There’s something magical about the aroma of a creamy soup simmering on the stove during cold weather. My journey with this Delicious White Chicken Lasagna Soup began on a snowy afternoon when my family needed something warming and satisfying. I wanted to capture the essence of our favorite lasagna but in a comforting soup form. The kitchen filled with the scent of herbs, chicken, and cream as this concoction bubbled away, and soon became one of our most requested recipes.
This soup transforms the layered Italian classic into a spoonable delight that delivers all the flavor without the fuss. The creamy broth, tender chicken, and delicate lasagna noodles create a harmonious blend that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight or hosting a casual gathering, this White Chicken Lasagna Soup hits all the right notes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Delicious White Chicken Lasagna Soup isn’t just another recipe—it’s a game-changer for several reasons:
- One-pot wonder: Everything comes together in a single pot, minimizing cleanup
- Time-friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes of active cooking time
- Make-ahead friendly: Actually tastes better the next day as flavors meld
- Customizable: Easy to adapt based on what’s in your pantry
- Crowd-pleaser: Appeals to both picky eaters and gourmet palates
- Comforting yet elegant: Sophisticated enough for company but comforting enough for family
The soup strikes that perfect balance between hearty and refined. The creamy broth carries the essence of traditional lasagna, while broken lasagna noodles provide that authentic texture. It’s essentially lasagna deconstructed into the most comforting soup you’ll try this season.
Ingredients for White Chicken Lasagna Soup
For the Base:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, diced (about ¾ cup)
- 2 celery stalks, diced (about ½ cup)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 2 cups water
For the Filling:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (optional)
For Garnish:
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Soup Base
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat until shimmering.
Add the aromatics: Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add vegetables: Stir in carrots and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
Season the base: Add Italian seasoning, thyme, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables in the spices and let them toast slightly, about 1 minute.
Create the roux: Sprinkle flour over the vegetable mixture and stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This will help thicken your soup.
Add liquids gradually: Slowly pour in chicken broth and water while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle boil.
Adding the Filling
Cook the pasta: Once boiling, add broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook until the pasta is al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
Add protein: Stir in the shredded chicken and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes.
Make it creamy: Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
Add the greens: Stir in chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Simmer until spinach is wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
Final seasoning: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more salt and pepper if necessary.
Serving
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, fresh basil, and parsley.
Allow cheese to melt slightly before serving for that signature lasagna cheese pull.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Pro Tips
Noodle timing matters: If you’re not serving immediately, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls when serving to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.
Cheese tip: For an extra indulgent touch, mix a small amount of shredded mozzarella directly into the hot soup just before serving for strings of melted cheese throughout.
Make-ahead strategy: If preparing in advance, make the soup without the pasta and cream. When ready to serve, reheat, add broken lasagna noodles, cook until tender, then stir in the cream components.
Delicious Variations
Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
Seafood twist: Replace chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat for a luxurious seafood lasagna soup.
Spicy kick: Double the red pepper flakes and add a dash of cayenne pepper for heat lovers.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Perfect Pairings
- Serve with a crusty garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for dipping
- A simple side salad with Italian vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup
- For wine lovers, a light Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 420 per cup
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
A Bowl of Comfort Awaits
This Delicious White Chicken Lasagna Soup brings together everything you love about lasagna in a comforting, spoonable form. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don’t have time for traditional lasagna assembly. The rich, creamy broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Don’t be surprised if this becomes your new go-to recipe when comfort food cravings strike. There’s something truly magical about transforming a beloved classic into something new yet familiar. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this White Chicken Lasagna Soup brings warmth and joy to your table, one delicious spoonful at a time.
So grab your ladle, rally the family, and dive into a bowl of this creamy, cozy goodness. Your taste buds will thank you!
