White Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

White Lasagna Soup: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine all the comforting, cheesy goodness of a classic white lasagna, but in a warm, inviting soup. This isn’t just any soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving something truly special.

Lasagna, in its traditional layered form, has a rich history rooted in Italian culinary tradition. While its exact origins are debated, variations of pasta dishes layered with sauce and cheese have been enjoyed for centuries. Our White Lasagna Soup takes that beloved concept and reimagines it for the modern kitchen, offering a quicker, easier way to enjoy those familiar flavors.

What makes this soup so irresistible? It’s the creamy, decadent broth, the tender pasta, and the generous amounts of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese that melt together in perfect harmony. People adore this dish because it delivers all the satisfying flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking. It’s a one-pot wonder that’s both comforting and impressive, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins. Get ready to experience lasagna in a whole new, deliciously soupy way!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 (15 ounce) container ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 9 lasagna noodles, broken into small pieces
• 2 cups chopped fresh spinach
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Sausage and Aromatics:

1. First, grab a large pot or Dutch oven. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the Italian sausage. Be sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. We want it nice and crumbly! Cook until the sausage is browned, usually about 5-7 minutes.
2. Now, drain off any excess grease from the pot. Nobody wants a greasy soup! Leave just a little bit of the flavorful sausage fat behind.
3. Add the chopped onion to the pot with the sausage. Cook until the onion is softened and translucent, stirring occasionally. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Don’t rush this step – softened onions add a lovely sweetness to the soup.
4. Next, add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! The aroma should be amazing at this point.

Building the Soup Base:

1. Pour in the chicken broth. Give everything a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors.
2. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. We want a gentle simmer, not a raging boil.
3. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook until the noodles are tender, usually about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Creating the Creamy Ricotta Mixture:

1. While the noodles are cooking, let’s prepare the creamy ricotta mixture. In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream.
2. Mix well until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture will add richness and creaminess to our soup.

Finishing the Soup:

1. Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from the heat. This is important! We don’t want the ricotta mixture to curdle.
2. Gently stir in the ricotta cheese mixture until it’s completely incorporated into the soup. The soup will become beautifully creamy and luscious.
3. Add the chopped fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, which should only take a minute or two. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients.
4. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serving and Garnishing:

1. Ladle the White Lasagna Soup into bowls.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy! This soup is best served hot.

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: If you like a little more heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Add vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables to the soup, such as chopped carrots, celery, or zucchini. Add them along with the onions.
• Use different sausage: You can use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot Italian sausage, or even ground turkey or chicken.
• Make it vegetarian: Omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add some sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
• Add a touch of lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end can brighten up the flavors of the soup.
• Make it ahead: You can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving. The noodles may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
• Freezing: While you *can* freeze this soup, the texture of the ricotta and noodles might change slightly. If you do freeze it, let it thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Noodle Alternatives: If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even broken spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Broth Quality: The quality of your chicken broth will significantly impact the flavor of the soup. Use a good quality broth or even homemade broth for the best results.
• Ricotta Cheese: Whole milk ricotta will give you the creamiest results, but part-skim ricotta can also be used. Just be sure to drain any excess liquid from the ricotta before adding it to the soup.

Troubleshooting:

• Soup is too thick: If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
• Soup is too thin: If the soup is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
• Ricotta is curdling: Make sure to remove the pot from the heat before adding the ricotta mixture. If the ricotta does curdle, don’t worry! It will still taste delicious. You can try using an immersion blender to smooth it out, but be careful not to over-blend.
• Noodles are sticking together: Stir the soup frequently while the noodles are cooking to prevent them from sticking together.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.

• Calories: Approximately 450-550 per serving
• Fat: 25-35g
• Saturated Fat: 12-18g
• Cholesterol: 100-150mg
• Sodium: 800-1200mg
• Carbohydrates: 30-40g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-8g
• Protein: 25-35g

Enjoy your delicious and comforting White Lasagna Soup!

Conclusion:

This White Lasagna Soup isn’t just another soup recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, and I truly believe it’s a must-try for anyone who loves the flavors of lasagna but wants a quicker, easier, and equally satisfying experience. The creamy broth, the tender noodles, the savory sausage, and the rich blend of cheeses all come together to create a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, a delightful weekend treat, or even a sophisticated starter for a dinner party. Trust me, once you try this soup, it will become a regular in your rotation.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own. For a vegetarian option, swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini. If you’re feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. You can also use different types of pasta, like rotini or penne, depending on what you have on hand. And for an extra layer of flavor, try browning the sausage with a tablespoon of Italian seasoning.

Serving suggestions are endless! I personally love to serve this White Lasagna Soup with a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also complements the richness of the soup beautifully. For a more substantial meal, you can add a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of each bowl. And if you have any leftovers (which I highly doubt!), they reheat perfectly, making it a great option for meal prepping.

Beyond the basic recipe, consider these variations to truly make it your own signature dish. For a richer, more decadent flavor, you can substitute half-and-half for some of the chicken broth. If you prefer a thicker soup, simply add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to the simmering soup during the last few minutes of cooking. And for a truly authentic lasagna experience, try adding a layer of browned lasagna noodles to the bottom of each bowl before ladling in the soup.

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m so excited for you to try it. I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a comforting and convenient soup form. The creamy texture and savory ingredients make this White Lasagna Soup a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Please, please, please try this recipe and then come back here and share your experience in the comments below. Let me know what variations you tried, what you served it with, and most importantly, whether you loved it! Your feedback is invaluable, and I’m always looking for ways to improve my recipes. Happy cooking!