This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup transforms the classic lasagna into a cozy, one-pot masterpiece. With tender shredded chicken, lasagna noodles, and a velvety Parmesan-infused broth, it brings all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna into a spoonable delight. A dollop of ricotta and mozzarella on top mimics the creamy layers of the classic dish, making each bite indulgent and satisfying. Whether you’re curling up with a bowl on a chilly evening or serving this dish to guests, it’s guaranteed to please. The rich flavors are perfectly balanced with optional fresh spinach and a hint of nutmeg, creating a dish that’s comforting, hearty, and irresistibly delicious. Serve with garlic bread for dipping or enjoy it as a standalone meal that feels like a warm hug.
Full recipe:
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 works well)
- 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 (for garnish)
- Optional Add-Ins:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Directions:
- Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Build the Soup Base
Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir in shredded chicken. Let it cook for 5 minutes to meld the flavors. - Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Stir in broken lasagna noodles and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until tender but firm (al dente). - Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and slowly stir in heavy cream. Gradually add Parmesan cheese while stirring until fully incorporated. - Add Spinach (Optional)
Stir in fresh spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking. - Prepare the Cheese Topping
In a small bowl, mix ricotta and mozzarella cheeses. - Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 450 per serving | Servings: 6
The Story Behind Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup
When you think of lasagna, the first image that comes to mind is likely a layered Italian classic with ribbons of pasta, meat, sauce, and cheese baked into a bubbling, golden masterpiece. While traditional lasagna is undeniably comforting, it can also be time-intensive to prepare, requiring precise layering and long bake times. That’s where this Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup shines—it takes all the beloved flavors of lasagna and reimagines them in a warm, cozy, one-pot soup that’s as easy to make as it is delicious.
This recipe was inspired by the desire to create a quick, weeknight-friendly alternative to lasagna without sacrificing any of its comforting, indulgent qualities. The creamy Parmesan broth mimics the richness of a béchamel sauce, while shredded chicken and fresh spinach add heartiness and nutrition. Broken lasagna noodles lend authenticity and texture, ensuring each spoonful is satisfying.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
1. Quick and Convenient
Unlike traditional lasagna, which can take over an hour to assemble and bake, this soup comes together in just 45 minutes from start to finish. Everything is cooked in a single pot, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor. It’s a perfect option for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and homemade without the hassle.
2. Rich and Creamy Texture
The broth is a standout feature of this dish, crafted with chicken broth, heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option), and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This creates a luxurious, velvety base that coats every bite of pasta and chicken, making the soup indulgent yet comforting.
3. Customizable to Your Taste
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or peas to amp up the vegetable content, or swap out the lasagna noodles for a gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta option. Whether you prefer a lighter or more decadent version, the ingredients can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
4. Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
Kids and adults alike love the familiar flavors of this dish. The creamy broth, cheesy toppings, and tender chicken make it a hit for even the pickiest eaters. You can even make it interactive by letting kids sprinkle the mozzarella or parsley on their bowls before serving.
5. Nutritional Benefits
While this soup is indulgent, it also provides plenty of protein and nutrients. Shredded chicken contributes lean protein, while spinach adds vitamins A, C, and K, along with iron and antioxidants. Using fresh, high-quality Parmesan cheese ensures not only great flavor but also a source of calcium. If you’re looking for a lighter version, substituting half-and-half for heavy cream or using low-fat ricotta cheese can help reduce calories without compromising taste.
What Makes It Unique?
A Twist on a Classic
Transforming a beloved Italian dish into soup form might sound bold, but it works perfectly. By breaking down the dish into its core components—broth, pasta, chicken, cheese, and seasonings—this soup retains all the essence of lasagna while adding a comforting and slurp-worthy twist. The broken lasagna noodles mimic the feel of the original dish while the ricotta-mozzarella topping ties it all together.
Crowd-Pleasing and Versatile
This dish is perfect for serving a crowd, whether for a casual family dinner or a holiday gathering. You can double the recipe to feed more people or serve smaller portions as a cozy appetizer before the main meal. Plus, the soup reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as delicious the next day.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver in this recipe, allowing you to skip the step of cooking and shredding chicken yourself. If you have leftover baked or grilled chicken, that works perfectly too. - Freshly Grate Your Cheese
Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly into the broth. For the creamiest soup, use a block of Parmesan and grate it fresh. - Cook the Noodles Separately for Leftovers
If you anticipate having leftovers, cook the lasagna noodles separately and add them to individual servings. This prevents the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy when stored. - Don’t Boil the Soup After Adding Cream
To maintain the smooth, creamy texture of the broth, avoid bringing the soup to a boil after adding the heavy cream. Instead, keep it on low heat and stir gently to prevent curdling. - Experiment with Add-Ins
If you love experimenting, try adding a splash of dry white wine to the broth for extra depth of flavor, or a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the creamy elements of the soup.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a meal in itself, but you can elevate it by pairing it with complementary sides:
- Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls: Perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Crisp Green Salad: A light side salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted zucchini, carrots, or asparagus for added veggies.
For an extra-special presentation, you can serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls or top it with a sprinkle of chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Who Will Love This Recipe?
Busy Home Cooks
If you’re looking for a quick yet satisfying dinner, this recipe is perfect. It requires minimal prep and uses pantry staples like chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and pasta, making it accessible and easy to whip up on short notice.
Comfort Food Lovers
There’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of creamy soup, especially on a cold day. This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves the indulgent, cheesy flavors of Italian comfort food.
Health-Conscious Eaters
With a few tweaks, this recipe can be tailored to fit various dietary needs. Opt for whole-grain or gluten-free noodles, use low-fat dairy, and load up on veggies to make it lighter while still delicious.
Conclusion
The Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a celebration of comfort and flavor. It takes the best parts of lasagna—cheese, pasta, and rich sauce—and simplifies them into a versatile, one-pot dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a weeknight dinner, serving it to guests, or indulging in leftovers the next day, this soup is sure to leave a lasting impression. So, gather your ingredients, grab a big pot, and prepare to fall in love with a dish that’s both nostalgic and innovative. Your family and friends will thank you!