Step 1: Cook the Meat

  1. Heat the Pot:

    • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat if using chicken.

  2. Cook the Meat:

    • Add the ground Italian sausage or ground chicken to the pot. Break it into crumbles with a wooden spoon and cook until browned and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes).

  3. Drain Excess Fat:

    • If using sausage, drain any excess fat from the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add Onion and Garlic:

    • Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

  2. Season:

    • Sprinkle in the thyme, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add the Broth and Milk:

    • Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

  2. Add the Heavy Cream:

    • Stir in the heavy cream for a rich and velvety texture.

  3. Simmer:

    • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

  1. Add the Noodles:

    • Stir in the broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup.

  2. Cook Until Tender:

    • Let the pasta cook in the simmering broth for about 10–12 minutes, or until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

  3. Adjust Liquid:

    • If the soup becomes too thick as the pasta cooks, add 1 cup of water or more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture

  1. Combine the Cheeses:

    • In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded mozzarella cheese.

  2. Mix Thoroughly:

    • Stir until the cheeses are well blended and set aside.

Step 6: Finish the Soup

  1. Add the Cheese Mixture:

    • Stir spoonfuls of the cheese mixture directly into the soup, allowing it to melt and incorporate.

  2. Add Mozzarella:

    • Sprinkle the remaining shredded mozzarella cheese into the pot, stirring gently until it melts and makes the soup extra creamy.

  3. Taste and Adjust:

    • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Ladle the Soup:

    • Serve the soup hot in individual bowls.

  2. Garnish:

    • Top each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor.

  3. Pair with Bread:

    • Serve alongside crusty bread, garlic bread, or breadsticks to soak up the creamy broth.

Tips for Success

  1. Don’t Overcook the Pasta:
    • Add the lasagna noodles toward the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
  2. Customize the Meat:
    • Swap the Italian sausage for ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative to suit your preferences.
  3. Use Fresh Cheese:
    • Grate Parmesan and mozzarella cheese from a block for the best melting texture and flavor.
  4. Make It Ahead:
    • The soup base can be made ahead of time, but cook the pasta fresh before serving to maintain its texture.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Avoid freezing if the soup contains pasta, as it can become mushy. Freeze the soup base without the pasta and add fresh noodles when reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup has thickened.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Rich and Creamy: The velvety broth and melted cheese create a luxurious texture.
  2. Comforting and Satisfying: This soup is hearty enough to serve as a full meal.
  3. Easy to Customize: Adapt the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

White lasagna soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of creamy Alfredo sauce with the cozy satisfaction of a one-pot meal. With its rich broth, tender pasta, and gooey cheese, it’s a dish that will impress your family and become a regular on your dinner rotation. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, this soup will warm hearts and fill bellies. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy spoonful!