Steam curls from the bubbling surface of creamy white sauce as tender pasta ribbons float like clouds in a bowl of pure comfort. This magical transformation happens when you take classic lasagna flavors and reimagine them as a soul-warming soup. One-Pot White Lasagna Soup delivers all the rich, cheesy satisfaction of traditional lasagna without hours of layering and baking. Instead, you’ll create this Creamy Pasta Dinner in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze while maintaining every bit of that beloved Italian comfort.
Moreover, this recipe solves the eternal weeknight dinner dilemma perfectly. Furthermore, it combines the convenience of one-pot cooking with the indulgent flavors your family craves. Additionally, this Cheesy Italian Comfort Food brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen without requiring advanced culinary skills.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Similarly, it works wonderfully for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals. Consequently, you’ll find yourself returning to this Family Dinner Recipe time and again. Meanwhile, the creamy white sauce base provides endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients
This Cozy White Soup requires simple, high-quality ingredients that work together harmoniously. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
For the Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter for extra richness)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (substitute: shallots for milder flavor)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (alternative: ground turkey or chicken)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour works too)
For the Soup:
- 4 cups chicken broth (vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 2 cups whole milk (substitute: heavy cream for ultra-richness)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, fresh (part-skim works for lighter version)
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped (frozen works, thawed and drained)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred)
For Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Timing
This Easy Weeknight Meal requires strategic timing for perfect results. Total preparation takes approximately 45 minutes, which is 25% faster than traditional baked lasagna. Additionally, active cooking time spans only 30 minutes, while prep work requires just 15 minutes.
Breakdown:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Active cooking: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Serves: 6-8 people generously
Comparatively, traditional lasagna requires 2-3 hours including assembly and baking time. Therefore, this soup version saves significant time while delivering similar satisfaction. Furthermore, you can prep ingredients ahead during weekend meal planning.
Step 1: Build the Flavor Foundation
Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Next, add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they become translucent and fragrant. Then, incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Pro tip: The onions should release their natural sweetness during this step, creating the aromatic foundation for your Comfort Food Idea.
Step 2: Brown the Protein
Add ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook thoroughly for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat develops golden-brown edges. Subsequently, the rendered fat will add incredible flavor to your soup base.
Chef’s insight: Don’t drain the fat unless it’s excessive, as it contributes to the overall richness and authentic Italian flavor profile.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the cooked meat mixture, stirring constantly for 2 minutes. This crucial step prevents lumps and creates a smooth thickening base. Meanwhile, the flour will cook out its raw taste and begin forming the creamy foundation.
Important note: Keep stirring during this phase to prevent the flour from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 4: Build the Soup Base
Gradually pour in chicken broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Then, slowly add milk while maintaining constant stirring motion. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
Temperature tip: Avoid rapid boiling, which can cause the milk to curdle and ruin the smooth texture.
Step 5: Add Pasta and Seasonings
Stir in broken lasagna noodles, Italian seasoning, basil, and red pepper flakes. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture. Meanwhile, the noodles will release starch, naturally thickening the soup.
Timing reminder: Test pasta doneness at the 12-minute mark, as overcooking can make them mushy.
Step 6: Incorporate Cheese and Greens
Remove the pot from heat before adding ricotta cheese to prevent curdling. Whisk the ricotta until smooth and fully incorporated. Next, fold in fresh spinach and half the mozzarella cheese. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cheese technique: Adding cheese off the heat maintains smooth, creamy consistency without graininess.
Step 7: Final Garnish and Serve
Ladle the Quick Pasta Soup into bowls and top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Allow the residual heat to melt the cheese naturally for the perfect finishing touch.
Nutritional Information
This hearty One-Pot White Lasagna Soup provides substantial nutrition per serving. Each bowl contains approximately 420 calories with a balanced macronutrient profile.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Calcium | 350mg |
| Iron | 4mg |
The protein content supports muscle maintenance and satiety, while calcium from dairy ingredients promotes bone health. Additionally, spinach contributes valuable vitamins A and K, plus folate and iron.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this White Sauce Lasagna Soup into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Several smart substitutions can reduce calories while maintaining the creamy, satisfying texture you love.
Replace heavy cream with unsweetened cashew cream for dairy-free richness. Alternatively, use Greek yogurt mixed with a splash of milk for protein-packed creaminess. Furthermore, substitute ground turkey or plant-based protein for traditional sausage.
Vegetable additions: Include diced zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers to increase fiber and nutrients. Meanwhile, these vegetables add natural sweetness and bulk without extra calories.
Pasta alternatives: Try chickpea pasta for additional protein and fiber. Similarly, shirataki noodles dramatically reduce carbohydrates for keto-friendly versions.
Serving Suggestions
This Cheesy Italian Comfort Food pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that complement its rich, creamy nature. Consider serving alongside crusty garlic bread for dipping into the luscious broth.
Wine pairing: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness perfectly. Alternatively, a light red wine such as Chianti adds Italian authenticity.
Side dishes: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides fresh contrast. Moreover, roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or asparagus add color and nutrients.
Presentation ideas: Serve in rustic bowls with grated cheese and herbs on the side. Additionally, warm dinner rolls make this Family Dinner Recipe feel extra special for gatherings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Several pitfalls can derail your Cozy White Soup success. First, adding cheese while the soup is too hot causes curdling and grainy texture. Instead, always remove from heat before incorporating dairy elements.
Pasta timing errors: Adding noodles too early results in mushy, overcooked pasta. Conversely, undercooking leaves them tough and chewy. Therefore, test frequently during the final cooking phase.
Seasoning mistakes: Under-seasoning at the beginning means flat, bland flavors throughout. However, over-salting early can’t be corrected later. Consequently, season gradually and taste frequently.
Thickness issues: Too much flour creates gluey consistency, while too little results in thin, watery soup. Meanwhile, proper roux technique prevents both problems.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage maintains the quality and safety of your Easy Weeknight Meal leftovers. Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating method: Warm gently over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent separation. Add splash of milk or broth if the soup thickens too much during storage. Furthermore, avoid rapid reheating which can cause curdling.
Freezing considerations: This soup freezes acceptably for up to 3 months, though the texture may change slightly. Meanwhile, the pasta can become softer after freezing and thawing.
Make-ahead strategy: Prepare the base without pasta and cheese, then add these ingredients when reheating for optimal texture.
Conclusion
This One-Pot White Lasagna Soup transforms beloved Italian flavors into a convenient, soul-warming meal that brings families together. The creamy, cheesy goodness satisfies comfort food cravings while fitting seamlessly into busy schedules.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or hosting a casual dinner party, this Comfort Food Idea delivers every time. The simple preparation and minimal cleanup make it a reliable go-to recipe you’ll treasure for years.
Try this recipe tonight and experience how easy weeknight dinners can still be extraordinary. Share your creations and variations in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe to help other home cooks discover this delicious Quick Pasta Soup.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the base up to 2 days ahead. However, add pasta and cheese when reheating to maintain optimal texture and prevent overcooking.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
Substitute any wide pasta shape like pappardelle, fettuccine, or even broken spaghetti. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on pasta thickness.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Replace Italian sausage with plant-based alternatives or omit entirely. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for substance and flavor.
Why did my soup curdle?
Curdling typically occurs when cheese is added to soup that’s too hot or when the mixture boils after adding dairy. Always remove from heat before adding cheese ingredients.
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! Try combining different cheeses like fontina, provolone, or asiago for unique flavor profiles. Just maintain similar quantities for proper consistency.
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