Name: Easy White Lasagna Soup Recipe-Creamy Comfort Food
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 (15 oz) can of cannellini beans, drained and thoroughly rinsed; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped; 1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish; 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

White Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food embrace, a dish that feels both incredibly sophisticated and delightfully down-to-earth. Imagin extracte all the beloved layers and rich flavors of traditional lasagna, but magically transformed into a soul-warming, spoonable soup. It’s no wonder why this incredible creation has captured so many hearts (and stomachs!). People adore White Lasagna Soup because it delivers that same satisfying, cheesy, pasta-filled goodness without the fuss of assembling a whole casserole. What truly makes it special is the luxurious, creamy broth, infused with fragrant herbs and tender bites of pasta, hearty Italian sausage, and a medley of vegetables. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you feeling utterly content and completely impressed with its simplicity and depth of flavor.

Ingredients:

1 lb Italian sausage (mild or hot, your preference)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken broth
1 (15 oz) can of cannellini beans (also known as white kidney beans), drained and thoroughly rinsed
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups whole milk ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (about 2-inch squares)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cooking the Base

Sautéing Aromatics and Sausage

We’ll start by building the foundational flavors of our White Lasagna Soup. Grab a large pot or Dutch oven and place it over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage. Using a spoon, break up the sausage into smaller crum extractbles as it cooks. We want it nicely browned, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Once it’s nicely browned, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside on a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pot. If there’s an excessive amount of fat, you can drain some off, leaving about a tablespoon for sautéing.

Now, add the chopped onion to the pot with the reserved sausage fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes softened and translucent, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This gentle cooking process brings out the natural sweetness of the onion. Next, add the minced garlic to the pot. Garlic can burn easily, so we only want to cook it for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Stir it constantly to prevent it from sticking or scorching on the bottom of the pot. This step is crucial for developing that classic savory aroma that makes any soup irresistible.

Deglazing and Simmering the Broth

Pour the 6 cups of chicken broth into the pot. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot during the sautéing process. These browned bits are packed with flavor and will add depth to our soup. Bring the broth to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low, allowing it to simmer gently.

Now, it’s time to add the drained and rinsed white beans to the simmering broth. These creamy beans will absorb the flavors of the broth and add a lovely texture to the soup. We’ll let this mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This simmering time is also when we’ll add the broken lasagna noodle pieces. Stir them in gently to prevent them from sticking together. Cook the noodles according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente – tender but still with a slight bite. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking, as they will continue to soften in the hot soup.

Adding Creaminess and Richness

Incorporating Cream and Cheese for a Velvety Texture

Once the lasagna noodles are cooked to your liking, it’s time to make our White Lasagna Soup truly luxurious. Reduce the heat to low. Slowly pour in the 1 cup of heavy cream, stirring constantly as you add it. The cream will instantly transform the broth, giving it a richer, creamier consistency. Be sure to stir well to incorporate it fully into the soup base.

Next, we’ll add the cheeses to create that irresistible cheesy goodness. Stir in the 1 1/2 cups of ricotta cheese and the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring gently until the cheeses have melted and are completely combined with the soup. This is what gives our White Lasagna Soup its characteristic creamy, slightly cheesy texture, reminiscent of lasagna itself. The mozzarella will melt into gooey strings, while the ricotta will add a smooth richness.

Whipping in Greens and Final Seasoning

Finally, stir in the 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach. The residual heat of the soup will be enough to wilt the spinach perfectly in just a couple of minutes. This not only adds a beautiful vibrant green color to the soup but also introduces a fresh, healthy element. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables!

Taste the soup and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that Italian sausage can be quite salty, so it’s best to season at the end and adjust as needed. Stir in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds another layer of savory, nutty flavor.

Serve the White Lasagna Soup hot. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, if desired, for an extra pop of freshness and visual appeal. Enjoy this comforting and delicious twist on a classic Italian dish!

Conclusion:

There you have it – your guide to creating a truly delightful White Lasagna Soup! We’ve walked through each step to bring this comforting and flavorful dish to your table. The creamy, cheesy broth, combined with tender lasagna noodles and hearty Italian sausage, makes this White Lasagna Soup a perfect weeknight meal or an impressive dish for entertaining. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the serving suggestions; a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of extra cream can elevate it even further. We’ve also explored some delicious variations, from adding extra vegetables to opting for a vegetarian version. The beauty of this White Lasagna Soup lies in its adaptability, so feel free to make it your own. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the cozy warmth and satisfying taste for yourself. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make White Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can! You can prepare the soup base up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Cook the lasagna noodles separately just before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy. Reheat the soup base gently and add the cooked noodles when you’re ready to serve.

What are some good vegetarian or vegan variations for White Lasagna Soup?

For a vegetarian option, simply omit the Italian sausage and sauté some mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers in its place. For a vegan version, use a plant-based milk (like cashew or oat milk) for the creaminess, nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor, and vegetable broth. You can also use plant-based sausage crum extractbles or add extra vegetables like spinach and artichoke hearts.