Imagine all the rich, decadent flavors of a classic white lasagna, but without the time-consuming layering and baking. This White Lasagna Soup recipe delivers that cozy, comforting experience in a single pot. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening and is sure to become a new family favorite.
We’ve crafted this recipe to be as simple as possible, making it an ideal weeknight dinner. In about 45 minutes, you can have a gourmet-tasting soup on the table that everyone will love.
Why This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is a Must-Try
This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it again and again.
- One-Pot Wonder: Forget about a sink full of dishes. Everything, from browning the sausage to simmering the soup, happens in one pot for minimal cleanup.
- Unbelievably Creamy: A trifecta of ricotta, Parmesan, and heavy cream creates a luxuriously smooth and rich broth that perfectly coats every noodle.
- Customizable & Versatile: Easily swap the sausage for chicken, add spinach for extra nutrients, or dial up the heat with some red pepper flakes. It’s your soup, your way!
The Key Ingredients for Creamy White Lasagna Soup
The magic of this soup lies in using simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature creamy texture and savory flavor.
For the Soup Base
- Italian Sausage: Mild or hot, based on your preference. It provides the savory, seasoned foundation.
- Aromatics: A simple mix of yellow onion and fresh garlic builds a deep layer of flavor.
- Chicken Broth: Use a quality low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the final dish.
- Seasoning: Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are all you need to enhance the Italian-inspired flavors.
For the Cheesy Richness
- Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta is essential for a truly creamy and authentic taste.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty bite.
- Heavy Cream: This is the key to a silky, luxurious broth that feels incredibly decadent.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For that glorious, cheesy topping just before serving.
The “Lasagna” Elements
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they cook directly in the soup, absorbing all the delicious flavors. Mafalda or campanelle pasta also work wonderfully.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a touch of brightness and color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect bowl of white lasagna soup.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Soup: Pour in the chicken broth and add the oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Cook according to package directions, typically 10-12 minutes, until al dente.
- Make It Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir gently until the cheeses are melted and the soup is creamy. Do not let it boil.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls. Top with shredded mozzarella, a sprinkle of fresh parsley, and an extra dash of Parmesan.
Pro Tips for the Best Lasagna Soup
A few simple tricks can elevate your soup from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Skimp on Dairy: For the creamiest texture, use full-fat ricotta and heavy cream. Low-fat versions won’t melt as smoothly and can result in a thinner soup.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: The pasta will continue to soften in the hot broth as it sits. Cooking it al dente prevents it from becoming mushy, especially if you plan on having leftovers.
- Season to Taste: Different brands of Italian sausage and chicken broth have varying salt levels. Taste the soup before serving and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Fun Variations to Try
While this recipe is fantastic as is, it’s also a great base for customization. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add Leafy Greens: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking and let it wilt into the soup for added nutrients and color.
- Switch the Protein: Not a fan of sausage? Shredded rotisserie chicken or ground chicken are excellent substitutes. For a spicy kick, consider making a version inspired by spicy chicken flavors.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a gentle, warming heat throughout the soup. Another great option is our Italian Sausage Soup for more inspiration.
What to Serve with Your Soup
This White Lasagna Soup is a hearty meal on its own, but a simple side can complete the experience. We highly recommend serving it with crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the creamy broth. A fresh loaf of homemade ciabatta bread is an excellent choice. A simple green salad tossed in a creamy balsamic dressing also provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This soup makes for fantastic leftovers! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb more liquid as they sit, so the soup will thicken. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy-based broth can separate upon thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Brown the sausage and sauté the onions and garlic first, then transfer to a slow cooker. Add the broth and seasonings and cook on low for 4-5 hours. In the last 30 minutes, turn the heat to high, add the broken noodles, and cook until tender. Finally, stir in the cream and cheeses just before serving.
Absolutely! This recipe is delicious with ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even ground turkey. If using pre-cooked chicken, add it in during the last 5 minutes of cooking just to heat through.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the soup, as the noodles will have absorbed some of the liquid.
The soup will naturally thicken as the noodles release starch and the cheese melts. If you’d like it even thicker, you can let it simmer for a few extra minutes uncovered. It will also thicken considerably as it cools and sits.
Broken lasagna noodles are traditional, but any medium pasta shape with ridges to hold the creamy sauce works well. Try mafalda, campanelle, or even shells for a fun twist.
The Creamiest White Lasagna Soup Recipe
White Lasagna Soup: The Creamiest, Easiest Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess grease from the pot.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
- Pour in the chicken broth, then season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally, about 10-12 minutes or according to package instructions.
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese until everything is melted and the soup is creamy. Avoid letting the soup boil after this point.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Garnish with shredded mozzarella cheese, fresh parsley, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Notes
The noodles will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits. When reheating leftovers, you may need to add a splash of broth or milk to thin it to your desired consistency.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this creamy White Lasagna Soup. It’s a hug in a bowl that we know you’ll absolutely love. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
