Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. For me, this classic White Cheddar Italian Lasagna Soup – Smooth & Creamy is one of them. It wraps you in a blanket of pure comfort.
I remember the rich, savory aroma of my grandma’s lasagna filling her cozy kitchen. This soup captures that exact feeling in a bowl. It’s a nostalgic trip to a simpler time.
We’re taking all the beloved flavors of a traditional white lasagna and transforming them. The result is a spoonable, soul-warming masterpiece that’s perfect for any chilly evening. If you’re looking for another cheesy, comforting pasta dish, you should definitely try our Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno.
Recipe Overview
Here’s everything you need to know at a quick glance before we dive in. This is your roadmap to a perfect, comforting meal.
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Category: Soup
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
The Story Behind This Classic Recipe
This dish was born from a happy accident in my own kitchen. I was craving my grandmother’s famous lasagna but didn’t have the time for all the layering.
I decided to deconstruct her recipe, simmering the components together. The moment I took that first creamy, cheesy spoonful, I knew it was something truly special.
It’s a tribute to her cooking, a way to keep that tradition alive and accessible. Now, it’s a staple in my own home, just as her lasagna was in hers.
What Makes This the *Traditional* Way
We’re not cutting corners here with pre-made sauces or bland cheeses. The traditional method is all about building flavor from the ground up.
We start by creating a rich, homemade roux for the base. This gives the soup its signature velvety texture that you just can’t get from a can.
Using a blend of high-quality Italian cheeses is non-negotiable. It provides that authentic, deeply savory taste that defines a classic comfort dish.
White Cheddar Italian Lasagna Soup – Smooth & Creamy Recipe
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Notes
Enjoy your homemade White Cheddar Italian Lasagna Soup – Smooth & Creamy Recipe!
Nutrition Information
The Classic Ingredients (No Fancy Stuff!)
You won’t need any hard-to-find items for this recipe. These are simple, wholesome ingredients that work together in harmony.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 no-boil lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How to Make It Just Like Grandma Did
Follow these steps carefully for a soup that’s rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying. It’s a straightforward process that yields incredible results.
- Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and no pink remains.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until its aroma fills your kitchen.
- Sprinkle the flour over the sausage and onion mixture. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form your roux.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously. This prevents any lumps from forming in your soup base.
- Bring the soup to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the heavy cream and the broken lasagna noodle pieces. Let it simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the white cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until they are perfectly melted and the soup is smooth.
- Season with dried basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it one final stir, then ladle into bowls and serve immediately.
My Tips for Perfecting This Classic
A few simple tricks can take this good soup and make it absolutely great. These are the little things I’ve learned over many batches.
First, don’t rush the roux. Letting the flour and butter cook for the full two minutes is key. It cooks out the raw flour taste and gives the soup a wonderful, nutty base.
Second, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded bags contain anti-caking agents that can make your soup grainy. A block of cheese you shred yourself will melt into a lusciously smooth consistency.
How to Store and Enjoy Later
This soup makes for fantastic leftovers, as the flavors deepen overnight. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition Notes
This is a rich, indulgent comfort food meant to be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a general breakdown per serving.
- Calories: ~580
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fat: 38g
PREPARATION
For a hearty, all-in-one meal that’s just as easy to prepare, check out our Cheesy Ranch Potatoes and Smoked Sausage recipe.
Your Questions About This Classic Recipe
I love hearing from you all, and these are the questions that come up most often. I hope these answers help you in your kitchen.
Can I make this in a crock pot?
Absolutely! Brown the sausage and onions first for the best flavor. Then, add everything except the cream, noodles, and cheese to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4. Thirty minutes before serving, stir in the cream, noodles, and cheeses until melted and tender.
What can I use instead of Italian sausage?
For a lighter version, ground chicken or turkey works wonderfully. Just be sure to season it well with some extra Italian herbs to make up for the lost flavor from the sausage.
How can I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
The best way is to cook the noodles just until al dente in the soup. If you know you’ll have lots of leftovers, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them to each bowl when you serve.
I truly hope this recipe brings as much warmth and comfort to your table as it does to mine. It’s a bowlful of love and memory.
There’s nothing I love more than hearing how these classic dishes become part of your own family’s story. Did this soup remind you of a favorite family meal? If you’re craving a sweet finish to your meal, our Summer Berry and Peach Cheesecake is the perfect dessert.
Please share your thoughts and your own cozy memories in the comments below. I read every single one!
