Name: White Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground turkey; 1 onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 (9 oz) package lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

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A creamy and comforting soup inspired by the flavors of lasagna, with layers of rich cheese, ground turkey, and a savory broth that will warm you up from the inside out.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This White Lasagna Soup brings all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna in a convenient, spoonable form. It's perfect for cold evenings when you crave comfort food but don't want to spend hours assembling a full lasagna. The creamy broth, tender noodles, and three-cheese blend create a luxurious texture, while the ground turkey keeps it lighter than traditional beef versions. It's a one-pot wonder that comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. Best of all, it captures the essence of lasagna without all the layering and baking time.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil provides the base for sautéing your meat and vegetables, imparting a subtle Mediterranean flavor that complements the Italian inspiration behind this dish.

Ground turkey offers a leaner alternative to traditional ground beef, making this soup a bit lighter while still providing plenty of protein and savory flavor. You can substitute ground chicken or return to classic ground beef if you prefer.

Onion and garlic form the aromatic foundation of this soup, adding depth and complexity to the broth. Their flavors mellow and sweeten as they cook, infusing the entire soup with their essence.

Chicken broth serves as the liquid base, providing a savory backdrop that ties all the ingredients together. Use low-sodium if you're watching your salt intake.

Whole milk adds richness and creaminess to the broth, transforming it from a standard soup into a luxurious experience. You can substitute half-and-half for even more decadence or 2% milk for a lighter option.

Tomato sauce brings a touch of acidity and subtle tomato flavor that balances the richness of the cheese and dairy components, while keeping the soup's overall appearance lighter than traditional red lasagna.

Dried herbs like basil and oregano infuse the soup with classic Italian flavors that are synonymous with lasagna. Their dried form works perfectly in soup, releasing flavor slowly as the soup simmers.

Lasagna noodles create the unmistakable lasagna experience in every spoonful. Breaking them into pieces makes the soup easier to eat while maintaining the authentic texture that makes lasagna so beloved.

Ricotta cheese adds a creamy, slightly tangy element that's essential to authentic lasagna flavor. Its small curds melt partially into the broth while maintaining some texture.

Mozzarella cheese contributes that signature stretch and mild dairy flavor that makes lasagna so crave-worthy, while helping to thicken the soup as it melts.

Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty depth that elevates all the other flavors. Its umami quality is the perfect finishing touch to round out the soup's flavor profile.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and tomato sauce. Stir in dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer.
Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook according to the package directions, about 10-12 minutes, until tender.
While the soup is cooking, in a separate bowl, mix together ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
Once the noodles are cooked, remove the pot from heat. Stir in the cheese mixture until it melts and becomes creamy.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.

Servings and Timing

This White Lasagna Soup recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners with potential leftovers. The preparation is quick and straightforward, taking only about 10 minutes to prep all ingredients. Cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, bringing the total time to a convenient 30 minutes from start to finish. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, offering a satisfying meal that won't break your calorie bank.

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Substitute the ground turkey with a plant-based meat alternative or add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to give your soup some heat. A spoonful of hot Italian giardiniera on top adds both spice and crunch.

Creamy Garlic: Add 3-4 extra cloves of garlic and a splash of heavy cream at the end for an ultra-rich, garlic-forward version.

Spinach Addition: Stir in fresh spinach leaves during the last minute of cooking for added nutrition and a pop of color.

Seafood Twist: Replace the turkey with cooked shrimp or crab meat for an elegant seafood lasagna soup variation.

Pesto Infusion: Swirl a tablespoon of basil pesto into each bowl before serving for an herbaceous twist that complements the cheesy flavors.

Roasted Vegetable: Add roasted cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini for a more complex, caramelized flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover White Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight, making this a great make-ahead meal.

Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 3 months, though there are some considerations. Freeze before adding the cheese mixture for best results, as dairy can sometimes separate when frozen and thawed. Alternatively, freeze in individual portions with the cheese already mixed in for quick single servings.

Reheating: Warm refrigerated soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup has thickened considerably during storage, add a splash of milk or broth to reach your desired consistency. For microwave reheating, use medium power and stir at 1-minute intervals until heated through.

Refreshing: If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results. Consider adding a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan or a dollop of ricotta when serving reheated soup to reinvigorate the flavors and presentation.

FAQs

Can I use regular lasagna noodles or do I need a special type?

Regular lasagna noodles work perfectly in this recipe. Simply break them into bite-sized pieces before adding them to the soup. You can also use no-boil lasagna noodles, but they may cook faster, so check them a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests.

My soup is too thick. How can I thin it out?

If your soup becomes too thick, especially after sitting or upon reheating, simply add more chicken broth or milk in small increments until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition to incorporate the liquid evenly.

Can I make this soup ahead of time for a party?

Yes, this soup is excellent for make-ahead situations. Prepare it up to the point of adding the cheese mixture, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and add the cheese mixture just before serving. This ensures the best texture and prevents the noodles from becoming too soft.

Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

Absolutely! Substitute the traditional lasagna noodles with gluten-free lasagna noodles or other gluten-free pasta shapes like fusilli or penne. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions for the pasta you choose.

Why did my cheese clump instead of creating a smooth soup?

This can happen if the soup is too hot when adding the cheese or if the cheese is added all at once. To prevent clumping, remove the soup from heat and let it cool slightly before adding the cheese mixture. Also, add the cheese gradually while stirring constantly.

Can I use ground beef instead of turkey?

Yes, ground beef is a perfect substitute for turkey in this recipe. Use the same amount and cook it in the same way. You may want to drain excess fat after browning beef before proceeding with the rest of the recipe.

How can I increase the vegetable content in this soup?

Easily boost the nutritional value by adding diced carrots and celery with the onions, or stir in chopped spinach, kale, or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. Roasted bell peppers or mushrooms also make excellent additions.

My family doesn't like ricotta cheese. What can I use instead?

For a ricotta alternative, try using cream cheese for a smoother texture, or cottage cheese (preferably blended until smooth) for a similar protein content. You could also simply increase the mozzarella and Parmesan amounts for a ricotta-free version.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, this soup adapts well to slow cooking. Brown the turkey and sauté the onions and garlic on the stovetop first, then transfer to a slow cooker with the broth, milk, tomato sauce, and seasonings. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add the broken noodles and cook until tender (usually 30-45 minutes more). Stir in the cheese mixture just before serving.

What sides pair well with White Lasagna Soup?

This hearty soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread is perfect for dipping. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to complement the rich, creamy flavors of the soup.

Conclusion

White Lasagna Soup brilliantly transforms a classic Italian casserole into a comforting, spoonable meal that delivers all the flavor with a fraction of the effort. The harmonious blend of cheeses, aromatic herbs, and tender turkey creates a dish that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly enough for weeknight dinners. What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility—easily adaptable to dietary preferences, available ingredients, and seasonal variations. Whether you're serving a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or looking for a crowd-pleasing option for casual entertaining, this soup rises to the occasion. As the weather turns cooler, keep this recipe close at hand—it's bound to become a requested favorite that brings everyone to the table with enthusiasm.