Name: White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 pound ground Italian sausage; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 cups chicken broth; 10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 ounces cream cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

If you have ever wished you could dive into the comforting, cheesy goodness of lasagna without waiting for it to bake, then you are absolutely going to love this White Lasagna Soup. This dish takes all the familiar flavors of a classic white lasagna—creamy sauce, savory Italian sausage, tender noodles—and transforms them into a delightful, warm soup that is as easy to make as it is delicious. Every spoonful offers a comforting hug of hearty ingredients, making White Lasagna Soup the perfect meal to cozy up with on any day.

White Lasagna Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of White Lasagna Soup lies in its simplicity and well-chosen ingredients. Each one adds its own unique touch to the overall flavor, texture, and color, combining effortlessly to create that classic Italian comfort food feeling in a bowl.

Olive oil: This is your flavor base, helping to sauté the onions and garlic beautifully.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth when softened, building the foundation of the soup’s flavor.
Garlic cloves: Minced for that aromatic kick that every Italian dish needs.
Ground Italian sausage: The star protein packed with herbs and spices for a savory boost.
Italian seasoning: A blend of fragrant herbs that enhances the overall taste complexity.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For just a little gentle heat, adding another dimension to the soup.
Salt: Essential for balancing and bringing out the natural flavors.
Chicken broth: A rich, flavorful base that keeps the soup light but satisfying.
Lasagna noodles: Broken into smaller pieces to mimic the pasta presence without needing layers.
Heavy cream: Contributes to the luscious, velvety texture of the soup.
Cream cheese: Melts into the broth for richness and a subtle tang that defines white lasagna flavors.
Fresh spinach: Chopped for a pop of color and a healthy touch that brightens the soup.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Stirred in at the end, melting perfectly for that gooey cheesy finish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty note that rounds off the creaminess.
Fresh basil: Used as a garnish to lift the dish with fragrant freshness and vibrant green hue.

How to Make White Lasagna Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Brown Sausage

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion and let it cook until it’s translucent and sweet, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until you catch that delicious garlic scent wafting through your kitchen. Next, add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with your spoon. Let it brown completely, which takes around 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial because it builds the savory backbone of the soup.

Step 2: Season and Add Broth

Once your sausage is beautifully browned, season the mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, and salt. Stir everything to combine, then pour in the chicken broth. Crank the heat up to bring the broth to a rolling boil. This gives you the rich base that’ll soak all the flavors as the soup cooks.

Step 3: Cook Pasta and Enrich the Broth

Break your lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the boiling broth. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes until just tender but still with a little bite. Keeping the noodles al dente ensures the soup has excellent texture. Then lower the heat, and stir in the cream cheese. Watch as it melts smoothly into the broth, creating that signature creamy swirl that makes White Lasagna Soup so irresistible.

Step 4: Add Cream and Spinach

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Toss in the chopped fresh spinach and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and blends seamlessly into the soup. This not only adds wonderful color but also a bit of fresh earthiness that balances the richness.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Basil

With the heat off, stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. They’ll melt slowly into the creamy broth, giving you that gooey cheesy goodness reminiscent of classic lasagna. Garnish with fresh basil right before serving to add a fresh herbal brightness and make the dish look just as stunning as it tastes.

How to Serve White Lasagna Soup

Garnishes

Fresh herbs make all the difference. Sprinkle bright green basil leaves or even a little extra Parmesan on top for an inviting look and an added flavor pop right before serving. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also elevate the final presentation and taste.

Side Dishes

White Lasagna Soup pairs beautifully with crisp garlic bread or toasted baguette slices. The bread is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. You can also serve a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon juice and olive oil to add a fresh, crunchy contrast that balances the richness of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for individual portions that wow your guests. Another idea is to top each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper for added texture and flavor surprises. You could even offer a small platter of additional toppings like chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for a customizable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Because it contains pasta, you may find it soaks up some broth over time, so you can easily add a splash of broth or water when reheating to bring it back to its perfect creamy consistency.

Freezing

You can freeze White Lasagna Soup, but because of the cream and pasta, the texture may change slightly. If freezing, omit the spinach and cheese before freezing and add fresh spinach and cheese when reheating to regain that fresh flavor and creamy texture. Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy meals later on.

Reheating

Reheat gently over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Adding a bit of chicken broth or cream can help loosen the soup if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving at high power for long periods to maintain the best texture and flavor profile.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Absolutely! While Italian sausage provides the classic flavor profile, you can substitute with turkey sausage or even a vegetarian sausage depending on your preference. Just be mindful of the seasoning, as it might affect the overall taste.

Is this soup spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes as an optional ingredient, so you can control the heat level. Without them, the soup has a mild, comforting flavor that everyone can enjoy.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Making this soup dairy-free would require some substitutions like coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and cream cheese, as well as dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor and texture will differ but it can still be delicious with the right tweaks.

What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?

You can substitute with broken spaghetti, fettuccine, or any sturdy pasta shape you have on hand. The key is to cook it until al dente so it holds up well in the soup.

Can I add other vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauté step for extra nutrition and flavor. Just keep in mind that adding more veggies might change the cooking time slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you love lasagna but want to keep things simple, quick, and incredibly cozy, you owe it to yourself to try making White Lasagna Soup. It’s a bowl full of creamy, cheesy love that warms you up and satisfies your cravings in less than an hour. Whip it up on a busy weeknight or impress friends with a comforting and unique twist on a classic dish. Trust me, once you try this soup, it’ll become a go-to in your recipe collection.

White Lasagna Soup Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 27 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

White Lasagna Soup is a cozy and creamy twist on the classic Italian lasagna, transforming its signature flavors into a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Featuring seasoned Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, fresh spinach, and a luscious white sauce made with cream cheese and heavy cream, this one-pot meal combines the best elements of lasagna into a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or quick dinners, it’s a hearty, satisfying dish that delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna without the effort of baking.

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, ensuring the garlic releases its aromatic oils without burning.
Cook Sausage: Add ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
Season: Season the sausage mixture with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and salt. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
Add Broth and Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook for 10-12 minutes until noodles reach al dente texture.
Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy base.
Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in heavy cream and chopped spinach, then simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the soup is heated through.
Add Cheeses: Turn off the heat and stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted, enriching the soup’s flavor and texture.
Garnish & Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors.

Notes

You can substitute ground Italian sausage with ground turkey for a leaner option.
For a spicier soup, increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this soup gluten-free.
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green variation.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Sautéing, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian