A Hearty Favorite – The Story Behind White Lasagna Soup
White Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution when you crave the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something faster and easier to enjoy. I love how this soup captures all the cheesy, savory goodness of traditional lasagna in a single bowl. The aroma of sausage, garlic, and herbs simmering together fills the kitchen, making it feel warm and inviting. Every spoonful is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—just like a hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need for This Creamy Soup
To make this indulgent yet approachable dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can white beans, rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken
- Salt & pepper to taste
Using fresh sausage and quality cheeses makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Browning the Sausage – Building a Flavorful Base
Start by cooking the Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat until nicely browned. This step renders the fat and gives the soup a deep, savory foundation. Once browned, remove the sausage and set it aside. I like to leave a little bit of fat in the pot—it adds extra flavor to the vegetables.
Sautéing Aromatics and Simmering the Soup
In the same pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened. The smell is incredible at this stage, rich and savory. Add the chicken broth and white beans, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This combination creates a creamy, hearty base for the soup that’s already comforting before any cheese is added.
Adding the Cream and Cheeses
Once the broth and beans are simmering, stir in the heavy cream, chopped spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. I love how the cheeses melt slowly, creating a velvety texture that coats every spoonful. The spinach adds a touch of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the cheeses.
Cooking the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Cook until tender, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together. The broken noodles give the soup a satisfying body, echoing the layered texture of a traditional lasagna.
Combining with the Sausage
Return the cooked sausage to the pot and stir gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and allow the soup to simmer a few more minutes so all the flavors meld together. At this point, you’ll notice the soup is thick, creamy, and loaded with cheesy, meaty goodness.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Serve the White Lasagna Soup hot, ideally with a side of garlic bread to soak up the creamy broth. Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for a finishing touch. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove to prevent the cheese from separating.
Variations to Try
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You can also swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey or chicken. Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture. If you like a little spice, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top before serving.
Nutrition Snapshot
This soup is hearty and filling, offering a good balance of protein from the sausage and beans, plus calcium and vitamins from the cheeses and spinach. While indulgent, portion control and pairing it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables can make it part of a balanced meal.
Tips and Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! The soup actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to meld.
Do the noodles get mushy if I store leftovers? Slightly, yes. To prevent this, store the noodles separately or undercook them slightly before adding to the soup.
Can I freeze this soup? It’s best eaten fresh because the cream and cheeses may separate when frozen.
Can I use gluten-free noodles? Absolutely. Just check the cooking time and add them toward the end to avoid overcooking.
White Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when guests come over. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors, it’s a modern twist on a classic favorite.
