Why This Recipe Is a Keeper
Before we dive into the method, here is why this white lasagna soup pasta will become a favorite.
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Only 4 ingredients. Simple and flavorful.
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No pre-cooking the pasta. It cooks right in the sauce.
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One dish. Minimal cleanup.
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Creamy and cheesy. Rich, satisfying, and delicious.
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Crowd-pleasing. Everyone loves creamy pasta.
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Budget-friendly. Pasta and jarred sauce are inexpensive.
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Perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Servings: 6
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12 oz uncooked short pasta (like rotini, penne, or mini shells)
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4 cups jarred Alfredo sauce or other white pasta sauce
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15 oz ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim)
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2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Ingredient Notes
Uncooked short pasta: Use short pasta like rotini, penne, or mini shells. The pasta cooks directly in the sauce.
Alfredo sauce: Use jarred Alfredo sauce. It creates a rich, creamy base.
Ricotta cheese: Adds creaminess and pockets of cheese. Whole milk or part-skim both work.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts into a golden, bubbly topping. Shred your own cheese from a block if possible.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch glass baking dish.
Step 2: Combine Pasta and Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked pasta and the Alfredo sauce. Stir well so every piece of pasta is coated. The mixture will look very saucy. That is what you want for a soupy, scoopable bake.
Step 3: Pour into the Baking Dish
Pour the saucy pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Gently tap the dish on the counter to help the sauce settle around the pasta.
Step 4: Add the Ricotta
Using a spoon, drop small dollops of ricotta all over the top of the pasta. Lightly swirl a few of the dollops into the sauce with the back of the spoon, but leave most of them sitting on top.
Step 5: Add the Mozzarella
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella evenly over the entire surface, covering the ricotta dollops but letting some peek through.
Step 6: Cover and Bake
Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the pasta is mostly tender and the sauce is hot and steamy around the edges.
Step 7: Uncover and Finish Baking
Carefully remove the foil. Return the uncovered dish to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. The dish is ready when the cheese is melted, golden in spots, and the sauce is visibly bubbling around the sides.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the pasta rest on the counter for about 8 to 10 minutes before serving. This helps it thicken slightly while staying creamy. Scoop generous portions, making sure to grab down into the saucy bottom of the dish.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Pasta
This creamy, cheesy pasta is delicious on its own, but a few simple sides can round it out.
With a Green Salad: A simple salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness.
With Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for sopping up the sauce.
With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus add color and balance.
With Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle with fresh parsley or basil.
With Red Pepper Flakes: Add a pinch for heat.
Variations & Tips
Make It with Different Pasta: Use shells, cavatappi, or bowties.
Make It with Different Sauce: Use marinara or vodka sauce.
Make It with Ground Beef: Add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage.
Make It with Spinach: Add fresh spinach to the pasta mixture.
Make It with Mushrooms: Add sautéed mushrooms.
Make It with Parmesan: Sprinkle with Parmesan before baking.
Make It Spicier: Add red pepper flakes.
Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Make It in a Slow Cooker: Cook on LOW for 2 to 3 hours or on HIGH for 1 to 2 hours.
Pro Tips for Absolute Success
Do not cook the pasta before baking. It cooks right in the sauce.
Use a glass baking dish. It heats evenly.
Cover tightly with foil. This traps the steam that cooks the pasta.
Do not overbake. The pasta should be tender, not mushy.
Let the dish rest before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Any short pasta works.
Can I use a different sauce?
Yes. Marinara or vodka sauce can be used.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Provolone or Parmesan can be used.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended. The sauce may separate.
How long do leftovers last?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Why is my pasta not cooked?
It needed more time covered. Bake longer.
Why is my sauce too thick?
The pasta absorbed too much liquid. Add more sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Can I use a different pan?
Yes. Any oven-safe dish works.
The Beauty of Simple Creamy Pasta
There is something deeply comforting about a warm bowl of creamy pasta. It is the kind of food that makes you feel full and happy. This white lasagna soup pasta is a celebration of all those things.
Keep pasta in your pantry. Keep Alfredo sauce in your cupboard. Keep ricotta and mozzarella in your fridge. This recipe is the reason why.
Recipe Card
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes covered, plus 10–15 minutes uncovered
Rest Time: 8–10 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
Yield: 6 servings