There’s something magical about the blend of hearty pasta, creamy sauce, and savory chicken that makes lasagna a favorite across the globe. Now imagine taking those beloved flavors and turning them into a warm, satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or a cozy family dinner. Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the dish you didn’t know you needed—combining the soul-warming qualities of soup with the indulgence of lasagna.
This recipe brings me back to winter evenings spent with my family. Growing up, lasagna was always a special dish reserved for Sunday dinners or celebrations. My mother would spend hours layering noodles, sauce, and cheese into a perfect masterpiece, filling our home with an aroma that instantly lifted everyone’s spirits. But life gets busy, and making a traditional lasagna isn’t always feasible on a weeknight. That’s where this soup comes in—a quicker, simpler way to enjoy those same rich flavors with less effort, yet all the heart.
This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a dinner idea to impress guests, a weeknight solution that kids will love, or simply a meal to brighten up a gray day, this Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is bound to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the Flavors You Love, Simplified: If you adore white chicken lasagna but don’t have the time to layer it up, this soup captures everything you love in a fraction of the time.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this soup as practical as it is delicious.
- Rich, Creamy Comfort: From the Parmesan-infused broth to the dollops of ricotta topping, every spoonful is luxuriously satisfying.
- Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or even swap out the lasagna noodles for another pasta—this recipe is versatile enough to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for All Ages: Kids love the cheesy goodness, and adults appreciate the blend of comfort and sophistication.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats beautifully, making it an ideal option for meal prep or lunch the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is ideal)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
The base of this soup starts with a fragrant combination of onions, garlic, and spices.
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onions and cook until translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Build the Broth
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. The broth is the heart of this soup, carrying all the flavors.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavorful base.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
- Cook the noodles for 8-10 minutes or until tender but still firm (al dente).
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, giving the soup its signature creamy texture.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly into the broth.
Step 5: Optional Add-Ins
If using spinach, stir it in now. It will wilt within a minute, adding a vibrant green touch and a bit of nutritional value.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Just before serving, drop generous dollops of the cheese mixture into each bowl of soup.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the ricotta-mozzarella mixture, and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping.
Helpful Tips
- Choose Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan makes a huge difference in flavor and ensures a smooth, creamy broth.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re serving kids or prefer milder flavors, skip the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it Your Own: Add mushrooms, kale, or even a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Soup
Method: One-Pot
Cuisine: Italian-American
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream.
- If you don’t have lasagna noodles, other pasta shapes like bow ties or shells work well too.
- This soup thickens as it cools. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 380 | Protein: 25g | Fat: 18g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fiber: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just store the soup base and the cheese topping separately to maintain their textures.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. Cook the noodles fresh when reheating to avoid them becoming overly soft.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the broth and chicken mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
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Conclusion
This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a celebration of comfort food at its best. With its rich, velvety broth and all the flavors of classic lasagna, it’s a dish that brings people together. So grab your favorite soup pot, a loaf of crusty bread, and get ready to savor every spoonful of this delicious creation. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a lazy Sunday, this recipe promises to deliver warmth, comfort, and a taste of home.
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Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup: A Cozy Comfort Dish for Every Season
Description
There’s something magical about the blend of hearty pasta, creamy sauce, and savory chicken that makes lasagna a favorite across the globe. Now imagine taking those beloved flavors and turning them into a warm, satisfying soup that’s perfect for chilly nights or a cozy family dinner. Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the dish you didn’t know you needed—combining the soul-warming qualities of soup with the indulgence of lasagna.
This recipe brings me back to winter evenings spent with my family. Growing up, lasagna was always a special dish reserved for Sunday dinners or celebrations. My mother would spend hours layering noodles, sauce, and cheese into a perfect masterpiece, filling our home with an aroma that instantly lifted everyone’s spirits. But life gets busy, and making a traditional lasagna isn’t always feasible on a weeknight. That’s where this soup comes in—a quicker, simpler way to enjoy those same rich flavors with less effort, yet all the heart.
This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a way that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a dinner idea to impress guests, a weeknight solution that kids will love, or simply a meal to brighten up a gray day, this Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is bound to become a household favorite.
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken is ideal)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
For the Cheese Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the diced onions and cook until translucent—about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, letting the aroma fill your kitchen.
Step 2: Build the Broth
- Add the chicken broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. The broth is the heart of this soup, carrying all the flavors.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, reducing the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavorful base.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
- Cook the noodles for 8-10 minutes or until tender but still firm (al dente).
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, giving the soup its signature creamy texture.
- Gradually sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly into the broth.
Step 5: Optional Add-Ins
If using spinach, stir it in now. It will wilt within a minute, adding a vibrant green touch and a bit of nutritional value.
Step 6: Prepare the Cheese Topping
- In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta and mozzarella cheeses.
- Just before serving, drop generous dollops of the cheese mixture into each bowl of soup.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the soup into bowls, top with the ricotta-mozzarella mixture, and garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread or garlic rolls for dipping.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like cashew cream.
- If you don’t have lasagna noodles, other pasta shapes like bow ties or shells work well too.
- This soup thickens as it cools. Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.