Lasagna is one of those comfort foods that seems to always hit the spot-rich, cheesy, hearty, and full of flavor. But sometimes, the traditional lasagna can feel a little heavy or maybe just a bit too much for a lighter, quicker meal. That’s where Creamy White Lasagna Soup comes in. It’s a brilliant twist on the classic dish, combining all of the delicious flavors of lasagna in a light, brothy form.
This soup captures everything we love about lasagna: the creamy sauce, savory ground meat, and gooey cheese-all while keeping things cozy and satisfying. And let’s be honest, the idea of slurping up lasagna in soup form is just too fun to pass up.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
- Comforting: The creamy texture and bold flavors are guaranteed to make you feel warm and content.
- Less Heavy: Unlike the traditional layered lasagna, this soup offers a more broth-based, lighter approach without sacrificing the taste.
- Easy to Make: No need to worry about layering pasta sheets or baking it in the oven-everything comes together in one pot on the stove.
- Customizable: You can tweak ingredients to fit your preferences or dietary restrictions.
Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delicious soup!
Creamy White Lasagna Soup Recipe
This creamy, comforting soup will fill your home with irresistible smells while also satisfying your cravings for lasagna, all in a fraction of the time. The creamy base, mixed with the savory richness of ground meat, fresh herbs, and the melted mozzarella, makes this soup a true winner. The addition of Italian spices and a touch of garlic makes the flavor profile perfectly balanced. Here’s the step-by-step process to make this dreamy dish:
Ingredients Needed
Let’s get to what you’ll need to bring this masterpiece to life. You likely already have many of these ingredients in your pantry or fridge.
For The Soup Base
- Olive oil – A good drizzle to sauté and start building flavors.
- Ground Italian sausage – Adds that rich, herby flavor that’s so iconic to lasagna.
- Onion – Yellow or white onions work best here to bring sweetness and depth.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic cloves are a must for that delicious, aromatic base.
- Carrot – Adds a subtle sweetness and color contrast.
- Celery – Provides texture and freshness that complements the other ingredients.
- Chicken broth – Acts as the soup base to hold all the flavors together.
- Heavy cream – For that signature creamy, velvety texture that makes the soup indulgent.
- Lasagna noodles – Broken into bite-sized pieces to mimic the traditional lasagna shape.
- Parmesan cheese – Adds a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the soup’s taste.
For The Cheesy Topping
- Ricotta cheese – The soft, creamy cheese that’s a staple in lasagna.
- Mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully and adds that gooey, stretchiness we crave.
- Fresh parsley or basil – A sprinkle of fresh herbs for a burst of color and freshness at the end.
Cooking Instructions
Here’s the simple process to get you to that creamy, cheesy goodness.
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Start With The Base
Heat a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil, then toss in the ground Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Once it’s browned and cooked through, remove it from the pot and set it aside.
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Sauté The Veggies
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Toss in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. Cook until they soften and the onion turns translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Build The Soup Base
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it’s bubbling, add the heavy cream to create that rich, creamy texture. Stir it well.
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Add The Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-inch pieces) and stir them into the soup. Let it cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender.
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Mix The Meat Back In
Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring it in with the noodles and veggies. Add a pinch of salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like (e.g., red pepper flakes for a little heat).
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Cheesy Goodness
Once everything is cooked through, ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a generous spoonful of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle with mozzarella and Parmesan, letting them melt beautifully into the soup.
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Garnish And Serve
Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!
Ingredient Insights
- Ground Italian sausage: The heart of this dish! Sausage adds that deep, savory flavor that makes the soup taste like traditional lasagna, but without all the layers. If you’re not a fan of pork, feel free to swap it out for turkey sausage or even ground chicken.
- Heavy cream: This ingredient is essential for creating the creamy, luxurious texture that makes this soup feel indulgent. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half or even whole milk, but the soup will lose some of its velvety richness.
- Lasagna noodles: Using broken lasagna noodles is the genius trick here. It mimics the pasta layers in a traditional lasagna, but it’s much quicker to cook. You could also use gluten-free pasta if needed, just be mindful of the cooking time.
- Cheese blend: The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan is what gives this soup its lasagna-like flavor. The ricotta is creamy and mild, while mozzarella adds gooey stretch, and Parmesan brings that sharp, nutty kick.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Lasagna noodles can get mushy if cooked too long. Stir the soup regularly to prevent them from sticking to the bottom, and taste them at the 10-minute mark to make sure they’re just tender.
- Add spinach or kale: For extra greens and a pop of color, stir in some fresh spinach or kale in the final few minutes of cooking. It’ll give you that traditional lasagna “spinach layer” while adding nutrients.
- Freeze leftovers: This soup freezes wonderfully! Just cool it down, place it in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop and enjoy.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian version: Swap the sausage for mushrooms or tofu crumbles to create a vegetarian version. You can also add other veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for more texture.
- Spicy kick: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes into the soup while it’s simmering, or even stir in a small amount of hot sauce when you serve it.
- Use a slow cooker: You can easily adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Brown the sausage and sauté the veggies, then transfer everything to the slow cooker with the broth and cream. Let it cook on low for 4 hours and stir in the noodles at the end.
Final Words
This Creamy White Lasagna Soup brings the rich, satisfying flavors of a classic lasagna without the effort of layering and baking. Whether you’re short on time, want a cozy meal, or just craving a lighter twist on a beloved favorite, this soup delivers on all fronts. It’s the perfect comfort food for any season.