Are you craving a dish that marries the heartwarming essence of lasagna with the comforting slurpability of soup? Enter the **Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Veggies**, a fusion delight that brings together Italian and American culinary influences in a bowl. This recipe captures the richness of lasagna while incorporating a bounty of fresh vegetables, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal. The creamy cheesy pesto broth envelops the curly mafalda pasta, leading to an explosion of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing in delight.

This beautifully crafted soup is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a wholesome meal any time of year. Whether it’s a chilly winter night or you just need a bowl of comfort after a long day, this soup is sure to warm your heart. With every sip, you’ll enjoy hearty chunks of veggies, tender pasta, and a touch of creaminess, all swirling together in a deliciously aromatic broth. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into this flavorful journey!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Lasagna Soup

A Comforting Bowl of Goodness: The rich and creamy texture offers the perfect comfort food experience, ideal for chilly evenings.
Packed with Veggies: This recipe utilizes a medley of fresh vegetables, providing not only flavor but also nutrients.
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and minimal prep time, you’ll have a hearty meal ready in no time.
Versatile Dish: Customize it with your favorite proteins or alter the veggie mix to suit your taste buds.
Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it excellent for meal prep.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the cooking process as smooth as possible, start by prepping your work area. Gather all the necessary ingredients and tools before you begin. You’ll need a large soup pot or Dutch oven for cooking, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for dicing vegetables. Don’t forget measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. Heating the olive oil in a sturdy pot is essential; opt for one with a thick bottom to prevent sticking and to encourage even cooking.

Before starting the actual cooking, chop the onions, garlic, squash, zucchini, and carrots, as described in the ingredients list. By having everything prepped, you can move through the cooking process smoothly without pausing to gather ingredients. As you prepare, ensure you have a ladle for serving and a few bowls or soup plates ready for your creamy creation!

Ingredients

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 sweet onion, finely diced
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
5 cloves garlic, roughly chopped
3 cups yellow squash, chopped into ¼-inch cubes (about 2 squash)
2 cups zucchini, chopped into ¼-inch cubes (1 medium zucchini)
2 cups carrots, grated
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, with the oil
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 quarts chicken or vegetable stock
1 parmesan rind
2 cups mafalda corta pasta or 3 sheets of lasagna noodles, broken up
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons pesto

Instructions

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin your soup by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely diced sweet onion along with a pinch of salt to enhance flavor. The goal is to sauté the onion until it softens and becomes translucent, typically about three minutes. The warmth of the oil helps the onion release its natural sweetness, creating a delicious foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Enhance the Flavor

Next, stir in the roughly chopped garlic and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking for another three minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent any sticking. The garlic should become fragrant—this is when your kitchen begins to smell wonderful! Cooking the garlic just long enough allows its flavors to deepen, setting the stage for the other ingredients.

Step 3: Add the Veggies

After the garlic has had time to bloom, toss in the chopped yellow squash, zucchini, and grated carrots. Incorporate the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning as well. Here’s where the color and texture of your soup come to life. Raise the heat slightly and let the vegetables caramelize for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step draws out natural sugars and adds an enrichment of flavors.

Step 4: Create the Broth

Pour in the chicken or vegetable stock and introduce the parmesan rind to the mix. The rind will infuse the broth with an incredible depth of flavor. Allow the mixture to come to a boil, which is essential as it helps meld all those beautiful tastes together.

Step 5: Pasta Time

Once your soup reaches a rolling boil, toss in the pasta. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the pasta to cook through without getting mushy. This step typically takes around ten minutes, but feel free to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

With the pasta perfectly al dente, turn off the heat. Stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, and pesto. The spinach will wilt beautifully and add a vibrant green color, while the cream and pesto will give you that luxuriously creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste—flavor adjustments here can make a significant difference!

Step 7: Garnish and Enjoy

Now it’s time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta, a sprinkle of grated parmesan, and a drizzle of finishing olive oil. A dash of fresh cracked pepper and flaky salt completes your bowl of comfort. Serve it up hot and enjoy those delicious layers of flavor!

Variations

Protein: Feel free to add shredded chicken, cooked sausage, or even lentils for a protein boost.
Vegetables: Swap in your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or butternut squash. Each option brings a fresh perspective to the soup.
Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices like thyme, basil, or even a hint of nutmeg to deepen the flavor profile.

Cooking Notes

Using a parmesan rind is optional, but it does add an incredible richness to the broth.
This soup can be made ahead of time; just store the pasta separately to prevent it from becoming mushy when reheated.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside crusty bread for a complete meal experience.
A fresh green salad dressed lightly with olive oil pairs beautifully as a side dish.

Tips

For an even creamier soup, add more heavy cream or a splash of milk at the end of cooking.
Adjust the spice levels according to your preference; add more red pepper flakes for extra heat!

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 320 per serving
Protein: 6g
Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the regular pasta with gluten-free noodles or even substitute zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If possible, keep the pasta separate.

Can I freeze the soup?

This soup freezes well. Make sure to exclude the pasta before freezing and add it when reheating.

What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment! Cheddar, mozzarella, or a sharp goat cheese can work really well in this soup.

Conclusion

This **Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Veggies** is not just another dish; it’s a celebration of flavors and comfort that is sure to win over any dinner table. With its simple preparation and delightful range of textures and tastes, it’s a meal that can effortlessly transition from a regular weeknight to a special occasion. Give it a try and let us know how it turned out—share your variations or personal touches! We’re excited for you to dive into this hearty bowl of warmth and satisfaction.