Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe

After a long week of juggling work, school runs, and everything in between, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen to prepare a comforting, family-pleasing meal felt daunting. That’s when I stumbled upon this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup recipe, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer! The aroma that filled my home as it simmered away in the slow cooker was simply divine, a promise of creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying goodness. Even my picky eaters, who usually give soup a side-eye, were completely won over by the rich flavors and the fun, deconstructed lasagna elements. It’s become a regular request in our household, a testament to its ease, deliciousness, and the sheer comfort it brings to the table. If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy the flavors of lasagna without all the layering and fuss, you absolutely must try this recipe. Prepare to be amazed by how effortlessly delicious dinner can be!

Ingredients

To create this delectable Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, you’ll need a selection of fresh, flavorful ingredients that come together beautifully in the slow cooker. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the layers of taste and texture that mimic the classic white lasagna we all adore, but in a cozy soup format. Let’s dive into the essentials:

• 1 pound Italian Sausage (sweet or hot, or a mix): The heart of our soup, Italian sausage provides a robust, savory base. You can choose sweet sausage for a milder flavor, hot sausage for a spicy kick, or a combination of both to achieve a perfect balance. Look for sausage that is easily removed from its casings for browning.
• 1 large Onion, chopped: Onions are the aromatic foundation of countless dishes, and this soup is no exception. A large yellow onion, finely chopped, will sauté beautifully and melt into the soup, adding a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is indispensable in Italian-inspired cuisine, contributing its pungent, savory notes that enhance all the other ingredients. Freshly minced garlic is always best, but pre-minced garlic from a jar can also work in a pinch for convenience.
• 8 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred): The liquid base of our soup, chicken broth brings everything together and creates that comforting, soupy consistency. Opt for low sodium broth to control the salt level and allow the other flavors to shine through without being overshadowed by excessive saltiness. Vegetable broth can also be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
• 1 (15 ounce) can Cannellini Beans, rinsed and drained: Cannellini beans, also known as white kidney beans, add a creamy texture and a subtle nutty flavor to the soup. Rinsing and draining them removes any excess liquid and sodium from the can, ensuring the best taste and consistency.
• 1 (10 ounce) package Frozen Spinach, thawed and squeezed dry: Spinach not only adds a boost of nutrients and vibrant color to the soup, but also a mild, earthy flavor that complements the other ingredients. It’s crucial to thaw the spinach thoroughly and squeeze out as much excess water as possible to prevent the soup from becoming watery and diluted. Fresh spinach can be used as a substitute, but frozen spinach is often more convenient and budget-friendly.
• 1 (15 ounce) container Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta cheese is the quintessential ingredient that brings the creamy, cheesy essence of white lasagna to this soup. Full-fat ricotta will provide the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but part-skim ricotta can also be used for a slightly lighter option.
• 1 cup Heavy Cream: Heavy cream is what elevates this soup to luxurious levels of creaminess and richness. It adds a velvety smooth texture and binds all the flavors together beautifully. For a slightly lighter option, you could use half-and-half, but the soup won’t be quite as rich.
• 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese is a classic lasagna ingredient, known for its mild flavor and wonderful melting quality. Shredded mozzarella adds cheesy goodness and creates those delightful, melty cheese pulls we all crave in lasagna. Part-skim or whole milk mozzarella can be used depending on your preference.
• ½ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving: Parmesan cheese provides a salty, nutty, and umami-rich flavor that is essential to Italian cuisine. Grated Parmesan is stirred into the soup to enhance the overall flavor profile, and extra Parmesan is perfect for serving, allowing everyone to add a final flourish of cheesy goodness to their bowl.
• 9 Lasagna Noodles, broken into pieces: Lasagna noodles are the star of the show, transforming this soup into a deconstructed lasagna experience. Breaking them into smaller pieces ensures they cook evenly in the slow cooker and are easy to eat in a soup format. No-boil lasagna noodles work best in this recipe, as they cook perfectly in the slow cooker without becoming mushy. Regular lasagna noodles can also be used, but may require a slightly longer cooking time.
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano: Oregano is a classic Italian herb that brings a warm, slightly peppery flavor to the soup. Dried oregano is convenient and readily available, but fresh oregano can also be used, adding a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, red pepper flakes add a gentle spice that complements the richness of the soup. Adjust the amount to your preference, or omit it altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste: Seasoning is crucial in any recipe, and salt and black pepper are the fundamental seasonings that enhance all the other flavors. Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking, ensuring it is perfectly seasoned to your taste.
• Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness, color, and a subtle herbaceous flavor that brightens up the rich soup. Chopped fresh parsley is the perfect garnish, adding a final touch of visual appeal and flavor.

This detailed ingredient list ensures you have everything you need to create a truly flavorful and satisfying Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to contribute to the overall taste and texture, resulting in a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Creating this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is remarkably easy, especially thanks to the magic of the slow cooker. With minimal hands-on time, you can have a hearty and flavorful meal simmering away, ready to be enjoyed whenever you are. Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to bring this culinary delight to life:

1. Brown the Sausage and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any excess grease. Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. This initial browning step is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors that infuse the entire soup. Browning the sausage not only cooks it through but also creates flavorful browned bits that add complexity to the dish. Sautéing the onions softens them and releases their natural sweetness, creating a savory base for the soup.
2. Add Garlic and Aromatics: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Stirring in the garlic and spices at this stage allows them to bloom in the heat, releasing their aromatic oils and intensifying their flavors. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Cooking it for just a minute until fragrant is perfect.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sausage and onion mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. This is where the slow cooking magic begins! The slow cooker allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully over time, creating a depth of flavor that is hard to achieve with stovetop cooking alone.
4. Add Broth, Beans, and Spinach: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring it covers the sausage mixture. Add the rinsed and drained cannellini beans and the thawed and squeezed dry spinach. Stir everything together to combine. The chicken broth provides the liquid base for the soup, while the cannellini beans add creaminess and texture, and the spinach provides nutrients and a subtle earthy flavor.
5. Add Broken Lasagna Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inch pieces, and add them to the slow cooker. Gently stir them into the broth mixture, ensuring they are submerged. Breaking the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces is essential for them to cook properly in the soup and be easily manageable to eat. Submerging them in the broth ensures they cook evenly and don’t become dry or hard.
6. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours, or until the lasagna noodles are tender and the soup has thickened slightly. Slow cooking is the key to this recipe. Cooking on low heat for a longer period allows the flavors to develop and deepen, resulting in a richer and more flavorful soup. Cooking on high heat for a shorter period is a faster option, but low and slow is generally recommended for optimal flavor development. The lasagna noodles will absorb some of the broth and become tender as they cook, thickening the soup to a comforting consistency.
7. Stir in Cheeses and Cream: In the last 30 minutes of cooking time (or just before serving), stir in the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until all the cheeses are melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy and cheesy texture. Adding the cheeses and cream towards the end of the cooking process prevents them from curdling or becoming grainy. Stirring them in until melted and smooth creates that signature creamy, cheesy richness that is the hallmark of white lasagna soup.
8. Season and Serve: Season the soup with salt and black pepper to taste. Give it a final stir and taste to ensure the seasoning is perfect. Adjust as needed. Ladle the Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. Taste and season is the final crucial step. Seasoning to taste ensures the soup is perfectly balanced and flavorful to your personal preference. Fresh parsley and extra Parmesan are optional garnishes, but they add a beautiful visual appeal and an extra layer of flavor and freshness.

Following these detailed instructions will guide you to create a truly satisfying and flavorful Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious and comforting meal with minimal effort.

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is important for making informed dietary choices. Here’s a general overview of the nutritional information for our Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup. Please note that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 6-8 servings
• Calories per serving (estimated): 450-550 calories

Approximate Nutritional Breakdown per Serving (estimated):

• Protein: 30-35 grams
• Fat: 25-30 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams
• Cholesterol: 100-120 mg
• Sodium: 700-900 mg (can vary based on broth and sausage used, using low-sodium broth helps reduce sodium)
• Carbohydrates: 25-30 grams
  • Fiber: 3-5 grams
  • Sugar: 5-7 grams

Important Considerations:

• Ingredient Variations: Using different types of sausage (e.g., leaner turkey sausage) or cheeses (e.g., part-skim ricotta and mozzarella) can slightly alter the nutritional profile, particularly the fat and calorie content.
• Serving Size: These values are based on an estimated average serving size. Adjusting your portion size will directly impact the calories and nutrients consumed.
• Dietary Needs: This soup is relatively high in protein and fat, making it a satisfying and filling meal. However, individuals watching their sodium or saturated fat intake should be mindful of portion sizes and consider using lower-sodium broth and leaner sausage options.

For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutrition calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This estimated information provides a general guide to help you understand the nutritional aspects of this delicious Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup. It’s a hearty and comforting meal that can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet.

Preparation Time

One of the greatest advantages of this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is its minimal preparation time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a breakdown of the preparation time:

• Prep Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

This includes:

• Chopping Vegetables: Dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. (5-7 minutes)
• Browning Sausage and Onions: Cooking the sausage and onions in a skillet. (10-12 minutes)
• Measuring and Preparing Ingredients: Gathering and measuring out the remaining ingredients, thawing spinach (if frozen), breaking lasagna noodles. (5-6 minutes)
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high in the slow cooker
• Total Time (excluding slow cooking): Approximately 20-25 minutes active time + slow cooking time.

Tips to Speed Up Prep Time:

• Pre-chopped Vegetables: Utilize pre-chopped onions and minced garlic available in most grocery stores to save time.
• Frozen Sausage Crumbles: Some stores offer pre-cooked and crumbled Italian sausage in the freezer section, which can eliminate the browning step, although browning fresh sausage is recommended for best flavor.
• Organize Ingredients: Having all your ingredients pre-measured and organized before you begin cooking (mise en place) can streamline the process and make it faster.

As you can see, the active hands-on time for this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is minimal, primarily focused on the initial browning of the sausage and chopping of vegetables. The slow cooker then takes over, doing the majority of the work and transforming these simple ingredients into a flavorful and comforting soup with very little effort on your part. This makes it an ideal recipe for busy individuals and families who crave a home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Serving this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is all about enhancing its comforting and delicious flavors with complementary sides and garnishes. Here are some delightful ways to serve and elevate your soup experience:

Garnishes (for individual bowls):

• Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: A must-have! Offer extra Parmesan cheese for guests to sprinkle generously over their soup. It adds a salty, nutty finish and enhances the cheesy flavor.
• Chopped Fresh Parsley or Basil: A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds a pop of color and freshness, balancing the richness of the soup. Parsley provides a mild, clean flavor, while basil offers a slightly sweeter, more aromatic note.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle spicy kick.
• Dollop of Ricotta Cheese: A small dollop of fresh ricotta cheese on top adds extra creaminess and a cool contrast to the warm soup.
• Croutons or Garlic Bread Croutons: Add some crunch and texture with homemade or store-bought croutons. Garlic bread croutons will especially complement the Italian flavors.

Side Dishes (to create a complete meal):

• Garlic Bread or Breadsticks: Classic accompaniments to any Italian-inspired meal. The garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy soup and soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Side Salad with Italian Dressing: A light and refreshing green salad with a tangy Italian vinaigrette provides a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. Consider adding tomatoes, cucumbers, and olives to your salad.
• Caesar Salad: A more substantial salad option, Caesar salad with its creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and Parmesan cheese, pairs wonderfully with the lasagna soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini offer a healthy and flavorful side dish that complements the soup without being too heavy. Drizzle them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe a sprinkle of Parmesan before roasting.
• Bruschetta: Toasted slices of baguette topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic make a delicious and light appetizer or side dish that pairs well with the soup.

Drinks:

• Red Wine: A light to medium-bodied red wine like Chianti, Pinot Noir, or Merlot complements the Italian flavors of the soup beautifully.
• White Wine: A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc can also pair nicely, especially if you prefer white wine.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon is refreshing and palate-cleansing.
• Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea is another good non-alcoholic choice that is light and refreshing.

By offering a variety of garnishes and side dish options, you can create a truly satisfying and customizable meal experience with your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup. Encourage your guests to personalize their bowls with their favorite toppings and enjoy the comforting flavors of this delightful soup.

Additional Tips

To ensure your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is an absolute success, here are five additional tips to elevate your cooking experience and the final dish:

1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep a close eye on the lasagna noodles, especially if cooking on high heat. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and disintegrate into the soup. Check for doneness around the 3-hour mark on high and 6-hour mark on low. The noodles should be tender but still have a slight bite. If you find they are cooking too quickly, you can add them later in the cooking process, perhaps in the last hour or so, depending on your slow cooker and heat setting.
2. Squeeze Spinach Thoroughly: Whether using fresh or frozen spinach, ensuring it’s thoroughly squeezed dry is crucial. Excess water from the spinach can dilute the soup and make it watery. For frozen spinach, thaw it completely and then squeeze out as much moisture as possible using your hands or a clean kitchen towel. For fresh spinach, you can quickly sauté it in a dry pan to wilt it and then squeeze out the excess moisture.
3. Customize the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. Start with ¼ teaspoon for a mild hint of spice and increase to ½ teaspoon or more if you like a more pronounced kick. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If you prefer no spice at all, simply omit the red pepper flakes entirely. Remember that the type of Italian sausage you use will also influence the spice level; hot sausage will naturally add more heat than sweet sausage.
4. Make it Ahead and Freeze: This Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is an excellent make-ahead meal. You can prepare the soup completely, let it cool, and then store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 2-3 months. When freezing, it’s best to freeze it before adding the ricotta and mozzarella cheese, as dairy can sometimes change texture upon freezing and thawing. Add the ricotta and mozzarella after thawing and reheating for the best creamy texture.
5. Enhance Flavor with Browning: While the slow cooker is incredibly convenient, taking the extra step to brown the sausage and onions in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker significantly enhances the depth of flavor of the soup. Browning creates flavorful Maillard reaction compounds that simply can’t be achieved in the slow cooker alone. This extra step, though minimal, makes a noticeable difference in the richness and complexity of the final soup. Don’t skip this step if you want to maximize the flavor!

By incorporating these additional tips, you can fine-tune your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup to perfection and ensure a consistently delicious and enjoyable meal every time. These tips cover aspects from texture and flavor to convenience and customization, empowering you to become a Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup master!

FAQ Section

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup to help you troubleshoot, customize, and perfect your recipe:

Q1: Can I use different types of sausage?

A: Absolutely! While Italian sausage (sweet or hot) is traditionally used and recommended for its robust flavor, you can definitely experiment with other types of sausage. Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even chorizo can be used as alternatives. Turkey or chicken sausage will result in a leaner soup. If using chorizo, be mindful of its spice level and adjust the red pepper flakes accordingly. For a vegetarian version, you could even omit the sausage altogether and increase the beans and vegetables, or use a plant-based sausage substitute.

Q2: Can I make this soup on the stovetop if I don’t have a slow cooker?

A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the stovetop. After browning the sausage and onions, transfer them to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the remaining ingredients (except cheeses and cream). Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-45 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. In the last 10 minutes of cooking, stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses, and heavy cream until melted and smooth. Stovetop cooking will be faster than slow cooking, but the slow cooker method allows for deeper flavor development over time.

Q3: Can I use fresh lasagna noodles instead of no-boil?

A: While no-boil lasagna noodles are recommended for ease and convenience in the slow cooker, you can use regular lasagna noodles. However, you may need to pre-cook them slightly according to package directions (usually boiling for just a few minutes until slightly softened but not fully cooked) before adding them to the slow cooker. This prevents them from becoming mushy during the long slow cooking process. Keep an eye on them during cooking to ensure they don’t overcook. Fresh pasta is generally more delicate and may not hold up as well in the slow cooker as no-boil or slightly pre-cooked dried noodles.

Q4: My soup is too thick/too thin. How can I adjust the consistency?

A: If your soup is too thick, you can easily thin it out by adding more chicken broth, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well after each addition. If your soup is too thin, and you’ve already cooked it for the recommended time, you can try a few methods to thicken it. You can remove about a cup of the soup, blend it until smooth (using an immersion blender or transferring to a regular blender carefully), and then stir it back into the pot. This will release the starches from the noodles and beans and thicken the soup naturally. Alternatively, you can make a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) and whisk it into the simmering soup. Cook for a few minutes until it thickens.

Q5: What are some good substitutions for ricotta cheese?

A: If you don’t have ricotta cheese on hand or are looking for a substitution, you can use cottage cheese (small curd, blended until smooth for a creamier texture), mascarpone cheese (for an even richer and creamier option), or even cream cheese (softened and blended well to avoid lumps). For a dairy-free option, you can use a plant-based ricotta alternative made from tofu or nuts, or even blended white beans for a creamy texture, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. Ricotta is key to the classic white lasagna flavor, so substitutions will alter the taste profile somewhat, but these options can still provide a creamy element to the soup.

This FAQ section aims to address common questions and concerns, providing you with the knowledge and confidence to customize and troubleshoot your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, ensuring a delicious and successful outcome every time!

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