White Lasagna Soup

Imagine the comforting flavors of creamy lasagna transformed into a hearty, spoonable delight. White Lasagna Soup brings together tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety broth infused with garlic and herbs – all crowned with melty cheese that stretches beautifully from spoon to mouth. This cozy bowl delivers all the indulgent flavors of traditional lasagna without the hours of preparation. You’ll learn how to create this restaurant-worthy soup right in your own kitchen, perfect for warming up on chilly evenings or impressing guests at your next dinner party.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This White Lasagna Soup is a game-changer for busy weeknights when you’re craving something substantial and satisfying. Unlike traditional lasagna that requires hours of preparation, this soup comes together in just 30 minutes while delivering all the classic flavors you adore. The contrast between the silky, Parmesan-infused broth and the al dente pasta creates a textural experience that’s simply irresistible.

The beauty of this soup lies in its balance of richness and lightness. The creamy broth coats your palate with a velvety smoothness, while the fresh herbs add brightness that prevents it from feeling heavy. Each spoonful delivers a perfect marriage of tender pasta, succulent sausage, and that signature cheesy pull that makes lasagna so craveable.

Best of all, this White Lasagna Soup is a one-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor – making it perfect for both casual family dinners and special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For this comforting White Lasagna Soup, you’ll need:

• 1 pound (450g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons (30g) all-purpose flour
• 4 cups (950ml) chicken broth, low sodium
• 2 cups (475ml) whole milk
• 8 ounces (225g) lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (8 ounces/225g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

The Italian sausage provides a robust foundation of flavor, while the combination of milk and heavy cream creates that signature velvety texture. Traditional lasagna noodles work beautifully here, though you can substitute other pasta shapes if needed.

Pro Tips

Master the Roux Base: The key to a perfectly creamy white lasagna soup lies in the roux. After browning your sausage, add the flour to the fat in the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells slightly nutty but hasn’t browned. This crucial step cooks out the raw flour taste while creating the thickening agent that gives your soup its luxurious body. Whisk constantly during this process to prevent any lumps from forming.

Mind Your Pasta Cooking: Unlike traditional pasta cooking methods, you’ll simmer the broken lasagna noodles directly in the broth mixture. This infuses the pasta with flavor while also releasing starches that further thicken the soup. For perfect texture, add the pasta about 10-12 minutes before serving and test frequently. Remember that the pasta will continue cooking slightly even after the heat is turned off, so aim for just shy of al dente.

Layer In Dairy Gradually: To prevent any curdling or separation in your creamy soup, add dairy elements in stages and control the temperature carefully. Never allow the soup to reach a rolling boil after adding milk or cream—a gentle simmer is ideal. For the ultimate velvety finish, add the heavy cream last, after reducing the heat, and stir in the cheese off-heat in batches, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more.

Instructions

Step 1: Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain all but about 1 tablespoon from the pot.

Step 2: Add the diced onion to the pot with the sausage and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onion mixture, stirring constantly to coat everything evenly. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste while creating a roux that will thicken your white lasagna soup.

Step 4: Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, still whisking occasionally.

Step 5: Once the liquid is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until the noodles are tender, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 6: When the pasta is almost tender, stir in the heavy cream and chopped spinach. Simmer for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the soup has thickened slightly.

Step 7: Remove the pot from heat and gradually stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, remembering that the cheese adds saltiness.

Step 8: Let the white lasagna soup stand for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken to the perfect consistency. Ladle into bowls, garnish with additional Parmesan and fresh basil, and enjoy this comforting meal!

Variations

Vegetarian White Lasagna Soup: Transform this white lasagna soup into a meat-free delight by omitting the Italian sausage and doubling the vegetables. Add 8 ounces of mushrooms (cremini or button work beautifully), sautéed until golden, along with diced carrots and zucchini. For added protein, include a can of rinsed white beans or chickpeas. The vegetables create a hearty base that maintains the soup’s satisfying texture, while vegetable broth substituted for chicken broth keeps the flavor profile rich and complex.

Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup: For a lighter twist on this creamy lasagna soup recipe, substitute 1 pound of diced boneless chicken breast for the Italian sausage. Season the chicken with Italian herbs while cooking, then proceed with the recipe as directed. This variation offers a milder flavor profile that still delivers on creaminess but with a protein change that might appeal to those who don’t eat pork. The chicken complements the Parmesan-infused broth beautifully while keeping all the comforting aspects of the original dish intact.

Gluten-Free Option: Make this cozy soup accessible to everyone by using gluten-free lasagna noodles or alternative pasta shapes like rice-based penne. Be sure to adjust cooking times according to package directions, as gluten-free pastas often cook more quickly. Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for thickening. The result is just as creamy and satisfying as the original, with no sacrifice in texture or flavor.

Storage and Serving

This white lasagna soup can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Note that the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so when reheating, you may need to add additional broth or milk to restore the original consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each.

For serving, pair this decadent soup with a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the richness. A side of garlic bread or crusty Italian bread makes for perfect dipping and soaking up every last drop of the creamy broth. For an elegant presentation, serve in wide, shallow bowls with a small mound of additional shredded mozzarella in the center that guests can stir in themselves, creating that Instagram-worthy cheese pull. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes and fresh basil chiffonade adds a pop of color and freshness to complete the dish.

FAQs

Can I make White Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, but with some adjustments. Cook the soup base without the pasta and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, add the broken lasagna noodles, and cook until tender. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

Can I freeze this soup?
It’s best not to freeze the completed soup as dairy-based soups can separate when thawed and the pasta texture will deteriorate. However, you can freeze the soup base (before adding pasta, cream and cheese) for up to 3 months.

What can I substitute for lasagna noodles?
Any pasta shape works well—try bowtie, rotini, or egg noodles. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta type. For low-carb options, substitute zucchini ribbons (added in the last 2 minutes) or palmini noodles.

My soup separated—how can I fix it?
If your soup develops a grainy texture, lower the heat immediately. Whisk in a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with cold water, and gently heat without boiling. For prevention, never let the soup boil after adding dairy.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the sausage, onions, and garlic separately, then transfer to a slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add pasta and cook until tender (about 30 minutes). Stir in dairy components during the final 15 minutes.

Conclusion

This White Lasagna Soup is comfort food at its finest — a spoonable hug in a bowl that transforms the flavors of an Italian classic into something even more approachable and weeknight-friendly. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special occasions, simple enough for a Tuesday night dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests. The combination of creamy broth, tender pasta, and melty cheese creates a satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a cold evening or simply craving the comforting flavors of lasagna without all the work, this soup delivers on all fronts.

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