There is nothing quite like a bowl of comforting, hearty soup to warm you up on any day, and the Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is a standout in this category. This delightful soup captures all the cozy, cheesy goodness of classic lasagna but in a rich, creamy broth that’s quick and easy to make. Filled with tender chicken, tender noodles, spinach, and an irresistible blend of cheeses, it’s the perfect way to enjoy all the flavors of your favorite Italian dish without any fuss. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chill weekend, this soup will quickly become a beloved staple in your home kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For a recipe this delicious, you only need a handful of simple ingredients that each bring essential flavor, creaminess, or texture to the dish. Every item on this list works together to build layers of comforting taste and the perfect balance of richness and heartiness.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and is perfect for sautéing the aromatics.
- Small onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor that enhances the broth.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Brings aromatic warmth and depth to the soup.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: The tender protein that makes the soup filling and satisfying.
- Italian seasoning: Infuses classic Mediterranean herbs that recall traditional lasagna flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring out all the flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory base of the soup, rich with chicken essence without overwhelming saltiness.
- Water: Used to balance the broth and prevent it from becoming too intense.
- Lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces: Adds beloved pasta texture and carries the flavors beautifully.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess that transforms the broth into a silky sauce.
- Cream cheese, softened: Provides tangy richness and helps create that indulgent texture.
- Mozzarella cheese, shredded: Adds gooey cheesiness that melts perfectly in the warm soup.
- Parmesan cheese, grated: Lends a sharp, nutty flavor that rounds out the cheesy profile.
- Fresh spinach (optional): Introduces a fresh pop of color and a subtle earthy note.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Brightens the dish with a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and sauté until they turn soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t brown and become bitter. Now it’s time for the star protein: add the bite-size chicken pieces along with the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 4 to 5 minutes until the pieces are no longer pink on the outside. This step builds a flavorful foundation for your soup.
Step 2: Simmer the Broth and Add Noodles
Pour in the chicken broth and water and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat so it simmers gently and let it go for 10 minutes. This simmer allows the chicken to cook through completely and lets all those beautiful flavors meld. Next, introduce the broken lasagna noodles into the pot and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking or clumping, until they are tender and cooked through but not mushy.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Lower the heat to its minimum setting and slowly stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until they melt fully, creating the signature creamy texture of this soup. Then sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously to combine everything into one rich, cheesy mixture. If you’re adding spinach, now’s the time to fold it in and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes just until it wilts and brightens the whole bowl.
Step 4: Final Touch and Serve
Give the soup a final gentle stir to ensure everything is beautifully blended. Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and herbal aroma, and get ready to dive into a spoonful of comfort and joy.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your soup by topping it with freshly chopped parsley for brightness. A light grating of extra Parmesan cheese on top adds welcome richness and a savory snap at first bite. For a touch of crunch, toasted garlic bread crumbs or a few crushed red pepper flakes can introduce extra texture and a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or garlic bread makes the meal even more satisfying. A crisp Caesar salad or a handful of roasted vegetables will add fresh balance against the creamy, cheesy texture of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the soup in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a swirl of basil pesto on top. You can also place a crisp parmesan tuile on the side for an extra cheesy crunch. Using mini casserole dishes can turn this soup into a fun dish for sharing at casual gatherings or family dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow any leftover soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will continue to soak up the broth over time, so the soup will thicken during storage.
Freezing
This creamy white chicken lasagna soup can be frozen, but because of the pasta and dairy, texture may slightly change. For best results, freeze the soup without the noodles and add them fresh when reheating. Freeze the soup in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and to evenly warm through. If the soup has thickened, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. If adding fresh noodles, boil them separately and add to the soup before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut that saves time and adds tons of flavor. Just shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it when you include the noodles.
What can I substitute for lasagna noodles?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, small pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or bowties work beautifully and hold up well in the creamy broth.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free or lower in fat?
You can try substituting heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or cashew cream and using dairy-free cream cheese alternatives. Keep in mind the soup’s signature richness might be slightly different but still delicious.
Can this soup be made spicy?
Yes! For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the chicken or as a garnish before serving.
How long does this soup take to prepare from start to finish?
This soup is fairly quick, taking about 10 minutes to prep ingredients and 30 minutes to cook, making it a 40-minute total investment for a deeply satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly comforting and special about the Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe that warms both heart and home. The way it captures all the cheesy, saucy goodness of classic lasagna while being so effortless to make is what makes it a true keeper. I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing this soup as I do, and that it becomes a go-to recipe whenever you need a little culinary hug.
