Cozy White Lasagna Soup

Last winter, I had a week where everyone in my house was fighting off sniffles, and all I wanted was something cozy that didn’t feel like the same old chicken noodle soup. I opened the fridge and spotted ricotta, a bag of spinach that needed love, and half a box of lasagna noodles left behind from a weekend dinner. Instead of another layered casserole, I thought—what if lasagna turned into a soup? Something creamy, cheesy, hearty, but lighter than the oven-baked version.

That’s how this White Lasagna Soup found its way into my kitchen, and let me tell you, it quickly became a family favorite. My kids love it because it feels like “lasagna in a bowl,” my husband loves it because it’s filling without being heavy, and I love it because it comes together in one pot with minimal fuss. The way the ricotta melts into the broth, creating this silky base, paired with sausage and spinach—it’s a little magic trick you’ll want to repeat all season long.

Cooking this soup is also incredibly forgiving. You can swap noodles, sneak in extra veggies, or play around with cheeses, and it still tastes like something you spent hours on. But in reality, it’s weeknight-friendly, which is the kind of recipe I always keep close.

Short Description

A creamy, comforting soup inspired by white lasagna, loaded with Italian sausage, tender noodles, spinach, and a rich blend of cheeses, perfect for cozy nights.

Key Ingredients

• 1 lb Italian sausage
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups spinach, chopped
• 1½ cups ricotta cheese
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Tools Needed

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Ladle for serving
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Cook sausage in a large pot over medium heat until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same pot, sauté onion and garlic for 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Base
Pour in chicken broth and add white beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Cream and Greens
Stir in heavy cream, spinach, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Let simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the cheese blends smoothly.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles
Add broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup. Simmer about 10 minutes until tender, stirring to keep them from sticking.

Step 6: Finish with Sausage
Return sausage to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes more, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 7: Serve Hot
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle extra Parmesan on top, and serve immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in a bowl: All the creamy, cheesy flavors of lasagna, without the layering and baking.

One-pot wonder: Minimal dishes, maximum payoff.

Kid-approved: Familiar flavors with a fun twist.

Flexible: Easily swap greens, beans, or noodles based on what’s in your pantry.

Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the noodles: They continue to soften in hot broth. Keep them slightly al dente and serve promptly.

Adding all the cheese at once: Stir gradually so it melts evenly instead of clumping.

Using too much salt upfront: Cheese and sausage already bring plenty of saltiness. Taste before seasoning.

Skipping the resting sausage step: Removing it first prevents overcooking and keeps the texture juicy.

Crowding the pot with noodles: Stick to the suggested 8 oz or the soup gets too thick.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with a crusty loaf of sourdough or garlic bread for dipping.

Add a crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Pair with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a sparkling water with lemon.

Perfect for a cozy family dinner or served family-style in a big pot at the table.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if too thick.

Avoid freezing with noodles in; they become mushy. If freezing, make soup without noodles and add fresh when reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of sausage?
Yes, just add extra garlic, fennel seeds, or Italian seasoning for more flavor.

2. What if I don’t have ricotta?
Cottage cheese or mascarpone makes a great substitute.

3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Swap sausage for mushrooms or zucchini and use veggie broth.

4. Do I need to pre-cook the noodles?
No, they cook right in the broth, soaking up flavor as they soften.

5. How can I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese amounts slightly.

Tips & Tricks

Break lasagna noodles unevenly for a rustic look and texture.

Warm your ricotta slightly before stirring in to help it melt smoothly.

Add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream for a subtle depth of flavor.

Stir the soup often after adding noodles to prevent sticking.

Recipe Variations

Chicken White Lasagna Soup: Swap sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken. Add mushrooms for extra flavor.

Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and stir in red pepper flakes.

Extra Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, kale, or bell peppers along with spinach.

Low-Carb Version: Replace noodles with zucchini ribbons or spaghetti squash strands.

Tuscan Style: Add sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil at the end.

Final Thoughts

This White Lasagna Soup has become one of those meals I turn to whenever I need something that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, hearty, and brimming with flavor, yet surprisingly simple to pull together on a weeknight. I love how it takes the best parts of lasagna and reimagines them into a dish that’s both comforting and practical.

What makes me happiest is seeing my family crowd around the table, ladling generous bowls and tearing into bread alongside it. It’s not fussy food—it’s food that connects, nourishes, and makes you smile. And honestly, isn’t that what good cooking is all about? This soup is one you’ll want to make again and again, especially on chilly evenings when you need something warm and satisfying.