White Lasagna Soup is like all your favorite lasagna flavors rolled into one cozy, comforting bowl. It’s creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender noodles, hearty ground meat, and spinach, all swimming in a rich, garlicky broth. If you love the idea of lasagna but want something quicker and easier to enjoy, this soup is a perfect choice.
I always appreciate how this soup comes together so fast and still tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. One of my favorite things is adding a little extra parmesan on top and stirring in fresh basil or oregano for a pop of brightness. It feels like a warm hug on chilly days and is a real crowd-pleaser every time I make it.
Serving this soup with some crunchy garlic bread on the side makes it even better. I like to ladle big, satisfying bowls and cozy up with a good book or invite friends over for a simple, relaxed dinner. It’s a special kind of comfort food that’s easy to love and even easier to share.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Lasagna noodles: Breaking them into smaller pieces helps the soup feel like a lasagna. If you can’t find lasagna noodles, try using broken fettuccine or wide egg noodles.
Ricotta cheese: It adds creaminess and that signature lasagna texture. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese or cream cheese can work as a substitute.
Mushrooms: They give earthy flavor and a nice texture contrast. If you’re not a fan, just skip them or swap in zucchini or bell peppers.
Chicken or sausage: This is optional but adds protein and heartiness. Ground turkey, pork, or a vegetarian meat substitute work great too.
Spinach: Fresh spinach brightens the dish and adds color. You could use kale or Swiss chard if you want something different.
Cheeses (mozzarella, Parmesan): These melt perfectly and add that cheesy depth. If needed, Parmesan can be swapped for Pecorino Romano.
How Do I Get the Soup Creamy Without It Breaking?
Adding cream and cheeses at the right time is key to creamy soup without curdling. Here’s what I do:
- Lower the heat before adding heavy cream and cheeses to avoid high heat shock.
- Stir gently and slowly to help the cheeses melt evenly.
- If it looks a bit separated, keep stirring off heat and the texture will smooth back out.
Taking these steps ensures you get a silky, luxuriously creamy texture that feels just like lasagna in a bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – I use this because it holds all the ingredients and heats evenly.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onion, garlic, mushrooms, and herbs.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep everything precise, especially for broth and cheese.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – perfect for stirring as the soup cooks and melts the cheese.
- Soup ladle – for serving those hearty bowls easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken or sausage for cooked turkey, beef, or ham for different protein options.
- Add a splash of white wine during cooking for a subtle tang.
- Mix in cooked bacon or pancetta for extra smoky flavor.
- Stir in a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to enhance the richness or add spice.
White Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 pound chicken breast or Italian sausage (optional), cooked and shredded or crumbled
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 2 cups water
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
For Garnish (Optional):
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This white lasagna soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook, so you can have a comforting bowl of cheesy goodness ready in about 30 minutes total. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something quick yet hearty.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Aromatics and Mushrooms:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms, cooking for about 5 more minutes until the mushrooms are tender and browned.
2. Add Protein and Liquids:
If using chicken or sausage, add it now and stir to warm through for 2 minutes. Then pour in the chicken broth and water, increasing the heat to bring everything to a boil.
3. Cook the Noodles and Season:
Add the broken lasagna noodles and sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the noodles are tender — about 8–10 minutes.
4. Add Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until it wilts and turns bright green.
5. Add the Cheese and Cream:
Lower the heat so the soup is gently simmering rather than boiling. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until everything is melted, smooth, and creamy. Stir gently to help the cheeses blend in without clumping.
6. Final Seasoning and Serving:
Taste your soup and season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot with some crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up all that creamy goodness.
Can I Use Frozen Spinach Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain frozen spinach well before adding it to the soup to avoid extra water. Stir it in at the same point you would fresh spinach, allowing it to heat through and blend with the flavors.
Can I Make White Lasagna Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the soup as directed, then let it cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or cream if it thickens too much.
What Can I Use Instead of Ricotta Cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, try using cottage cheese or cream cheese as substitutes. Cottage cheese adds a similar texture but may alter the flavor slightly; cream cheese will make the soup richer and creamier. Blend cottage cheese before adding for a smoother texture.
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Skip the chicken or sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can add extra mushrooms, zucchini, or beans for protein and heartiness. The cheese and noodles still create that classic creamy lasagna flavor everyone loves.
