White lasagna soup brings all the creamy, cheesy comfort of classic lasagna to your dinner table in one pot. I discovered this recipe on a hectic Tuesday when I was craving lasagna but didn’t have time for all that layering and baking. This one-pot wonder delivers the same rich flavors without the fuss.
There’s something magical about breaking those lasagna noodles into a bubbling pot of Italian sausage and cream. The first time I made white lasagna soup, my kitchen filled with the aroma of garlic and herbs, and my family couldn’t believe it wasn’t the traditional baked version. This creamy lasagna soup skips the oven entirely while keeping all those beloved Italian flavors. It’s become my go-to for busy weeknights when I want something that tastes like I spent hours in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need for This Creamy White Lasagna Soup
I always start with quality Italian sausage because it makes all the difference in flavor. You can use mild or spicy depending on your preference. Pro tip: I like to use fresh lasagna noodles when I can find them because they create an even creamier texture in this white lasagna soup.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I recommend for extra kick)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium if you prefer)
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How I Make This White Lasagna Soup Every Time
I recommend using a large, heavy-bottomed pot for even heat distribution. This prevents the cream from scorching and ensures your noodles cook perfectly.
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent and fragrant. You’ll know it’s ready when the onion becomes soft and slightly golden around the edges.
Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Watch carefully because garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter.
Step 3: Add ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring and breaking up meat, until browned and no pink remains. The sausage should have a nice caramelized color and release its flavorful oils.
Step 4: Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and salt. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with spices.
Step 5: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. This should take about 5 minutes.
Step 6: Add broken lasagna noodles to the boiling broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes to prevent sticking, until noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente). Don’t overcook because they’ll continue softening in the hot soup.
Step 7: Reduce heat to low. Cut cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and add to pot. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes until completely melted and smooth with no lumps remaining. This creates that signature creamy base for white lasagna soup.
Step 8: Pour in heavy cream and add chopped spinach. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until spinach wilts and turns bright green.
Step 9: Turn off heat completely. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and incorporated. The residual heat will melt them perfectly without making the cheese stringy.
Step 10: Let soup rest for 3-5 minutes to allow cheese to fully incorporate and soup to thicken slightly. The soup should be creamy and coat the back of a spoon. Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves.
Perfect Pairings for Your White Lasagna Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread for dipping into that creamy broth.
Garlic Bread: The buttery, garlicky flavor complements the rich cheese and cream in this white lasagna soup perfectly. Plus, it’s ideal for soaking up every last drop.
Caesar Salad: A crisp Caesar with tangy dressing cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli or asparagus adds color, nutrients, and a slight char that balances the soup’s indulgent flavors.
Breadsticks: Soft Italian breadsticks are great for families with kids and make this meal even more fun to eat.
Complete Your Creamy Soup Collection with These Italian Favorites
This indulgent white lasagna soup pairs beautifully with lighter Italian soups for a well-balanced weekly menu. The fresh Mediterranean Orzo Soup offers aromatic herbs and vegetables in a lighter broth that complements the richness of this creamy soup. The healing Italian Penicillin Soup features tender chicken with lemon brightness that balances the cream and cheese beautifully.
For additional Italian-style variety, the hearty Easy Italian Wedding Soup Recipe combines tender meatballs with orzo pasta in a savory tomato broth. The classic Minestrone Soup Recipe provides rustic vegetables and beans for a satisfying lighter option that pairs wonderfully with this rich, creamy lasagna soup throughout the week.
Storing Your Leftover White Lasagna Soup
Store cooled white lasagna soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen after 4-6 hours or overnight, making leftovers taste even better. I recommend storing the soup separately from any garnishes.
When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream, about ¼ cup at a time, to loosen the consistency since the noodles absorb liquid as they sit. Avoid boiling during reheating to prevent the cream from separating.
Pro tip: While you can freeze this soup, the cream and cheese may change texture and become grainy when thawed. If you plan to freeze, I suggest leaving out the dairy and adding fresh cream and cheese when reheating.
Common Questions About White Lasagna Soup
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute broken lasagna noodles with penne, rigatoni, or even egg noodles. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions, usually 7-9 minutes for most short pasta shapes.
What if my soup is too thick?
Simply add more chicken broth or cream, a half cup at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. White lasagna soup should be creamy but still pourable, not pasty.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Skip the Italian sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
Time to Make This Comforting Bowl of Goodness
This white lasagna soup proves you don’t need hours of prep time to enjoy rich, satisfying comfort food. With just one pot and minimal effort, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy dinner that rivals any baked lasagna. The best part? Cleanup is a breeze compared to scrubbing those crusty lasagna pans. Try this recipe tonight and experience how easy weeknight comfort food can be!
White Lasagna Soup
This rich and creamy white lasagna soup transforms classic lasagna flavors into a quick one-pot meal. Loaded with Italian sausage, broken lasagna noodles, spinach, and melted cheese in a luscious cream broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmer
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and saute for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Add ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring and breaking up meat, until browned and no pink remains.
- Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if using, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes, until noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
- Reduce heat to low. Cut cream cheese into 1-inch cubes and stir continuously for about 2 minutes until completely melted and smooth.
- Add heavy cream and chopped spinach. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Turn off heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted.
- Let soup rest for 3-5 minutes to allow cheese to fully incorporate and soup to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta as it will continue to absorb liquid. Break lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces for easier eating.
- Soften cream cheese to room temperature before adding for smoother melting. Use quality Italian sausage for optimal flavor.
- Add spinach just before serving for best color and texture. Stir every 2-3 minutes while cooking noodles to prevent sticking.
- If soup becomes too thick, add chicken broth or cream ¼ cup at a time until desired consistency is reached.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg






