Name: White Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb Italian beef sausage; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (15 oz) can white beans, drained and rinsed; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups spinach, chopped; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

White Lasagna Soup is an extraordinary culinary creation that promises to revolutionize your approach to comfort food. Imagine, for a moment, the luscious, creamy layers of your most cherished white lasagna, brimming with savory goodness and delicate flavors, now reimagined into a single, deeply satisfying bowl of soup. This innovative dish captures the very essence of that beloved classic, offering an unparalleled experience that is both sophisticated and incredibly approachable.

While the traditional lasagna boasts a rich and storied history, with its origins tracing back through centuries of Italian culinary heritage, our White Lasagna Soup draws inspiration from the elegant ‘lasagna bianca,’ a Northern Italian masterpiece celebrated for its luxurious béchamel sauce and absence of tomato. I’ve found that people absolutely adore this soup because it delivers all the intricate flavors and comforting textures of its layered counterpart without the extensive prep time. You get the perfectly tender pasta pieces, the rich, seasoned meat (or a delicious vegetarian alternative), the decadent, béchamel-inspired creaminess, and the irresistible blend of melted mozzarella and creamy ricotta, all harmoniously combined. It’s truly the ultimate solution for those busy evenings when you crave something deeply flavorful and soul-warming, providing a convenient yet indulgent twist on a timeless favorite.

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 pound ground chicken or turkey, or a plant-based ground alternative for a vegetarian version (optional, but highly recommended for a hearty White Lasagna Soup)
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but adds a lovely subtle warmth to our White Lasagna Soup)
6 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth, divided
2 cups water
12-15 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-3 inch pieces (we’re going for bite-sized lasagna magic in our soup!)
1/2 cup heavy cream
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus extra for serving
5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Prepping Our Ingredients for the White Lasagna Soup Base

First things first, let’s get organized! This will make our cooking process for this amazing White Lasagna Soup so much smoother and more enjoyable. Take out your largest Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed stockpot – this is where all the magic is going to happen.
Begin by finely dicing your yellow onion. We want nice, small pieces here so they can melt into the soup and provide a sweet, foundational flavor without being overtly chunky. Then, move on to your garlic. Peel and mince those cloves well. Fresh garlic makes an enormous difference in the depth of flavor for our soup base, so don’t be shy!
If you’re using ground chicken or turkey, make sure it’s at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before you start cooking. This helps it brown more evenly. If you’re going vegetarian, you can prepare your plant-based ground alternative according to package directions or simply skip this step and move directly to sautéing the aromatics.
For our creamy elements, make sure your cream cheese is softened. I usually take it out of the fridge about an hour before I plan to cook. This ensures it will melt smoothly into our soup, preventing any lumps and giving us that perfect, velvety texture that defines a great White Lasagna Soup. Have your heavy cream, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella ready to go. Grating your Parmesan fresh really does elevate the flavor profile; pre-grated cheeses sometimes have anti-caking agents that can affect melt and texture.
Finally, break your lasagna noodles into manageable, bite-sized pieces. I find breaking them into about 2-3 inch sections works perfectly. This way, you get that delightful lasagna texture without having to wrestle with long strands in your soup. It’s all about making every spoonful of our White Lasagna Soup easy and delicious!

Building the Flavorful White Lasagna Soup Base

Now, let’s get cooking! Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in your large Dutch oven or stockpot over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering and looks ready, add your ground chicken or turkey (if using). Break it up with a wooden spoon and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned all over and no longer pink. This browning step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors in our White Lasagna Soup. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the meat to a separate plate, leaving any rendered fat in the pot. We’ll add it back later.
If you skipped the meat, simply proceed to the next step with the olive oil already in the pot. Reduce the heat to medium, and add your finely diced yellow onion to the pot. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes wonderfully softened and translucent. We’re looking for that sweet, aromatic base that will infuse our entire soup with flavor.
Next up, add your minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the softened onions. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic here, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and impact the overall taste of your White Lasagna Soup. This quick sauté helps to toast the spices, releasing their full aromatic potential.
Pour in 6 cups of chicken or vegetable broth and 2 cups of water. Scrape the bottom of the pot with your wooden spoon to loosen any browned bits – this is called “deglazing” and it adds an incredible layer of flavor to our broth. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows all the flavors from the aromatics and seasonings to meld beautifully and develop a rich, complex base for our White Lasagna Soup. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor will be, within reason of course.

Adding the Pasta and Creamy Elements for Our White Lasagna Soup

After the broth has had a good simmer, it’s time to introduce our lasagna noodles! Carefully add the broken lasagna noodle pieces to the simmering broth. Stir gently to ensure they are submerged and don’t stick together. Increase the heat slightly to maintain a gentle boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions, or until they are al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them and stir frequently, as lasagna noodles can be prone to sticking to the bottom of the pot or to each other. We want them tender but still with a slight bite – perfect for a soup.
While the pasta is cooking, let’s prepare our glorious creamy base. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and the whole milk ricotta cheese. Use a fork or a small whisk to mix them together until relatively smooth. It doesn’t need to be perfectly smooth at this stage, but we want to break down any large lumps to ensure a seamless integration into our soup.
Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream. Then, add the cream cheese and ricotta mixture, spoonful by spoonful, whisking constantly until it is fully incorporated and smooth. This is where our White Lasagna Soup truly starts to transform into its signature creamy, luscious self. Be patient and keep whisking gently to avoid any lumps.
Next, it’s time for the cheese! Stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue to stir until all the cheese has melted beautifully into the soup, creating a rich, velvety texture. The aroma in your kitchen right now should be absolutely divine! This combination of cheeses provides the classic lasagna flavor profile we’re aiming for in this soup.
If you set aside your cooked ground chicken or turkey, now is the time to add it back into the pot. Give everything a good stir to ensure the meat is evenly distributed throughout the creamy, cheesy soup.

Finishing Touches and Achieving That Signature Creaminess

Finally, add the roughly chopped fresh spinach to the pot. Stir it in gently. The heat from the soup will quickly wilt the spinach, adding a lovely pop of color and a touch of freshness to our rich White Lasagna Soup. It should only take a minute or two for the spinach to become tender and vibrant.
Now for the all-important seasoning check. Taste the soup. This is your moment to make it perfect! Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to your preference. Remember, the broth and cheeses already contribute some salt, so add a little at a time, tasting after each addition. If you feel it needs a bit more depth or warmth, a tiny pinch more of Italian seasoning or red pepper flakes can be added. Don’t be afraid to adjust seasonings to your personal taste. This step is critical for a truly outstanding White Lasagna Soup.
Serve your magnificent White Lasagna Soup immediately. Ladle generous portions into bowls. For that extra touch of gourmet appeal and flavor, garnish each bowl with an additional sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a scattering of shredded mozzarella, and a generous flourish of fresh chopped basil or parsley. A little drizzle of good quality extra virgin olive oil can also add a beautiful sheen and richness.

Serving Our Delicious White Lasagna Soup

This White Lasagna Soup is a meal in itself, hearty and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for a cozy night in, a family dinner, or even a comforting dish to share with friends. The beauty of this soup is that it captures all the beloved flavors and textures of a traditional white lasagna, but in an easy-to-eat, comforting soup form.
Pair it with some crusty garlic bread or a simple side salad to complete the meal. The bread is particularly good for soaking up every last drop of that creamy, cheesy broth! For any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much, to bring it back to its luxurious consistency.
Enjoy the process of creating this incredibly comforting and flavorful White Lasagna Soup. It’s a dish that truly warms the soul and satisfies those cravings for something rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.

Conclusion:

So, there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the simple steps to create a truly exceptional dish, and I sincerely hope you’re as excited as I am about the prospect of bringing this culinary delight into your own kitchen. This isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a revelation, a creamy, comforting hug in a bowl that effortlessly combines the intricate flavors of a classic lasagna with the delightful ease of a soup. I truly believe that once you taste it, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about sharing this particular creation. It offers that deeply satisfying, hearty texture you crave from Italian comfort food, but without the extensive layering and baking time typically associated with traditional lasagna. Imagine a weeknight dinner that feels gourmet but comes together with surprising speed and minimal fuss – that’s exactly what we’ve achieved here. The rich, velvety broth, the tender pasta, the perfect blend of cheeses, all culminate in an experience that is both familiar and utterly unique.

Why This Recipe is an Absolute Must-Try:

Firstly, the sheer convenience is unparalleled. Forget the hours spent meticulously assembling a full lasagna; this soup delivers all those beloved flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something incredibly flavorful and homemade, rather than relying on takeout. Secondly, the flavor profile is simply divine. The blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a luxurious creaminess that is utterly irresistible, perfectly balanced by savory herbs and a robust base. It’s rich without being heavy, comforting without being bland. This combination ensures every spoonful is a journey of delightful textures and tastes. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser through and through. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to something special after a long day, this soup will undoubtedly earn rave reviews. It’s the kind of dish that makes people ask for the recipe, making you feel like a culinary superstar without all the extra effort. It’s comfort food redefined, offering warmth and satisfaction in every delicious, creamy bite.

Serving Suggestions & Exciting Variations:

Now, let’s talk about elevating your experience even further! While this soup is absolutely fantastic on its own, a few thoughtful additions can truly transform it into an unforgettable meal. I love serving it with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for a vibrant pop of color and a fresh, aromatic finish – it truly awakens the senses. A crusty baguette or some warm, cheesy garlic bread is practically mandatory for dipping into and soaking up every last drop of that incredible, creamy broth; you won’t want to waste a single drop! A simple side salad with a light, tangy vinaigrette also provides a lovely contrast, cutting through the richness of the soup and adding a fresh element to your meal, creating a perfectly balanced dinner. For those who enjoy a little extra kick, a dash of red pepper flakes stirred in at the end, or a drizzle of spicy olive oil, can add a wonderful warmth that really brings out the savory notes of the cheese and herbs.

But why stop there? This White Lasagna Soup recipe is incredibly adaptable, practically inviting you to put your own creative spin on it. If you’re looking to add more protein, consider stirring in some shredded rotisserie chicken during the last few minutes of cooking for an even heartier meal, transforming it into a complete one-bowl wonder. Cooked Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference), crumbled and browned before adding to the soup base, would also be a phenomenal addition, infusing it with extra savory depth and a robust character. For my vegetarian friends, feel free to load it up with extra veggies! Sautéed spinach, finely diced zucchini, or even finely chopped mushrooms could be folded in, adding texture, nutrients, and even more layers of flavor without compromising the core deliciousness. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different cheese blends too! A touch of fontina for extra meltiness and a nutty flavor, or some provolone for a sharper, more piquant bite, could introduce exciting new dimensions. This is truly where the magic of cooking comes alive – making a cherished recipe uniquely your own!

Your Turn to Experience the Magic!

I genuinely can’t wait for you to try this incredible recipe. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a moment of comforting indulgence that I believe everyone deserves, especially after a long day. So, gather your ingredients, set aside a little time, and prepare to be utterly amazed by the rich, satisfying flavors and comforting warmth of this magnificent White Lasagna Soup. Once you’ve created your own bowl of creamy perfection, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, don’t keep your culinary triumphs to yourself. Share your experiences, your innovative serving suggestions, or any brilliant variations you come up with in the comments below. Did you add extra garlic? Did you use a different type of pasta or a unique blend of cheeses? Did your family rave about it and ask for seconds? Your feedback, shared joy, and creative ideas are what make this community so vibrant and inspiring for all of us home cooks. Happy cooking, and I eagerly await your delicious stories!