I recently made the most delicious pot of White Chicken Lasagna Soup, and I couldn’t wait to share it with you. It’s creamy, savory, and packed with all the comforting flavors of classic white chicken lasagna—but without the hassle of layering!
What I love most is that everything comes together in one pot. This recipe is incredibly easy, and the results are like a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this dish is bound to earn rave reviews.
Credit: halfbakedharvest
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup, along with tips that will guarantee your soup turns out perfect every time:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, diced (Using freshly diced chicken ensures tender meat.)
- 1 large onion, chopped (For a deeper flavor, sauté until translucent.)
- 2 carrots, peeled and sliced (Adds a natural sweetness to balance the soup.)
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (Fresh bell pepper gives a slight crunch and vibrant color.)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (Freshly minced garlic boosts aroma and flavor.)
- 3 tablespoons butter (Enhances the creaminess and richness of the soup.)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided (Used for sautéing and adding depth.)
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (Key for thickening the soup.)
- 9 cups low-sodium chicken broth (Low-sodium keeps the flavor balanced.)
- 1 cup half and half (Choose this for creaminess without it being too heavy.)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (Optional, for even richer soup.)
- 10 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-2 inch pieces (Helps mimic the texture of lasagna without layering.)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (A must for its savory, salty tang.)
- 2 cups spinach, chopped (Fresh spinach is best, as frozen can add excess water.)
- Salt and pepper to taste (Season to your liking.)
- Optional toppings: shredded mozzarella, ricotta cheese, more Parmesan (These add creamy, cheesy layers just like classic lasagna.)
Note: This recipe yields about 8-10 servings, perfect for family dinners or leftover meals.
Variations
This soup can be easily adapted for various preferences and dietary needs! Here are a few options:
- Dairy-Free: Substitute coconut milk or almond milk for the half and half, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
- Protein Variation: Use ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken instead of diced chicken breasts.
- Pasta Alternatives: Replace lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or small shells.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, and add mushrooms or extra beans for heartiness.
- Flavor Add-Ins: A pinch of nutmeg or paprika can elevate the creamy broth, while red pepper flakes add a spicy kick.
You can also enjoy similar comforting dishes like this Chicken Taco Soup Recipe for a hearty meal.
Cooking Time
Here’s a quick rundown of the overall time you’ll need for this recipe:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Equipment You Need
To make this soup, you won’t need anything fancy! Just these basic kitchen tools:
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot (For cooking everything in one pot.)
- Cutting board and knife (For prepping the vegetables and chicken.)
- Measuring cups and spoons (Helps ensure ingredient accuracy.)
- Soup ladle (For serving your delicious soup with ease.)
- Wooden spoon (Perfect for stirring and sautéing ingredients without scratching your cookware.)
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna Soup?
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. This locks in the juices while allowing the chicken to finish cooking later in the broth.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the pot and melt together. Toss in the onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its aroma fill the kitchen.
Step 3: Thicken the Base
Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes. This ensures the flour cooks and doesn’t leave a raw taste.
Step 4: Build the Broth
Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, along with the broken lasagna noodles. Simmer everything for 10-15 minutes or until the noodles are perfectly tender.
Step 5: Add the Creaminess
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half and half, heavy cream (if using), and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the soup is warmed through.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese
Remove the soup from the heat and mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the soup reaches its velvety consistency.
Credit: thecookierookie
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
Here’s what I’ve learned from making this dish several times:
- Grating your own Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded cheese makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Break the lasagna noodles unevenly for a rustic, textured appearance.
- Stir frequently when simmering the noodles to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If you want a slightly thicker soup, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with some chicken broth and add it during the simmering phase.
If you’re a fan of grilled flavors, you might also enjoy trying this Sweet Grilled Chicken Thighs Recipe for a smoky twist.
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna Soup?
This soup is a meal on its own, but a few thoughtful touches can elevate your presentation:
- Serve in large bowls and garnish with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of mozzarella, and extra grated Parmesan.
- Add fresh parsley or basil on top for a pop of color.
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at what you’re getting in every hearty serving:
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 18g
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. This soup stays fresh for up to 4 days.
Freezing
While the soup can be frozen, avoid freezing the noodles (they may become mushy). Freeze the broth and veggies, then add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Reheating
Warm the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or milk to adjust the consistency as needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This soup has all the reasons to win your heart:
- Easy Preparation: It’s a one-pot meal with minimal cleanup!
- Comforting Flavors: Tastes like classic lasagna without the layering work.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients for different diets.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a warm, cheesy bowl of soup.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping and freezing.
Enjoy every spoonful of this creamy, cheesy White Chicken Lasagna Soup! For more chicken-based recipes, you might want to explore this collection of Chicken Recipes for inspiration.
White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until lightly browned and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside. This locks in the juices while allowing the chicken to finish cooking later in the broth.
- Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the pot and melt together. Toss in the onions, carrots, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting its aroma fill the kitchen.
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes. This ensures the flour cooks and doesn’t leave a raw taste.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to prevent lumps. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot, along with the broken lasagna noodles. Simmer everything for 10-15 minutes or until the noodles are perfectly tender.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half and half, heavy cream (if using), and chopped spinach. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the soup is warmed through.
- Remove the soup from the heat and mix in freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese is melted and the soup reaches its velvety consistency.
Notes
- Grating your own Parmesan instead of using pre-shredded cheese makes a huge difference in flavor.
- Break the lasagna noodles unevenly for a rustic, textured appearance.
- Stir frequently when simmering the noodles to prevent them from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- If you want a slightly thicker soup, whisk a teaspoon of cornstarch with some chicken broth and add it during the simmering phase.
