White Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food That Warms Your Soul

Looking for a dish that combines all the love of a classic Italian lasagna with the comforting warmth of a hearty soup? This White Lasagna Soup recipe is exactly what you need! This recipe transforms your favorite pasta dish into a creamy, satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you need a culinary hug.

This White Lasagna Soup isn’t just delicious – it’s also nutritious and practical. Unlike traditional lasagna that requires several hours of preparation, this soup version can be ready in under an hour. It delivers all the benefits of vegetables, proteins, and dairy in one comforting bowl. It’s also an excellent way to get your daily servings of vegetables while treating yourself to something indulgent!

Detailed Ingredients for 6-8 Servings

Proteins

• 1 lb (450g) beef sausage (Italian seasoned)
• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium zucchini, diced (inspired by our zucchini recipes)
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed)

Liquid Base

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheeses and Dairy

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Seasonings

• 8 oz lasagna sheets, broken into pieces (or use penne, rotini)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Variations and Recipe Alternatives

Vegetarian Options:

• Replace meats with plant-based alternatives like chopped portobello mushrooms, cooked lentils, or crumbled tofu
• Increase vegetable quantity with eggplant, additional zucchini, or bell peppers

Gluten-Free Alternatives:

• Use gluten-free pasta (rice, quinoa, or corn-based)
• Verify your broth is gluten-free

Lighter Version:

• Use turkey sausage and ground turkey instead of beef
• Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream
• Add extra vegetables for bulk

Preparation and Cooking Steps

Preparation (15 minutes)

1. Prepare all ingredients: Chop the onion, mince garlic, dice zucchini, and slice bell pepper. This mise en place will save you time during cooking.
2. Remove cream cheese from refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand to soften.

Cooking (30-40 minutes)

Step 1: Brown the Meats (8-10 minutes)

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef sausage and ground beef. Cook while breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon until well-browned and cooked through. Remove excess fat, but keep about 2 tablespoons in the pot to sauté vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables (5 minutes)

Add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds more until fragrant. This aromatic base is essential for developing your soup’s flavors.

Step 3: Build the Base (10 minutes)

Add zucchini and red bell pepper. Cook 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Incorporate drained tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

Step 4: Add Liquids (5 minutes)

Pour in chicken and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Pasta (8-12 minutes)

Add broken lasagna pieces to the soup. Cook according to package directions, typically 8-12 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking.

Step 6: Create Creamy Base (3-5 minutes)

Reduce heat to low. In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese with some hot soup liquid to thin it out. Gradually incorporate this mixture into the soup, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.

Step 7: Add Cheeses (2-3 minutes)

Stir in ricotta by spoonfuls, then add half the mozzarella and all the Parmesan. Stir until cheeses are melted and well incorporated.

Step 8: Finish with Spinach (1-2 minutes)

Add fresh spinach and cream. Cook until spinach is wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning according to your preferences.

Serving Tips and Presentation

Immediate Serving:

Immediate Serving:

• Serve in preheated warm bowls to maintain temperature
• Garnish with remaining shredded mozzarella
• Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan and chopped fresh basil
• Accompany with garlic croutons or toasted bread

Perfect Accompaniments:

• Simple green salad with light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or warm focaccia
• Roasted vegetables like in our delicious vegetable recipes

Storage and Reheating:

• Refrigerator: Keeps 3-4 days in airtight containers
• Freezing: Can be frozen up to 3 months (texture may slightly change)
• Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat, adding broth if soup thickens too much

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can this soup be made ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the soup up to the step of adding cream and spinach. Gently reheat and add cream and spinach just before serving. This method prevents spinach from overcooking and cream from separating.

Q: What if my soup is too thick?

A: Gradually add hot broth or water until you reach desired consistency. The soup naturally thickens as it cools due to pasta and cheese content.

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?

A: Yes! Penne, rotini, or even zucchini spaghetti for a lighter version work wonderfully. Adjust cooking time according to your pasta choice.

Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?

A: Use evaporated skim milk instead of cream, increase vegetable quantity, use leaner meats, and add extra spinach for more nutrients.

Q: Is this soup kid-friendly?

A: Perfectly! It’s actually an excellent way to introduce more vegetables into children’s diets. You can adjust spice levels according to their preferences, similar to our easy kids recipes.

Q: Can I double this recipe?

A: Yes, this recipe doubles easily. Use a very large pot and slightly increase cooking time. It’s perfect for feeding a large family or having leftovers for the week.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

A: Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight containers. When reheating, add a splash of broth as the pasta absorbs liquid over time. You can also prepare meal prep portions like our meal prep guide.

Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Brown meats and sauté vegetables first, then transfer to slow cooker with broth and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding pasta in the last 30 minutes and dairy ingredients in the final 10 minutes.

Q: What makes this White Lasagna Soup different from regular lasagna?

A: This White Lasagna Soup delivers all the familiar flavors of lasagna but in a more convenient, one-pot format. It’s quicker to make, easier to serve, and perfect for portion control while maintaining that comforting, cheesy goodness.

Conclusion

White Lasagna Soup is much more than just a soup – it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that brings all the flavor and satisfaction of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot meal. This versatile recipe easily adapts to different dietary preferences and cooking methods.

This comforting dish proves that eating healthy doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Rich in protein, vegetables, and wholesome ingredients, it nourishes both body and soul. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, meal with friends, or to have nutritious leftovers for the week, this White Lasagna Soup will certainly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its incredible taste, but in its ability to bring people together around the dinner table. It’s the kind of meal that creates lasting memories and warm conversations. Plus, with its impressive nutritional profile – packed with protein from multiple sources, vitamins from fresh vegetables, and calcium from dairy – you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones.

So grab your pots and pans! Let the aromas fill your kitchen and create delicious memories around this extraordinary soup. Buon appetito!

For more comforting and nutritious recipes, explore our collection of light pasta dishes and our creamy soup recipes. Don’t forget to check out our breakfast casserole recipes for more family-friendly meal ideas.

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