If you are craving comfort food that warms you inside out, the Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful dish captures all the cozy goodness of traditional lasagna but transforms it into a luscious, comforting soup that’s perfect for any day of the week. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and fresh spinach, every spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it an instant favorite to have on your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is the first step to nailing this soup’s perfect balance of flavors and textures. Each item plays a vital role, from the aromatic garlic and onions to the creamy cheeses and fresh spinach that brighten the dish visually and nutritionally.
- Olive oil: Provides a fragrant base and helps soften the onions beautifully.
- Yellow onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor.
- Garlic, minced: Infuses aromatic warmth that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a harmonious blend of herbs for that classic Italian touch.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a gentle kick for those who like a touch of heat.
- All-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the soup into a creamy, luscious texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that keeps the soup comforting without overpowering.
- Cooked shredded chicken breast: Tender protein that adds heartiness to every bite.
- Lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces: The delightful “pasta” component that makes this soup so satisfying.
- Heavy cream: Creates decadence and a silky smooth consistency.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, savory notes and helps thicken the soup further.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Brings vibrant color and a nutritious boost.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness for that classic lasagna feel.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Once hot, add the diced yellow onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. This step unlocks the onion’s natural sweetness, creating a flavorful foundation. Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the Italian seasoning and optional crushed red pepper flakes. Let these cook together for another minute or two, allowing the fragrant spices and garlic to fill the pot.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the aromatics and stir constantly for 1 to 2 minutes. This brief cooking ensures the flour cooks out its raw taste and thickens the soup later on without lumps. The roux is a key step that transforms the broth into a rich, velvety base, so don’t rush it!
Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil. Once bubbling, add in your shredded chicken and the broken lasagna noodle pieces. Lower the heat and let everything simmer for 12 to 15 minutes until the noodles are tender and perfectly cooked. This simmering step melds the flavors together and softens the pasta.
Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese into the soup. Stir and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, watching as the soup thickens slightly and gains a rich creaminess. This step truly defines the character of the Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe, turning it into a sumptuous and comforting bowl of goodness.
Step 5: Add Greens and Mozzarella
Toss in the chopped fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, about one minute — this adds a fresh brightness and lovely green color. Remove the pot from heat, then stir in shredded mozzarella cheese right before serving. The mozzarella melts into gooey strings that bring the comforting cheesy finish reminiscent of cozy lasagna.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, consider adding a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan or a few fresh basil leaves on top for a fragrant finish. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes can add a lovely visual contrast and boost the flavors for adventurous eaters.
Side Dishes
A warm, crusty baguette or garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this creamy soup, perfect for dipping and soaking up every last bit of goodness. A simple side salad with a citrus vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterbalance, making the meal feel complete without overpowering the soup’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this soup in a hollowed-out mini bread bowl or layered in clear glass mugs to showcase its beautiful layers of pasta, spinach, and cheese. This presentation is sure to impress family and friends and makes for a cozy, inviting meal presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and flavors. Before storing, it’s best to let the soup cool to room temperature to preserve the creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze the Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe, but to maintain the best texture, leave out the spinach and mozzarella if possible and add them fresh after reheating. The soup keeps well in the freezer for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe airtight container.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to help the cheeses melt evenly. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating if the soup thickens too much. Fresh spinach and mozzarella can be stirred in at the end to refresh the soup’s vibrant taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds wonderful flavor, making the Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe even easier to prepare on busy days.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream if I want it lighter?
You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, but note that the soup might be slightly less thick and rich. To compensate, you could increase the flour slightly to maintain the creamy texture.
Can I make this soup vegetarian-friendly?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to keep the soup hearty and flavorful.
What can I do if the soup is too thick?
If it thickens more than you like, simply add additional chicken broth or a bit of water while reheating. Stir well to incorporate and adjust seasoning if needed.
How can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Feel free to toss in diced carrots, peas, or zucchini during the simmering step. Adding extra fresh greens like kale or Swiss chard in place of spinach works beautifully as well.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is an absolute delight to make and enjoy, especially when you want comfort food that feels like a warm embrace. It’s easy to prepare, full of rich flavors, and brings all the best parts of classic lasagna into a soul-satisfying bowl. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite weeknight dinner!
