Creamy Italian Comfort Soup

This white lasagna soup transforms classic Italian flavors into a comforting bowl of creamy goodness that's perfect for chilly evenings. The broken lasagna noodles swimming in a rich, velvety broth capture all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy preparation time.

I first created this soup one winter when my family was craving lasagna but I didn't have the hours needed for layering and baking. Now it's requested more often than the traditional version especially on rainy evenings when we need something warm and satisfying quickly.

Ingredients

• Olive oil creates the foundation for sautéing our aromatics giving them a chance to release their flavors fully
• Medium onion diced provides sweetness and depth to the broth
• Garlic minced brings essential Italian flavor profile that wakes up the entire dish
• Chicken broth forms our soup base use low sodium if watching salt intake
• Cooked chicken shredded adds protein and substance rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here
• Lasagna noodles broken into pieces delivers the classic lasagna experience in spoonable form
• Heavy cream creates that luxurious mouthfeel that makes this soup so satisfying
• Ricotta cheese adds creaminess and authentic lasagna flavor try to find whole milk ricotta for best results
• Baby spinach introduces color nutrition and slight earthiness that balances the richness
• Dried oregano and basil provide classic Italian seasoning profile look for bright fragrant dried herbs
• Parmesan cheese for garnish adds the perfect salty finish and visual appeal

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large heavy bottomed pot over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the diced onion and cook for a full 5 minutes stirring occasionally until they become translucent and slightly golden at the edges. Add the minced garlic and cook for 90 seconds more until extremely fragrant but not browned as garlic can become bitter if overcooked.

Create the Soup Base

Pour in the chicken broth and increase heat to high bringing liquid to a rolling boil. This provides the perfect cooking environment for our pasta. Once boiling carefully add the broken lasagna noodle pieces ensuring they are fully submerged. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the noodles are just tender about 8 to 10 minutes depending on your noodle thickness.

Enrich with Dairy Components

Reduce heat to medium low before adding shredded chicken heavy cream and ricotta cheese. Stir gently but thoroughly to incorporate the ricotta which will create beautiful creamy swirls throughout your soup. The key is maintaining a gentle simmer at this stage to prevent the dairy from separating.

Finish with Herbs and Greens

Add dried oregano basil and baby spinach to the pot stirring until the spinach just wilts into the soup approximately 2 minutes. The spinach should retain some structure while releasing its nutrients into the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper remembering that the Parmesan garnish will add additional saltiness.

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The ricotta cheese is truly the star ingredient here. I discovered its importance when I once tried to make the soup without it thinking the heavy cream would be enough. The ricotta creates those pillowy pockets of creaminess that remind you you're eating lasagna not just any cream soup. My children now hunt for those little ricotta treasures with their spoons declaring them the best part.

Making Ahead and Storage

This soup can be prepared up to two days in advance making it perfect for busy households. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of broth when reheating as the noodles will continue to absorb liquid. For best results add the spinach when reheating rather than during initial cooking if you plan to store the soup.

Simple Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Ground Italian sausage can replace chicken for a heartier flavor profile. Vegetable broth works beautifully for a vegetarian version simply omit the chicken and perhaps add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini. For those avoiding dairy coconut cream can substitute for heavy cream though it will add a slight coconut flavor to the final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this white lasagna soup in wide shallow bowls to showcase all the components. A good quality crusty bread or garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for sopping up the rich broth. For a complete meal pair with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil to cut through the richness of the soup. During summer months I like to serve this with a side of marinated tomatoes to bring bright acidity to the meal.

Family Friendly Variations

Turn this into an interactive meal by setting up a topping bar. Offer extra ricotta Parmesan fresh herbs red pepper flakes and even crumbled bacon for everyone to customize their bowl. For picky eaters who might balk at spinach you can easily omit it from their portion or chop it very finely so it blends into the broth. Adding tiny meatballs is another child friendly variation that never fails to please at my dinner table.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make White Lasagna Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this soup ahead of time, but it's best to cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from becoming too soft. Store the soup base in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, then bring to a simmer and add freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve.

→ Can I use different pasta instead of lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles give this soup its signature character, you can substitute other pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or egg noodles. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose, as smaller shapes may cook more quickly.

→ How can I make White Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the shredded chicken. Consider adding more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for additional texture and flavor. You might also increase the spinach quantity or add other leafy greens.

→ Can I freeze White Lasagna Soup?

Cream-based soups generally don't freeze well as they can separate and develop a grainy texture when thawed. If you must freeze it, do so without the noodles and cream. When reheating, add freshly cooked pasta and stir in the cream after the soup is hot. A better option is to refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.

→ What's the best way to reheat White Lasagna Soup?

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until hot. Avoid boiling as this can cause the cream to separate. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or milk if the soup has thickened in the refrigerator. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave at 50% power, stirring halfway through.

→ What can I serve with White Lasagna Soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with crusty Italian bread or garlic bread for dipping. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup. For a more substantial meal, serve smaller portions as a starter before a main course of grilled chicken or fish.