This creamy white lasagna soup is packed with cheesy goodness and tender noodles, all made easy in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for cozy nights when you want comfort in a bowl!
I absolutely love how the flavors meld together while it cooks, and the smell while it simmers is heavenly. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, so less cleanup—yay!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Chicken or Turkey: These lean meats work great in the soup, but you can substitute with ground beef or sausage for a richer flavor. For a lighter option, shredded rotisserie chicken is also a quick fix!
Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness. You can also swap it for vegetable broth if you want a vegetarian version. Simply replace the meat with vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Cheeses: Ricotta gives the soup a creamy texture. If you don’t have ricotta, cottage cheese can work too. For mozzarella, consider using provolone or even a dairy-free alternative if needed.
Dried Herbs: Basil and oregano are classic, but feel free to experiment with Italian seasoning or fresh herbs if you have them. Fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor compared to dried.
Lasagna Noodles: Broken lasagna noodles create the right texture, but you can use other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne as substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re tender.
How Do You Make Sure Your Noodles Don’t Turn Mushy?
A common concern with slow cooker soups is the noodles becoming mushy. To help with this, add the broken noodles during the last 4 hours of cooking and keep an eye on them! This way, they’ll stay al dente and not soggy.
- Cook the soup on low for the recommended time. Adding noodles too early means they might overcook.
- Stir the soup halfway through to ensure everything is cooking evenly, but be gentle with the noodles.
- If you’re worried about timing, cook the noodles separately on the stove and add them to the soup just before serving.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious slow cooker white lasagna soup that everyone will love!
How to Make Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground chicken or turkey
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 8 oz dried curly lasagna noodles (broken into pieces)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting dish will take about 10 minutes for preparation and then about 4 hours to cook in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for a busy day when you want to come home to a warm, hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté these until they are fragrant and translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
2. Cook the Meat:
Add the ground chicken or turkey to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook it until it’s no longer pink, which should take about 5-6 minutes. Season the meat with salt, black pepper, dried basil, oregano, and add the red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat!
3. Combine in the Slow Cooker:
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Then, pour in the chicken broth, add the drained diced tomatoes, and the broken lasagna noodles. Stir everything together to combine well.
4. Let It Cook:
Cover the slow cooker and let the mixture cook on low for about 4 hours, or until the noodles and chicken are fully cooked and tender.
5. Stir in the Creaminess:
About 15 minutes before serving, stir in the chopped fresh spinach, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and the half and half or heavy cream. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and the soup becomes creamy.
6. Final Touches:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed—add more salt or pepper if you like! Once it’s just right, it’s time to serve!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Scoop the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley or basil for a bright, fresh touch. Enjoy your cozy, delicious white lasagna soup!
This easy white lasagna soup brings all the flavors of lasagna into a comforting soup, and the slow cooker does all the work. Enjoy every creamy spoonful!
Can I Use Frozen Ground Chicken or Turkey?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. For quicker thawing, leave it in the fridge overnight or place it sealed in a bag in cold water for a few hours. Cook it as usual once thawed.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply replace the ground chicken or turkey with plant-based meat alternatives, or use additional vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or lentils for protein. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens, you can add a bit more broth or cream to loosen it up.
Can I Substitute the Cheeses?
Yes! If you don’t have ricotta, you can use cottage cheese or cream cheese as alternatives. For mozzarella, feel free to experiment with provolone or a dairy-free cheese if needed. Just keep in mind that flavor and texture may vary slightly.
