White Lasagna Soup Recipe

What is White Lasagna Soup?

White Lasagna Soup is a creamy, dreamy twist on the classic lasagna we all love, but with a comforting, soupy flair. Instead of layers of pasta, meat, and sauce, all the flavors come together in a rich broth, loaded with tender lasagna noodles, ground meat, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach.

It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that brings the comforting taste of lasagna into a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love traditional lasagna but are looking for something a bit different (and easier), this White Lasagna Soup is for you. It’s simpler to make than baking a lasagna, but it doesn’t skimp on those beloved creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. Plus, it’s perfect for cozy nights when you need a quick but indulgent dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ingredients

1. Chop the Veggies and Meat: Start by chopping any aromatics (like onions and garlic) and prepping your ground meat.
2. Break the Lasagna Noodles: If using lasagna noodles, break them into bite-sized pieces. You want them to fit easily in a spoonful of soup.

Cooking the Meat and Aromatics

1. Brown the Meat: In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground chicken or turkey until fully cooked.
2. Add the Aromatics: Once the meat is cooked, toss in chopped onions and garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and soft.

Making the Creamy Broth

1. Add Chicken Broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This forms the base of your soup.
2. Add Cream Cheese and Parmesan: Slowly stir in the cream cheese and Parmesan until melted and incorporated into the broth, creating a rich, creamy texture.

Cooking the Noodles

1. Add Broken Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until they’re tender, about 10-12 minutes.
2. Stir Frequently: Make sure to stir the soup often so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot.

Combining the Soup

1. Add Spinach: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the fresh spinach leaves. They’ll wilt quickly into the hot soup.
2. Season to Taste: Add salt, pepper, and any other spices you prefer, such as Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

Tips for the Perfect White Lasagna Soup

Choosing the Right Meat

Ground chicken or turkey works best for a lighter soup, but if you’re a fan of beef, feel free to use that for a richer flavor. You can also opt for a combination of meats for extra depth.

How to Get a Creamy Consistency

The cream cheese is key to making the soup silky smooth. Be sure to let it melt completely into the broth, stirring often to avoid lumps.

Preventing Overcooked Noodles

It’s important to cook the noodles right in the soup, but be careful not to overcook them. They’ll continue to soften as the soup sits, so aim for al dente when you first cook them.

Serving Suggestions

Garnishing the Soup

For a picture-perfect presentation, sprinkle the soup with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. A drizzle of olive oil or a dash of red pepper flakes can add a final touch of flavor.

What to Serve Alongside

This soup pairs wonderfully with a crusty piece of garlic bread or a side salad. For a lighter option, try serving it with roasted vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

Variations of White Lasagna Soup

Vegetarian White Lasagna Soup

Skip the meat and double up on the vegetables! You can add more spinach, mushrooms, or even zucchini to create a hearty vegetarian version. Swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Dairy-Free Option

To make a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese and Parmesan substitute. Coconut milk can also be used to add creaminess without the dairy.

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free option, simply use gluten-free lasagna noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta shape.

Nutritional Information

Calories per Serving

Each serving of White Lasagna Soup comes in at about 400-500 calories, depending on the type of meat and cheese used.

Making a Lighter Version

If you’re looking to cut down on calories, you can use low-fat cream cheese, skim milk, and reduce the amount of Parmesan. You can also swap the noodles for zucchini noodles or another low-carb pasta substitute.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing the Soup

Store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up some of the broth as it sits, so you might need to add a bit more liquid when reheating.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, simply warm the soup over low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.

Conclusion

White Lasagna Soup is a delicious, comforting twist on the traditional lasagna that’s perfect for cold nights or whenever you’re craving something creamy and indulgent. The combination of tender noodles, savory meat, rich cheese, and fresh spinach creates a bowl of soup that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Whether you make it as part of a weeknight dinner or serve it at a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes! While lasagna noodles are traditional for this recipe, you can easily substitute any pasta you have on hand, like penne, farfalle, or even broken spaghetti.

How long does the soup last in the fridge?

The soup will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt, or even mascarpone as a substitute for cream cheese, though the flavor and texture will vary slightly.

Can I make this soup in advance?

Absolutely! You can prepare the soup a day ahead, but keep the noodles separate until you’re ready to serve, to prevent them from getting too soft.

Yield: 6

White Lasagna Soup Recipe

Print

White Lasagna Soup is a creamy, dreamy twist on the classic lasagna we all love, but with a comforting, soupy flair. Instead of layers of pasta, meat, and sauce, all the flavors come together in a rich broth, loaded with tender lasagna noodles, ground meat, creamy cheese, and fresh spinach. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that brings the comforting taste of lasagna into a bowl.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Soup:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 8-10 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Garnish:
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Additional Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the pot and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat in the pot.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Build the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and cooked sausage. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
5. Make the Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, and milk, stirring until smooth.
6. Add the Cheeses and Spinach: Stir the ricotta mixture, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese into the soup until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated. Add the fresh spinach (if using) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted.
7. Season and Serve: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh basil or parsley, extra Parmesan cheese, and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

Lasagna Noodles: Make sure to break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup. You can also substitute with other pasta shapes like mafaldine or bow-tie pasta.

Sausage Substitutes: You can use ground chicken, turkey, or beef if you prefer. For a vegetarian option, use plant-based sausage or mushrooms.

Make Ahead Tip: The soup thickens as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding more broth or milk if needed to adjust the consistency.

Freezing: This soup can be frozen before adding the dairy. When ready to serve, thaw and heat, then stir in the cream, milk, and cheeses.