There’s something incredibly cozy and satisfying about a bowl of this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like all the comforting flavors of lasagna mixed into a warm, creamy soup that’s perfect for cooler evenings or whenever you want a homemade hug in a bowl.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I remember the first time I made this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe — it instantly became a favorite because it’s so easy to whip up yet feels so special. It hits that perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and hearty without the fuss of layering pasta in a baking dish.
- Creamy Comfort: This soup delivers all the richness of traditional white lasagna but in a lighter, cozy stew form you can ladle into a bowl.
- Simple Ingredients: Using pantry staples and fresh veggies makes this a practical weeknight meal anyone can master.
- Customizable: You can easily swap greens or pasta quantities to suit your family’s tastes or what’s in your fridge.
- Time-Saver: It comes together in under an hour, which is perfect when you want comfort food fast.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic behind this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in how these ingredients come together for a cozy, creamy broth packed with fresh veggies and tender chicken. Here’s why each one matters and some tips for choosing the best:
- Unsalted Butter: Gives a silky base for sautéing your veggies without added salt, so you control the seasoning perfectly.
- Onion, Carrots & Celery: Classic trio that builds rich flavor and adds a subtle sweetness plus texture to the soup.
- Garlic: A must for depth and aroma—make sure it’s freshly minced for best taste.
- Italian Seasoning & Dried Basil: These herbs capture the essence of lasagna and give the soup its comforting Italian vibe.
- Salt, Pepper & Nutmeg: Key seasonings that balance the creamy broth; nutmeg might surprise you but trust me, it adds warmth.
- All-Purpose Flour: Acts as a thickener for that luscious, creamy consistency.
- Chicken Broth & Water: The flavorful liquid base—homemade broth is ideal, but store-bought works fine too.
- Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that cooks gently right in the soup, then shredded for that perfect bite.
- Whole Milk & Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds richness and tang, while milk keeps it smooth without heaviness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Brings nuttiness and the signature cheesy punch you expect from lasagna.
- Baby Spinach: Adds freshness, a pop of color, and a gentle nutrient boost without overpowering flavors.
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken into smaller pieces, they soak up the broth and give the texture of classic pasta comfort food.
Make It Your Way
One of the best things about this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is how easily it adapts. I love to tweak it depending on the season or what’s on hand—feel free to make it yours!
- Variation: I sometimes swap the baby spinach for kale or swiss chard when I want a heartier green; just add it a bit earlier so it softens fully.
- Make It Spicier: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering adds a subtle kick that’s delightful without overpowering.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and pasta to enjoy this recipe without worry.
- More Protein: Toss in cooked Italian sausage or pancetta for a meaty twist that amps up the richness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics to Build Flavor
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. When it’s nice and melted, add your diced onions, carrots, and celery. I cook them for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and smell heavenly. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook just another minute—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn but releases that lovely fragrance.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Flour
Once the veggies are warmed through, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Give it a quick stir to blend the flavors. Next, whisk in the flour thoroughly—it helps create that creamy base without lumps. This is a crucial step; take your time to coat everything evenly.
Step 3: Simmer with Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and water, then stir well and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the chicken breasts to the pot, lower the heat to a gentle simmer, and cover it. Let it cook for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is tender and cooked all the way through. This way, the chicken infuses the broth with flavor while cooking.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Cook Noodles
Remove the chicken breasts and set aside slightly to cool but not too long—it’s easier to shred when warm. While you shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, cook your broken lasagna noodles in a separate pot until al dente. I like to cook a couple extra noodles because honestly, who doesn’t want more pasta?
Step 5: Finish the Soup Base
Bring your soup pot back to a simmer. Stir in the milk and softened cream cheese, cooking gently and stirring frequently for 3-5 minutes until everything melts into a velvety smooth broth. Then, add the Parmesan, baby spinach, and shredded chicken back in. Let it cook together for another few minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melds perfectly. Don’t forget to taste and adjust salt and pepper here—seasoning makes all the difference!
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
When you're ready to eat, ladle the soup into bowls and add the cooked lasagna noodles to each serving. I like to finish mine with some fresh chopped herbs and an extra sprinkle of shaved Parmesan. It’s simple but adds that finishing touch that feels like you’re sitting in an Italian trattoria.
Top Tip
Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that take this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe from great to unforgettable. Trust me, these make your life easier and help you nail the flavor each time.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them just al dente separately and add to bowls before serving to avoid turning them mushy in leftovers.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Let it come to room temperature for smooth melting and creamy texture.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: It’s easier and yields tender, juicy pieces that blend well with the soup.
- Season at the End: After everything is cooked, taste the soup carefully before adding more salt or pepper—you can always add, but never take away!
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I keep my garnishes simple but flavorful. Fresh chopped basil or parsley brighten every bowl, while an extra dusting or some shaved Parmesan on top amps up the cheesy goodness. Sometimes I squeeze a little lemon juice for a subtle zing that cuts through the creaminess—totally worth trying!
Side Dishes
Since this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is pretty filling, I like to serve it with a light side like a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are obviously a classic match and perfect for mopping up any leftover soup in the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve served this soup in hollowed-out mini bread bowls—everyone loved the fun twist! You can also make individual portions in ramekins topped with a sprinkle of mozzarella and broiled briefly for a bubbly finish before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the noodles separate if I can because they tend to soak up too much liquid overnight, but if mixed, just add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
Freezing
Since pasta changes texture with freezing, I don’t usually freeze the full soup with noodles. Instead, freeze the soup base and chicken in portions, then cook fresh noodles when you’re ready to enjoy it again. It reheats beautifully this way!
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring occasionally. Add extra milk or broth if it’s thickened too much. If noodles are separate, add cooked pasta last minute into your bowl before pouring in hot soup.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just stir it in during the final step to warm through, and reduce the simmer time for the broth accordingly.
Swap the butter for olive oil, use a plant-based cream cheese and dairy-free milk alternatives like almond or oat milk, and choose vegan Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Yes! Start by sautéing the vegetables, then transfer everything except the milk, cream cheese, and Parmesan to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, add dairy ingredients towards the end, stir until melted, then serve with cooked noodles.
Regular dried lasagna noodles work best since they break apart nicely into bite-sized pieces during cooking. You can also use fresh noodles cut into strips, but adjust cooking time as they cook faster. Gluten-free noodles are also fine with a similar cooking approach.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe holds a warm spot in my kitchen rotation because it’s pure comfort without complicated steps. It’s a delicious reminder that sometimes cozy, simple food wins every time. I hope you give it a try and enjoy the way it brings those classic lasagna flavors into a bowl made for sharing and savoring.
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White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is a creamy and comforting dish that captures the flavors of classic white lasagna in a cozy soup form. It features tender chicken breasts, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, Parmesan, and baby spinach, making for a hearty meal perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Seasonings and Flour
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Liquids and Chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
Dairy and Pasta
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 oz baby spinach
- 6 oz lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk in the flour until fully combined to form a roux and cook for about a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring mixture to a boil. Add chicken breasts, reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and allow to cool slightly. Shred into bite-sized pieces with forks or your hands.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. You can add extra noodles for a pasta-heavier soup if desired.
- Add Dairy to Soup: Return the pot with soup base to a simmer. Stir in whole milk and cream cheese. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the soup base.
- Finish Soup: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and shredded chicken. Cook for another 3 minutes while stirring until Parmesan melts, spinach wilts slightly, and chicken warms through. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove soup from heat. Serve by ladling soup into bowls, adding cooked lasagna noodles just before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your warm, delicious white lasagna soup!
Notes
- You can substitute kale for baby spinach if preferred.
- Adding extra lasagna noodles will make the soup heartier and more pasta-heavy.
- For a richer soup, use whole milk as directed, but you can substitute with 2% milk if you want to reduce fat slightly.
- Softened cream cheese ensures it melts smoothly into the soup, so allow it to come to room temperature before adding.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop while stirring.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 417 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1309 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg
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