Creamy White Lasagna Soup is the culinary equivalent of a warm, fuzzy blanket on a rainy afternoon. There is something fundamentally healing about the combination of savory herbs, rich dairy, and tender pasta that speaks to the soul. While a traditional layered lasagna is a masterpiece of architecture and time, this soup version offers the same decadent flavor profile without the hours of prep and heavy cleanup. If you are looking for a dinner that feels like a celebration but fits into a busy weeknight, you have found your match.
The Ultimate Comfort: Why You’ll Love It
Our Creamy White Lasagna Soup stands out because it strikes the perfect balance between luxury and accessibility. Most people love the cheesy, garlicky depth of white lasagna, but few have the time to boil noodles, prepare a béchamel, and layer everything into a dish to bake. This recipe simplifies the process into a single pot. It captures the essence of the classic dish—the spicy kick of Italian sausage, the creaminess of ricotta, and the brightness of fresh spinach—while providing the soothing warmth of a broth-based meal.
This soup is also incredibly filling. Thanks to the addition of white beans, it provides extra protein and fiber, making it a complete meal in a bowl. It is also a fantastic way to introduce more greens into your diet, as the spinach wilts down into the creamy broth, adding color and nutrients without overpowering the dish. Whether you are serving it to picky children or hosting a cozy dinner party, this Creamy White Lasagna Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that people will ask for again and again.
Ingredients for Creamy White Lasagna Soup
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating a masterpiece. Quality matters here, especially with the sausage and cheeses. For the best flavor, look for a high-quality Italian sausage—mild or hot, depending on your spice preference. If you enjoy a bit of heat, hot Italian sausage adds a wonderful complexity to the Creamy White Lasagna Soup broth.
- 1 lb Italian sausage
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (15 oz) can of white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
Notes and Substitutions
If you prefer a lighter version of Creamy White Lasagna Soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, though the final texture will be slightly less indulgent. For those looking for more recipes, check out The Most Comforting Easy Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Ground Beef You'll Ever Crave for another pasta favorite. You can also swap the spinach for kale if you prefer a hardier green; just be sure to simmer it slightly longer. If you need a vegetarian option, similar flavors can be found in our guide to The Most Heartwarming Creamy Cajun Potato Soup That Will Warm Your Very Soul by substituting the sausage for mushrooms.
Essential Equipment
One of the best parts about making Creamy White Lasagna Soup is the minimal equipment required. You will primarily need a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed stockpot to ensure even heating. A Quality Chef's Knife is essential for quickly dicing the onions and mincing the garlic. Additionally, have a sturdy wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula for browning the meat and stirring the soup, along with a colander for rinsing your beans.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Step 1: In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Use your spoon to break the meat into bite-sized crumbles.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and add the broken lasagna noodles. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender (al dente).
- Step 4: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the drained white beans and the heavy cream. This is what gives the Creamy White Lasagna Soup its signature velvety texture.
- Step 5: Add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted. The residual heat from the soup is usually enough to cook the spinach perfectly.
- Step 6: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted. Serve in deep bowls topped with a generous dollop of ricotta cheese and extra black pepper if desired.
Pro Tips for Perfection
To truly master Creamy White Lasagna Soup, pay attention to your noodles. Broken lasagna noodles add a rustic, homemade feel, but they can soak up a lot of liquid if left to sit. If you aren't serving the soup immediately, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl. This prevents them from becoming mushy. Another tip is to use fresh garlic rather than the pre-minced jarred variety; the flavor difference in a delicate white broth is significant. Finally, don't skimp on the ricotta garnish—it’s the hallmark of any lasagna-inspired dish!
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serve your Creamy White Lasagna Soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a light Caesar salad. For leftovers, store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water as the noodles will continue to absorb liquid. For a variation, try adding roasted red peppers or sundried tomatoes for a pop of sweetness. If you want to explore more soup techniques, you can reference the culinary principles found on Wikipedia's Lasagna page.
Nutrition Information
The following table provides the estimated nutritional values for one serving of Creamy White Lasagna Soup. Please note that these values can vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 580 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Fat | 30g |
Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and should not be used for medical purposes.
Conclusion
There is no better way to end a long day than with a steaming bowl of Creamy White Lasagna Soup. It is rich, satisfying, and filled with the nostalgic flavors of a classic Italian kitchen. By following this simple one-pot method, you can bring a gourmet meal to your table in under thirty minutes. We hope this soup brings as much warmth and joy to your home as it does to ours. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Can I use chicken instead of Italian sausage in this soup?
Yes! You can easily substitute the Italian sausage with ground chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even ground turkey for a leaner version of Creamy White Lasagna Soup.
How do I prevent the lasagna noodles from getting too mushy?
To prevent soggy noodles, cook them until they are just 'al dente'. If you plan on having leftovers, you might consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to each bowl just before serving.
Is Creamy White Lasagna Soup freezer-friendly?
While you can freeze the broth and sausage base, the dairy (heavy cream and ricotta) and the noodles do not freeze well. For best results, freeze the base before adding dairy/noodles, or consume the soup within 3-4 days from the fridge.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes. Brown the sausage and onions first, then add them to the crockpot with the broth, garlic, and beans. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Add the noodles and heavy cream in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Creamy White Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A decadent, one-pot white lasagna in soup form featuring Italian sausage, a three-cheese blend, and fresh spinach.
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can of white beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups spinach, chopped
1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot, brown the Italian sausage over medium-high heat until fully cooked; drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft, then stir in the minced garlic for another minute.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and add the broken lasagna noodles; simmer for 10-12 minutes until noodles are tender.
Step 4: Stir in the white beans and heavy cream, allowing the soup to return to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
Step 6: Remove from heat, stir in mozzarella and Parmesan, then serve topped with a dollop of ricotta cheese.
Notes
Use hot Italian sausage for an extra kick of flavor. If reheating, add a bit of broth as the noodles absorb liquid over time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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