Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup

This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup transforms the classic Italian comfort food into a rich, satisfying bowl of warmth. It combines tender chicken, broken lasagna noodles, and a trio of cheeses in a silky broth that captures all the flavors of traditional white lasagna in soup form.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This soup is the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings, combining the hearty satisfaction of lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot meal. It’s incredibly creamy and rich, yet easier to make than traditional lasagna. The broken lasagna noodles cook right in the broth, absorbing flavors while releasing starch that helps thicken the soup. It’s also versatile – you can easily customize it with additional vegetables or herbs to suit your taste. Plus, it’s ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Olive oil provides the base for sautéing your aromatics, adding a subtle richness to the foundation of the soup.

Chicken breast brings protein and substance to the soup. Using pre-cooked and shredded chicken saves time, but you can also cook raw chicken directly in the pot if you prefer. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as a time-saving alternative.

Onion and garlic form the aromatic base of the soup, providing depth of flavor. They’re essential for creating that savory foundation that makes the soup so satisfying.

Chicken broth serves as the flavorful liquid base. Use low-sodium varieties if you’re watching salt intake, or homemade stock for extra richness.

Heavy cream transforms this from a basic broth soup into a luxurious, velvety creation. It provides that signature creaminess that makes this soup special.

Lasagna noodles give this soup its unique character. Breaking them into pieces creates perfectly-sized bites and allows them to cook evenly in the liquid.

Ricotta cheese adds subtle creaminess and authentic lasagna flavor. Its mild taste and unique texture blend beautifully into the broth.

Mozzarella cheese brings that essential stretchy, melty quality that we all love in lasagna. It incorporates into the broth while also creating wonderful cheese pulls with each spoonful.

Parmesan cheese contributes a sharp, salty depth that balances the creaminess of the other ingredients. It adds complexity and that unmistakable Italian flavor profile.

Salt and pepper are crucial for bringing all the flavors together. Season to taste at the end, keeping in mind that the cheeses add considerable saltiness.

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2-3 minutes until softened.
2. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken and lasagna noodles. Cook for 10-12 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
3. Stir in the heavy cream, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner. Each serving contains approximately 500 calories. The soup comes together in just 25 minutes total, with 5 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cooking time. It’s an ideal weeknight meal when you need something substantial but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Variations

Vegetable Loaded Version: Add spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

Spicy Twist: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Herbed Version: Enhance with Italian herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme.

Turkey Alternative: Substitute turkey for chicken for a different flavor profile.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute with rice for a different texture.

Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use part-skim cheeses.

Storage/Reheating

This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Note that the noodles will continue to absorb liquid while stored, so the soup will thicken considerably. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the desired consistency.

For reheating, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Microwave reheating also works well – use 50% power and stir at 1-minute intervals until heated through.

While technically freezable, the dairy content and pasta make this soup less ideal for freezing. The cream may separate and the noodles can become mushy when thawed. If you do freeze it, be prepared to add fresh cream when reheating and accept a different texture.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?

Yes, you can use uncooked chicken. Cut boneless chicken breast into small pieces and add them after sautéing the onions and garlic. Cook until no longer pink (about 5-6 minutes) before adding the broth and continuing with the recipe.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

Half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese work well. For a lighter version, evaporated milk is a good option. For dairy-free alternatives, full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream can provide similar creaminess.

My soup is too thin. How can I thicken it?

Allow the soup to simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes, as the starch from the pasta will naturally thicken it. Alternatively, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water, then stir it into the simmering soup.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating. This prevents them from absorbing too much liquid and becoming soggy. The cheesy base can be made 1-2 days ahead and stored refrigerated.

What sides pair well with this soup?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or crusty Italian bread makes excellent accompaniments. For a lighter side, try roasted vegetables or a fresh caprese salad.

Can I use different pasta shapes?

Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles give the authentic lasagna feel, other short pasta shapes like farfalle, rotini, or penne work well too. Adjust cooking time as needed for different pasta shapes.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and omit the chicken. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for substance. You could also add white beans for protein.

My soup curdled. What happened?

This typically occurs when dairy is added to very hot liquid or heated too quickly. To prevent curdling, ensure your soup isn’t boiling when adding the cream and cheeses, and heat gently after adding the dairy components.

Can I use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?

Yes, blended cottage cheese makes a good substitute for ricotta. The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor profile remains similar.

What herbs would enhance this soup?

Fresh or dried basil, oregano, thyme, and a bay leaf during cooking add wonderful Italian flavor. Fresh parsley or basil make excellent garnishes just before serving.

Conclusion

This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup bridges the gap between classic Italian comfort food and convenient weeknight cooking. It delivers all the rich, cheesy satisfaction of traditional lasagna in a cozy, spoonable form that comes together in just 25 minutes. The combination of tender chicken, broken lasagna noodles, and three complementary cheeses creates a hearty, memorable meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Whether you’re looking for a way to use up leftover chicken, seeking comfort on a cold evening, or simply want to try a creative twist on lasagna, this soup delivers remarkable flavor with minimal effort. Its adaptability means you can easily customize it to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Make a batch today and discover your new go-to comfort food!

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