the base of your soup. Next, toss in the diced onions and cook them until they turn translucent, soft, and sweet, about four minutes. Then stir in minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper, letting all those spices mingle together for one more minute to fill your kitchen with mouthwatering scents.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth and Noodles
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then bring the mixture to a boil. Breaking your lasagna noodles into pieces before adding ensures they cook quickly and fit beautifully in soup spoons. Add them to the pot and let them cook until tender but still slightly firm to the bite—typically about 10 to 12 minutes with occasional stirring to keep noodles separated.
Step 3: Add Beans, Spinach, and Cream
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then stir in the drained and rinsed white beans along with the fresh chopped spinach. Allow the spinach to wilt just a bit, about two to three minutes, adding a lovely pops of green and a fresh flavor contrast to the richness. Finally, pour in the heavy cream and add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt smoothly into the broth, creating that signature creamy texture of this soup.
Step 4: Final Touches and Serving Prep
Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, then crown each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. If you love a fresh herbal note, sprinkle a few torn basil leaves on top—it’s not only delicious but makes for an inviting presentation. Now, get ready to taste the love and comfort packed into each cozy spoonful!
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil to add a fresh, aromatic finish. For extra indulgence, a grating of Parmesan or a drizzle of olive oil over the top complements the creamy texture wonderfully. Don’t forget that dollop of ricotta—it adds creaminess and makes every bite divine.
Side Dishes
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe pairs beautifully with simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The crunchy crust of the bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, and a lightly dressed salad adds a refreshing contrast, balancing the hearty, rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the soup in rustic bowls with a small ramekin of extra ricotta on the side so guests can add as much as they like. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a pinch of smoked paprika on top to add texture and a smoky hint. A portable mason jar makes it a perfect gift idea too—just heat and serve for a warm homemade treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because this soup holds so much richness from the cream and cheeses, it thickens when chilled, so you might find it’s thicker when reheated but still delicious.
Freezing
If you want to stash some for later, freezing is an option though the texture of the cream and fresh spinach might change slightly. Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
Reheating
Reheat on low heat, stirring often to avoid scorching and to help redistribute the creamy cheeses and spinach evenly. Adding a little more water or broth as you warm it will help restore the soup’s perfect silky texture.
FAQs
Can I make White Lasagna Soup Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the Italian sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra beans or mushrooms for depth and still enjoy all the cheesy, creamy goodness.
What type of sausage works best?
Traditional mild or hot Italian sausage works beautifully, depending on your preferred spice level. You can also substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare this soup in advance?
Yes, it’s a great make-ahead meal. Just wait to add the fresh spinach and cheeses until you’re ready to heat and serve for the best texture and flavor.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
Pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni can be a good substitute in a pinch. Just adjust cooking time since different pastas vary in how quickly they soften.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes give it a gentle kick, but you can dial the heat up or down easily by adding more or less according to taste.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for that perfect bowl of comfort with all the flavors of classic lasagna in an easy-to-make soup, this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s cozy, creamy, and filled with deliciously seasoned sausage and melty cheeses. Trust me, once you try it, it will become your new go-to for cold nights or anytime you crave a warm hug on a spoon.
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: American
Description
White Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty one-pot meal that combines the flavors of classic Italian lasagna with the ease of a soup. This creamy, cheesy soup features savory Italian sausage, tender broken lasagna noodles, white beans, and fresh spinach, all simmered to perfection in a rich broth and topped with creamy ricotta and fresh basil for a delightful finish.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or hot)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups water
Soup Ingredients
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 (15-ounce) can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (for topping)
- Fresh basil (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced yellow onion to the pot and cook until translucent, approximately 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to release the flavors.
- Add Broth and Water: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and water. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling broth. Cook until the noodles are al dente, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Beans and Spinach: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the drained white beans and chopped fresh spinach. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finish with Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the Italian sausage to reduce fat content.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to your taste.
