Okay, let’s be real. You’ve seen the TikTok: the “Marry Me” Chicken Lasagna Soup. It’s everywhere! Heartwarming, cozy, cheesy… it basically screams “I love you” in edible form. But, let’s face it, that viral version? It’s good. Really good. But can it be even better? Absolutely! I’m here to show you ways to build on that foundation and take your soup game to the next level. We’re talking flavor bombs, easier prep, and a little extra oomph. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, want to impress a date, or just crave a serious bowl of comfort, these twists are going to be your new best friends. Get ready to level up your soup-making skills!
1. The Classic with a Burst of Lemon
Let’s start with a solid base. This isn’t a revolution; it’s an elegant refinement of the original. Think you can’t improve perfection? I respectfully disagree. The bright acidity of lemon cuts through the richness of the cheese and chicken, creating a delightfully balanced flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cubed
- 1 Onion, chopped
- 2 Celery Stalks, chopped
- 2 Carrots, chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 6 cups Chicken Broth (low sodium is your friend)
- 1 (28 oz) can Crushed Tomatoes
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 8 oz Lasagna Noodles, broken into smaller pieces
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 1/2 cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese, plus more for serving
- Zest and Juice of 1 Lemon
- Fresh Basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through – it will finish in the soup!
- Add onion, celery, and carrots to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook according to package directions (usually around 8-10 minutes), or until tender.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Why You’ll Love It
This version honors the original while adding a delightful brightness. The lemon’s zest and juice elevate the entire soup and keep it from feeling too heavy. Plus, it’s relatively simple and guaranteed to please!
2. Spicy Chorizo Kick!
Feeling adventurous? This version adds a serious punch of flavor with the addition of chorizo. It’s smoky, spicy, and delicious—the perfect antidote to a chilly evening IMO. Be warned: this one is not for the faint of heart.
Ingredients
- Everything from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe, plus:
- 4 oz Spanish Chorizo (remove casing), crumbled
- 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Follow steps 1-3 from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe. Add the crumbled chorizo to the pot along with the onion, celery and carrots. Cook until the chorizo starts to release its oils, around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the smoked paprika along with the garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Proceed with steps 4-7 from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe.
Why You’ll Love It
The smoky spice of chorizo blends beautifully with the savory chicken and creamy cheese. Just be sure to get Spanish chorizo. The Mexican kind is way too crumbly. Trust me, I learned that the hard way. :/
3. Creamy Butternut Squash Delight
Want to boost the nutritional value and add a gorgeous color? This butternut squash version brings a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor that’s surprisingly amazing. It’s also a fun way to sneak in extra veggies!
Ingredients
- Everything from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe, minus the crushed tomatoes, plus:
- 1 cup Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Follow steps 1-3 from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe. Add the butternut squash to the pot along with the onion, celery and carrots.
- Pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
- Using an immersion blender (or carefully transferring to a regular blender), puree a portion of the soup until smooth. Don’t blend it all, you want some texture!
- Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the noodles and proceed as step 6 & 7 in the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe.
Why You’ll Love It
The butternut squash adds a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture that’s undeniably comforting. And honestly, who can resist a soup that looks like autumn in a bowl?
4. Veggie-Packed Powerhouse
Okay, let’s get really healthy. This version swaps out some of the chicken for even more veggies, making it a truly satisfying and nutritious meal. Don’t knock it till you try it – the added vegetables harmonize surprisingly well with the classic lasagna soup flavors.
Ingredients
- Everything from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe, plus:
- 1 cup Broccoli florets
- 1 cup Spinach, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Follow steps 1 – 5 of the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 5 minutes, until slightly tender.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Continue with Step 6 & 7 from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe.
Why You’ll Love It
More veggies = more nutrients! This version is packed with goodness without sacrificing flavor. Plus, the broccoli adds a nice, chewy texture.
5. Gourmet Truffle Touch
Ready to splurge a little? A hint of truffle oil makes this soup feel like a restaurant-worthy indulgence. This is the one to make when you want to elevate a simple dish into something truly special. Warning: this is not an everyday soup. We’re talking special occasion vibes.
Ingredients
- Everything from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe
- 1 tsp Truffle Oil (be careful, a little goes a long way!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Follow steps 1 – 6 from the “Classic with a Burst of Lemon” recipe.
- After stirring in the lemon zest and juice, drizzle in the truffle oil. Stir just to combine.
- Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Why You’ll Love It
The earthy, luxurious aroma of truffle oil adds an irresistible sophistication to this already delicious soup. It’s a game-changer—just don’t go overboard with the truffle oil, or it will overpower everything.
Final Thoughts: Soup’s On!
So there you have it – five ways to take “Marry Me” Chicken Lasagna Soup from viral sensation to culinary masterpiece. Whether you’re craving a spicy kick, creamy sweetness, or a touch of extravagance, there’s a twist here for everyone. It’s truly unbelievable how a few simple tweaks can transform such a beloved dish. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! Now go forth and soup! Enjoy!
