white lasagna soup recipe with Preserved Lemon and Toasted Pistachio Gremolata

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When I crave the creamy, cheesy goodness of lasagna without the fuss, this easy white lasagna soup recipe is my new weeknight hero! It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic comfort food in a fraction of the time, perfect for busy families and anyone seeking a hearty meal after a long day. Our one-pot white lasagna soup recipe makes for a satisfying, family-friendly dinner that truly delivers.

Ingredient Blueprint — Core ingredients for a delicious white lasagna soup:

Here’s what you’ll need to gather for this delicious white lasagna soup that comes together so easily.

Ground Chicken Italian Sausage (450 g / 1 pound, mild or spicy): The savory backbone for a hearty, flavorful soup. (Or use lean ground turkey for a lighter option.)
Lasagna Noodles (170 g / 6 ounces, broken into 5 cm / 2-inch pieces): Provides that classic pasta texture without the traditional layering.
Chicken Broth (1.44 L / 6 cups): Forms the essential liquid base, adding depth to the soup.
Heavy Cream (120 ml / 1/2 cup): For that luscious, rich creaminess that makes this soup so comforting.
Ricotta Cheese (425 g / 15 ounces, ensure microbial rennet): Essential for the signature creamy, tangy texture of lasagna. (Greek yogurt can work in a pinch for a tangier, lighter alternative).
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (170 g / 1.5 cups, ensure microbial rennet): Delivers the classic melty, gooey goodness every lasagna needs.
Grated Parmesan-style Cheese (50 g / 1/2 cup, ensure microbial rennet, plus more for garnish): Adds a wonderful salty, umami kick to the finished dish.
Yellow Onion (1 medium, chopped, about 200 g / 7 oz): An aromatic base ingredient that builds fundamental flavor.
Garlic Cloves (4, minced, about 20 g / 0.7 oz): A flavor powerhouse that enhances all the other ingredients.
Fresh Baby Spinach (140 g / 5 ounces, roughly chopped): Adds a lovely touch of color and a boost of nutrition that wilts easily.
Olive Oil (15 ml / 1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing the aromatics and browning the meat.
Salt (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors in the soup.
Pepper (to taste): Adds a gentle warmth and enhances the overall taste profile.
Dried Italian Seasoning (to taste): A blend of classic herbs that gives the soup its authentic Italian flavor.

Premium options for your white lasagna soup recipe:

Opt for organic ground chicken Italian sausage or lean ground turkey for a healthy eating choice.
Consider fresh mozzarella pulled from brine for superior melt and texture.
Use an aged, high-quality Parmesan for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Substitutions for major diet styles:

Keto/Low-Carb: Omit the noodles entirely and use zucchini ribbons or finely chopped cauliflower for texture.
Vegetarian: Replace the ground chicken Italian sausage with a plant-based ground meat alternative, or use extra mushrooms and lentils for heartiness.
Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan for your preferred plant-based dairy alternatives.
Gluten-Free: Easily make this a gluten-free white lasagna soup recipe by using your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Notes on freshness, seasonality, or sourcing:

Fresh baby spinach truly shines here, wilting perfectly into the warm soup.
Using a good quality chicken broth makes a significant difference in the soup’s overall flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Crafting this flavorful white lasagna soup recipe is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for a delicious, hearty meal.

Prep Your Ingredients: Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and break lasagna noodles into 1-2 inch pieces before you begin. Measure out your cheeses so they are ready to go.
Brown the Meat: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the ground chicken Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the soup light.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute more until wonderfully fragrant.
Simmer the Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until noodles are al dente and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. For a veggie boost, add extra spinach or finely diced carrots now.
Create Creamy Goodness: While the noodles cook, whisk together the ricotta cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella, and 1/4 cup of Parmesan in a small bowl. This prevents the cheeses from clumping when added to the hot soup later.
Finish the Soup: Stir in the fresh spinach and heavy cream until the spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the ricotta mixture until it’s well combined and creamy. Stir in the remaining 1/2 cup mozzarella and 1/4 cup Parmesan until completely melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cheese clumping? Ensure the soup is on low heat and cheeses are mixed well before adding to prevent this common issue. I always stir the ricotta mixture in gently off the heat to make sure it melts smoothly without seizing.

When to Enjoy Your White Lasagna Soup

This comforting white lasagna soup recipe suits many meal occasions, offering easy dinner ideas.

Ideal occasions for this white lasagna soup recipe:

Fast weeknight dinners for satisfying, quick meals.
Hearty school lunches packed in a thermos.
Cozy weekend family meals or gatherings.

Pairings:

Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks.
A simple green salad with light vinaigrette.
Sparkling water or a crisp white wine.

Storage & reheating:

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
Freezer: Freeze without noodles for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: Warm gently on stovetop over low heat, adding broth or milk if needed.

Nutrition & Lifestyle Value

Our white lasagna soup recipe offers significant healthy eating benefits for the whole family.

Benefits of this white lasagna soup recipe:

Protein boost: Meat and cheese provide lasting satiety.
Balanced diet: Easily add vegetables for completeness.
Kid-approved: Familiar flavor appeals to all ages.
Customizable: Great for various dietary needs and meal prep.

Fits multiple diet patterns:

Paleo: Omit noodles and dairy; use compliant broth.
Keto: Substitute noodles with zucchini or cauliflower, use low-carb dairy.
Vegetarian: Use plant-based ground meat alternative or lentils.

Time & Budget Insights

This white lasagna soup recipe is efficient and budget-friendly for busy homes.

Prep/cook time breakdown:

Prep time: 15 minutes.
Cook time: 25-30 minutes.
Total time: Approximately 40-45 minutes.

Approximate cost per serving: $3-$5. I often double batch this for quick meal prep.

Smart saving swaps:

Use store-brand cheese and broth.
Substitute ground chicken or turkey for sausage.
Stretch the soup with extra budget-friendly vegetables.

How white lasagna soup can be meal-prepped for the week:

Cook a double batch and portion into containers. Prepare soup base; add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.

Ingredient Shopping & Premium Picks

Quality ingredients enhance your white lasagna soup and its flavors.

Where to buy white lasagna soup ingredients:

Standard supermarkets for most items.
Local butcher shops for high-quality ground Italian sausage.
Specialty Italian markets for premium ricotta and Parmesan.

Differences in fresh vs frozen vs packaged:

Fresh spinach is preferred for tender wilt; quality ground meat significantly impacts flavor.

Organic grocery delivery, specialty stores, and meal kit mentions:

Find organic dairy and produce via Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or local co-ops for convenient access.

Advanced Tips & Customizations

Elevate your white lasagna soup recipe with simple tricks and variations.

Tricks for upgrading taste, presentation, or nutrition:

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
A swirl of pesto before serving for extra flavor.
Toasted breadcrumbs on top for crunch.

Flavor variations:

Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with garlic.
Garlicky: Stir in roasted garlic cloves for deeper flavor.
Smoky: A dash of smoked paprika for a complex note.

Allergy swaps and safe alternatives:

Nut-free: Ensure no nut-based cheeses are used.
Soy-free: Use soy-free chicken broth and dairy alternatives if needed.

FAQs

Can I make white lasagna soup ahead of time?

Yes, this white lasagna soup recipe stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. I often cook the soup base and noodles separately, combining just before reheating.

Is white lasagna soup suitable for weight loss?

This white lasagna soup recipe can be customized with lean ground meat, reduced-fat dairy, and more vegetables. Omit noodles for a low-carb option.

Where can I buy organic white lasagna soup ingredients online?

Find organic ingredients via Instacart, Amazon Fresh, or Thrive Market. They offer convenient access to quality organic ground meat and dairy.

What’s the best substitute for lasagna noodles in this recipe?

For low-carb, use zucchini ribbons or cauliflower florets. Gluten-free lasagna noodles are also an excellent option for a gluten-free meal.

Can I freeze this white lasagna soup?

Yes, freeze this creamy soup without noodles, or with slightly undercooked ones, to prevent mushiness. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.

How to make white lasagna soup vegetarian?

Substitute ground Italian sausage with plant-based ground meat or a mix of hearty sautéed mushrooms and cooked lentils for a satisfying meatless option.

What goes well with white lasagna soup?

Crusty garlic bread is a classic pairing. A fresh green salad offers a nice contrast, or consider roasted vegetables like broccoli for added nutrition.

Conclusion

This creamy, dreamy soup is the ultimate comfort food for busy days, delivering classic lasagna flavor without the layers of effort. Don’t wait—pin this amazing family dinner recipe on Pinterest to save it for your next easy weeknight meal!