Chicken Lasagna Soup

Imagine the comforting layers of a classic lasagna transformed into a warm, hearty bowl of soup. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with this incredible Chicken Lasagna Soup. Each spoonful delivers the rich tomato base, tender chunks of chicken, ribbons of pasta, and creamy cheese that make traditional lasagna so beloved, but in a soul-warming soup form that’s perfect for any occasion. The aromatic blend of Italian herbs and garlic will fill your kitchen with an irresistible scent that draws everyone to the table. You’ll learn how to create this crowd-pleasing one-pot wonder with simple ingredients and straightforward techniques that deliver restaurant-quality results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chicken Lasagna Soup brilliantly captures all the flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy assembly time. The magic happens when the al dente pasta ribbons mingle with the savory broth, creating a textural contrast that’s both satisfying and comforting. Each spoonful offers the perfect balance of tender chicken, rich tomato broth, and melty cheese that makes this dish utterly craveable.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and ease of preparation. It comes together in just one pot, significantly reducing cleanup time while maximizing flavor development. The soup achieves that slow-simmered taste in a fraction of the time that traditional lasagna requires. Plus, it’s customizable to your preferences – add more vegetables, adjust the spice level, or swap in different proteins while still maintaining that classic lasagna essence.

For busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this Chicken Lasagna Soup delivers the comfort food satisfaction you crave without hours of preparation. The way the creamy ricotta mixture melts into the hot broth creates a velvety texture that elevates this from simple soup to extraordinary meal.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Lasagna Soup base:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into 1-inch pieces
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch pieces (about 8 oz)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the cheese topping:

• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)

The crushed tomatoes provide the rich base that gives this Chicken Lasagna Soup its authentic Italian flavor, while the combination of three cheeses creates that classic lasagna experience. For best results, use regular lasagna noodles rather than no-boil varieties, as they hold their shape better in the soup.

Pro Tips

Perfect Pasta Texture: The key to exceptional Chicken Lasagna Soup is properly cooking the pasta. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering broth about 10-12 minutes before serving. This timing prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft and mushy. If you plan to have leftovers, consider cooking and storing the pasta separately from the soup base, combining them only when ready to serve.

Building Flavor Layers: Create depth in your Chicken Lasagna Soup by properly sautéing the aromatics. Cook the onions until translucent before adding the garlic, and then allow the tomato paste to cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly. This process, called “blooming,” caramelizes the tomato paste and releases its rich umami flavors that form the foundation of the soup.

Cheese Integration Technique: Rather than simply sprinkling cheese on top, create a ricotta mixture by combining the ricotta, half the Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Place a dollop of this mixture in each serving bowl and then ladle the hot soup over it. This method creates pockets of creamy cheese throughout the soup that mimic the layers in traditional lasagna, giving you that authentic lasagna experience in each spoonful.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. In the same pot, add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes until it darkens slightly and coats the onions and garlic. This step helps develop the rich tomato flavor that makes Chicken Lasagna Soup so delicious. Add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to toast the herbs slightly and release their oils. Pour in the crushed tomatoes, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits – these contain concentrated flavor that enriches your soup.

Step 3: Simmer and Develop

Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the soup simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is when the magic happens as the broth takes on that classic lasagna flavor profile. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, adding salt and pepper to your preference.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together, until the noodles are al dente. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so aim for a slightly firmer texture than you might normally prefer. If the soup becomes too thick, add more chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 5: Prepare the Cheese Mixture and Serve

While the pasta cooks, combine the ricotta cheese, half the Parmesan cheese, and the chopped fresh basil in a small bowl. When the soup and pasta are ready, ladle the hot Chicken Lasagna Soup into bowls. Top each serving with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture, a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese, and the remaining Parmesan. The heat from the soup will melt the cheeses, creating that stretchy, gooey texture that makes lasagna so irresistible. Garnish with additional fresh basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Variations

Vegetable-Packed Version: Transform your Chicken Lasagna Soup into a nutrient-dense meal by adding 1 cup of diced zucchini, 1 cup of sliced mushrooms, and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Add the zucchini and mushrooms when you return the chicken to the pot, and stir in the spinach just before serving until wilted. This variation adds wonderful texture, color, and nutritional value while maintaining the lasagna flavor profile you love.

Turkey and Sausage Twist: For a heartier version of lasagna soup with protein variety, replace half the chicken with ½ pound of Italian sausage (mild or hot, based on preference). Brown the sausage first, then add the turkey or chicken. This combination creates a more complex flavor reminiscent of meat-lover’s lasagna, with the sausage adding aromatic fennel notes and a deeper savory quality to the broth.

Creamy Tomato Option: Create a richer, more indulgent Chicken Lasagna Soup by stirring in ½ cup of heavy cream or ⅓ cup of mascarpone cheese about 5 minutes before serving. This variation produces a silkier, less acidic soup that beautifully complements the tomato base while adding a luxurious mouthfeel that takes this comfort food to the next level.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover Chicken Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so when reheating, you’ll likely need to add additional chicken broth to reach the original consistency. For best results, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat rather than using a microwave, which can make the pasta mushy.

For make-ahead meal prep, consider preparing the soup base without the pasta and storing it separately. When ready to serve, cook the pasta al dente, then combine with the reheated soup base. This method ensures perfect texture every time.

Serve your Chicken Lasagna Soup with garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping into the flavorful broth. For a complete meal, pair it with a simple green salad dressed with Italian vinaigrette. For an impressive presentation at dinner parties, serve the soup in hollowed-out bread bowls, topping each with the cheese mixture and placing under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and lightly browned.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option for Chicken Lasagna Soup. Simply skip the chicken browning step and add about 2-3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken when you would normally return the browned chicken to the pot.

What can I substitute for lasagna noodles?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use any pasta shape such as farfalle, penne, or even egg noodles. Adjust the cooking time according to the pasta shape you choose. For a lower-carb option, try using thinly sliced zucchini ribbons instead of pasta.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the chicken and sauté the aromatics as directed, then transfer everything except the pasta and cheese mixture to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding the broken lasagna noodles during the last 30 minutes of cooking time.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?
The soup base freezes well without the pasta and cheese. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, reheat the soup, cook pasta separately, and add the cheese mixture just before serving.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?
Replace the chicken with 2 cups of diced vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add 1 cup of drained and rinsed white beans or chickpeas for protein.

Conclusion

This Chicken Lasagna Soup is comfort food at its finest — a cleverly reimagined Italian classic that delivers all the satisfaction of traditional lasagna in a soul-warming bowl. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday cooking and special-occasion meals, offering both convenience and that “made with love” quality that brings people together. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for casual entertaining, this soup delivers on all fronts. With its perfect balance of tender chicken, tomato-rich broth, pasta, and melty cheese, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Print