If you are craving cozy comfort food with a fresh twist, this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine all the creamy, cheesy goodness of traditional lasagna, but in a warm, inviting bowl that’s ready in just 30 minutes. It’s a delightful medley of savory Italian sausage, tender broken lasagna noodles, luscious ricotta, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, all swimming in a rich, creamy broth. This soup captures the best parts of lasagna without the fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe calls for simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create spectacular flavors and textures. Each element plays an important role, from the savory sausage that adds depth to the creamy cheeses that deliver that iconic lasagna richness, to the fresh herbs that brighten every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a flavorful base that helps brown the sausage and soften the aromatics.
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled: Offers a robust, spiced meatiness essential for that true Italian taste.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and complexity when sautéed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that elevates the broth.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base of the soup, keeping it light yet flavorful.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Adds indulgent creaminess and richness to the broth.
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese: Provides a smooth, creamy texture reminiscent of classic lasagna layers.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, lending gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the soup.
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Perfectly sized to create that distinctive lasagna experience in a spoonful.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the rich flavors.
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish: Brightens the dish with color and herbal freshness.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in the sausage’s savory flavors and creates a tasty base for your soup. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside—don’t rinse the pot; all those flavorful bits left behind are gold for the next steps!
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Using the same pot with the sausage drippings, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic releases its aroma. This combination builds the soup’s aromatic foundation, adding sweetness and zest that make every spoonful so satisfying.
Step 3: Add Broth, Cream, and Ricotta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in the ricotta cheese until everything is well combined. Bring this delicious mixture to a gentle simmer. The ricotta melts into the broth, creating a luxuriously creamy texture that channels all the comforting vibes of traditional lasagna sauce, but in a wonderfully sippable form.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Next, add the broken lasagna noodles right into the pot. Let them cook for about 10 minutes or until tender. This is where the soup takes on the signature lasagna feel, with familiar pasta bites that soak up all the creamy, cheesy goodness surrounding them.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses and Season
Once the noodles are just right, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The cheeses melt down into the broth, thickening it slightly and making it irresistibly cheesy and flavorful. Adjust the seasoning so every spoonful sings.
Step 6: Return Sausage and Finish Cooking
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and let the soup simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes so all the flavors harmonize beautifully. This final simmer brings everything together, ensuring the sausage is heated through and perfectly integrated with the creamy, cheesy broth and tender noodles.
Step 7: Ready to Serve
Once the soup is piping hot and all the flavors have married, it’s time to ladle that comfort into bowls, ready for your favorite garnishes. This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is now a creamy, hearty, and utterly delightful meal, perfect for warming up any day.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowls with fresh basil or parsley to add a pop of color and a fragrant herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the soup. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a drizzle of good olive oil can also elevate the presentation and flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or crusty bread to soak up every last bit of cheesy broth. Garlic bread or a simple bruschetta with ripe tomatoes and basil also make excellent companions for a satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in individual bread bowls or alongside a small antipasto plate. You could also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat or add sautéed mushrooms for an extra savory note that complements the richness perfectly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover White Lasagna Soup Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This soup freezes well if you want to prepare it in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup and recapture that fresh, creamy texture, as pasta tends to absorb liquid when stored.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work well, though you might want to add some Italian seasoning to mimic the sausage’s herbs and spice for that authentic flavor.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth. You can boost the flavor by adding sautéed mushrooms or a variety of your favorite vegetables for richness and texture.
Can I substitute ricotta with something else?
If you don’t have ricotta on hand, cottage cheese blended until smooth is a decent alternative, though the texture and creaminess will be slightly different. Cream cheese could also work in a pinch for a similar richness.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Breaking the noodles into smaller pieces and cooking them directly in the soup helps, but to avoid mushiness, try adding the noodles later in the cooking process, so they finish cooking just before serving.
Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Definitely! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with another gluten-free pasta shape. Just keep an eye on cooking times since gluten-free noodles can cook faster.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is the ultimate hug in a bowl, combining creamy cheese, comforting noodles, and savory sausage in one easy-to-make dish. It’s perfect for busy nights when you want lasagna flavors without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing this cozy deliciousness with everyone you love.
Print
White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This comforting White Lasagna Soup captures all the flavors of a classic lasagna in a cozy, creamy soup form. Featuring Italian sausage, a blend of cheeses, tender lasagna noodles, and aromatic herbs, this hearty dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Dairy
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (15 oz) ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Seasoning
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes, taking care not to brown the garlic.
- Add liquids and ricotta: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and add the ricotta cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients smoothly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles into the simmering soup. Cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheeses and seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses until melted and evenly distributed. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine sausage and finish cooking: Return the browned sausage to the pot and stir well. Let the soup cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through and allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey sausage for a leaner option or a vegetarian sausage for a meatless version.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, cook a little longer to reduce the liquid or add more cheese.
- Use fresh basil or parsley just before serving to keep the herbaceous flavor bright.
- This soup reheats well and makes great leftovers for up to 2 days.
- Gluten-free lasagna noodles can be used to adapt this recipe for gluten sensitivities.
