If you’ve ever wished you could dive into a bowl of your favorite lasagna but wanted something quicker, warmer, and a bit lighter, you’re going to adore this Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe. This comforting soup captures every beloved element of traditional white lasagna—from tender pasta to rich ricotta and creamy broth—without the hours of baking. It’s a bowl full of creamy, cheesy goodness combined with savory Italian sausage and fresh herbs that makes every spoonful feel like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly night or just a time you crave something special, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy those lasagna cravings in a whole new way.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Building a delicious Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe starts with simple, wholesome ingredients that bring layers of flavor and texture to the dish. Each component plays a key role: from the savory sausage that adds depth to the creamy sauce that keeps the soup rich and inviting.
- Italian sausage: Use spicy or mild for that perfect meatiness and a punch of seasoning.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic infuses the broth with earthiness and a wonderful aroma.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.
- Chicken broth: Creates the flavorful base that ties everything together.
- Ricotta cheese: Brings creamy richness reminiscent of lasagna layers.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty notes with every spoonful.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth luxuriously smooth and luscious.
- Baby spinach: Introduces freshness and vibrant color, keeping things light.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they soak up the broth beautifully.
- Fresh basil and parsley: Brighten the soup with aromatic herbal notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle heat that awakens the palate without overwhelming.
How to Make Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and crumble in your Italian sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, letting all those irresistible flavors develop. This step lays a savory foundation for your soup, so don’t rush it—getting that nice caramelization adds richness that will carry through every bite.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Once the sausage is ready, add diced onions and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onions soften and become translucent, allowing their natural sweetness to come forward. This creates a fragrant, flavorful base that perfectly complements the creamy broth you’ll add next.
Step 3: Add Broth and Noodles
Pour in the chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Then add broken lasagna noodles right into the pot. As the noodles cook, they’ll soak up the broth’s flavor, thickening the soup and giving it that hearty texture you expect from a lasagna-inspired dish.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Cheeses
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, ricotta, and Parmesan. These creamy ingredients turn your broth into a velvety sauce, mimicking the luscious layers of cheese in a classic white lasagna. It’s essential to add them slowly over gentle heat to prevent curdling and ensure a smooth, rich consistency.
Step 5: Add Greens and Herbs
Just before serving, fold in fresh baby spinach and chopped parsley and basil. They add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the soup beautifully. If you like a touch of spice, sprinkle in red pepper flakes here for a subtle kick.
How to Serve Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your bowl of Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe with a sprinkle of freshly shredded Parmesan and a few whole basil leaves. These simple garnishes not only lift the presentation but enhance the flavors by adding crunch and a fresh herbal aroma that makes every bite exciting.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best when paired with a warm, crusty bread or garlic knots to sop up every last drop of that creamy broth. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness, creating a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls or small ramekins for individual portions. You can also dollop extra ricotta or a spoonful of pesto on top to add layers of flavor and a lovely burst of color. It’s a fantastic way to elevate a comforting classic to something truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!
Freezing
This soup freezes well but be mindful that the texture of the cream and ricotta might change slightly. For best results, cool completely and freeze in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove, stirring often to bring back its creamy smoothness.
Reheating
Reheat your soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Stir frequently to prevent scorching, and if the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or water to reach the desired consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to keep the texture silky and prevent any curdling of the cheeses.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative that still adds plenty of flavor. Just be sure to season it a bit more if it’s milder than traditional Italian sausage.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, simply swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based Italian sausage alternative. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep the soup hearty and satisfying without the meat.
What type of pasta works best for this soup?
Broken lasagna noodles are traditional and perfect here since they mimic the pasta layers of lasagna but cook quickly in the soup. Alternatively, small pasta shapes like ditalini or broken penne can work well too.
Can I prepare this soup in advance for a dinner party?
Definitely! The Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have blended. Just finish adding the spinach and herbs fresh before serving to keep everything vibrant.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup is mild by default, but if you love spice, adding red pepper flakes during the final steps can give it a nice gentle heat without overpowering the creamy balance.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm, familiar embrace after a long day, and it always brings smiles around the table. If you’re craving comfort food with a twist, this soup is your new go-to. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
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Hearty White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Hearty White Lasagna Soup is a comforting, rich, and creamy Italian-inspired soup that captures the flavors of traditional lasagna. This soup features tender lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, all simmered in a flavorful garlic and herb broth. Perfect for cozy dinners, it combines the best elements of lasagna into an easy-to-make, satisfying soup.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Cheeses
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. This provides a rich, flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds to release its aroma.
- Pour in Broth and Season: Pour in the chicken broth, then add Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling broth and cook until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm, about 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Ricotta and Mozzarella: Lower the heat to gentle simmer and stir in the ricotta and shredded mozzarella cheese until well combined and creamy. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot for a comforting meal packed with lasagna flavors in a soupy form.
Notes
- Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or Swiss chard for variation.
- To save time, you can use pre-cooked lasagna noodles but adjust cook time accordingly.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely adding a splash of broth if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
