Creamy, hearty, and a true crowd-pleaser, White Lasagna Soup brings all the best flavors of classic white lasagna into a bowl — without all the layers or fuss. Foolproof for busy weeknights and impressive enough for weekend dinner guests, this crave-worthy soup is loaded with tender pasta, savory broth, and three kinds of cheese that melt into irresistible richness. The spinach adds a burst of color and freshness, and each spoonful will make you wonder where this comforting, cheesy creation has been all your life. If you love lasagna but crave something a little cozier, this White Lasagna Soup deserves a spot on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of White Lasagna Soup comes from a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that work together to create creamy depth and comforting texture. Every component adds a touch of artistry, turning pantry staples into a soul-warming dish you’ll want on repeat.
- Olive Oil: Provides a silky base and helps brown your protein for a richer flavor foundation.
- Ground Chicken or Italian Sausage: Either adds heartiness; sausage brings garlicky spices while chicken keeps things lean and mild.
- Onion: Sweetens and softens as it cooks, building savory flavor and aroma.
- Garlic: The unmistakable backbone of Italian-inspired dishes—don’t skimp!
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that delivers signature lasagna taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a warming kick if you like subtle heat.
- Chicken Broth: The comforting, flavorful liquid that brings the soup together.
- Heavy Cream: Adds luscious creaminess and balances all the savory notes.
- Lasagna Noodles: Classic noodles, broken into pieces for slurpable fun. Swap for gluten-free if needed!
- Ricotta Cheese: The creamy signature of white lasagna, melted right in for body and tang.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty sharpness and depth. The finishing touch to a lasagna-flavored broth.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melting this in creates those dreamy, cheesy stretches you’d expect in lasagna.
- Fresh Spinach: A burst of green and a tender bite that cuts through all the richness.
- Fresh Parsley: The fresh finishing sprinkle that brightens each steamy bowl.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for pulling all the flavors into perfect harmony.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Protein
Heat your olive oil in a big pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground chicken or Italian sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it develop that beautiful golden color and savory aroma for about 5 to 6 minutes. You want every bite to be loaded with flavor from the start!
Step 2: Soften the Aromatics
Add your chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté them until the onion turns translucent and your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible—this only takes about 3 minutes. This step is where the soup starts to smell like a classic Italian kitchen.
Step 3: Spice It Up
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, optional red pepper flakes, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir it all up so the herbs and spices bloom in the oil—this quick move unlocks their full flavor magic.
Step 4: Build the Brothy Base
Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat until you reach a gentle boil. This is where the soup starts to come together, creating a savory base that’s ready to soak up all the next ingredients. If you want extra depth, splash in a bit of white wine before the broth for a chef’s trick.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Toss in those broken lasagna noodles. Let them simmer away, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes or until just tender. As the noodles cook, they soak up some of that delicious broth and start to thicken the soup.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream and Cheeses
Once your noodles are right where you want them, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Then comes the ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella—a triple cheese dream that instantly transforms everything into creamy, stretchy bliss. Stir until the cheeses melt together and make the broth velvety and rich.
Step 7: Add the Greens
Right before serving, toss in the chopped fresh spinach. It’ll wilt in just a minute or two, bringing color and freshness that perfectly balance the soup’s richness. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley and adjust seasonings to taste.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Don’t skip the finishing touches! A extra shower of chopped parsley or a pinch of extra Parmesan on top turns each bowl into a restaurant-worthy delight. If you want things even creamier, dollop a little more ricotta in the center for that wow factor.
Side Dishes
White Lasagna Soup loves company! Pair it with warm, crusty bread or chewy garlic knots to mop up every last creamy drop. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances things out and adds a refreshing crunch, making your meal feel complete without any fuss.
Creative Ways to Present
Go beyond the bowl by serving White Lasagna Soup in hollowed-out mini bread boules, or dish it up in large mugs for a cozy fireside meal. For family gatherings, present it in a Dutch oven at the center of the table so everyone can help themselves—perfect for sharing and passing around extra cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Lasagna Soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. As it sits, the noodles and cheese thicken the broth, so don’t worry if it looks a bit less “soupy” the next day. Store in an airtight container to keep things extra fresh.
Freezing
While this soup is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it in individual portions if needed. Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers—just know that the noodles might become softer after thawing. For best texture, consider cooking noodles separately and adding them when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat White Lasagna Soup gently over medium-low heat, stirring often so the cheese stays creamy and doesn’t separate. If it’s gotten thicker, splash in a bit of extra chicken broth or milk to bring it back to your desired consistency. Microwave reheating also works in a pinch; just cover and stir at intervals.
FAQs
Can I make White Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the ground chicken or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For even more flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or extra spinach to bulk it up.
Why do you break the lasagna noodles instead of using other pasta shapes?
Breaking lasagna noodles gives you that authentic lasagna feel in every bite and makes the soup extra fun to eat. If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute with smaller pasta shapes, but the broken noodles really give the soup its signature appeal.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the regular lasagna noodles. Everything else in this recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it’s a super easy swap for anyone avoiding wheat.
Will the soup thicken as it cools?
Yes, you’ll notice that the soup gets thicker as it sits and the pasta continues to absorb the broth. When reheating, you can always add a bit more broth or milk to make it as creamy or soupy as you like.
Can I add extra veggies?
Definitely! This soup is a great canvas for extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic for an extra boost of flavor, color, and nutrition.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you dip your spoon into a steaming bowl of White Lasagna Soup, you’ll understand why this is a forever favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your own soul on a chilly night, it’s the ultimate one-pot comfort food you’ll want to make on repeat. Give it a try and let the cozy, cheesy goodness speak for itself!
PrintWhite Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of a classic white lasagna in the form of a hearty soup. This creamy and cheesy soup is loaded with tender chicken or sausage, lasagna noodles, a trio of cheeses, and fresh spinach in a flavorful broth.
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken or Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup: Heat olive oil in a large pot. Cook ground chicken or sausage until browned. Add onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, and add lasagna noodles. Cook until tender.
- Finish the Soup: Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream. Add ricotta, Parmesan, mozzarella, and spinach. Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- For extra depth, add a splash of white wine before the broth.
- Soup thickens when reheating, add more broth if needed.
- Can be made with gluten-free pasta.