White Chicken Lasagna Soup

Imagine sinking your spoon into a creamy, steaming bowl of White Chicken Lasagna Soup – where the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna transform into a luxurious, velvety soup. This innovative twist combines tender shredded chicken, broken lasagna noodles, and a rich, garlicky white sauce that will warm you from the inside out. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re craving Italian flavors without the lengthy baking time of traditional lasagna. You’ll learn how to create this hearty, restaurant-quality soup right in your own kitchen, complete with all those beloved lasagna flavors in each spoonful.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This White Chicken Lasagna Soup delivers all the comfort of traditional lasagna but in a convenient, soul-warming soup form. The contrast between the al dente pasta pieces and the silky, cheese-infused broth creates a textural masterpiece that’s simply irresistible. The convenience factor cannot be overstated – you’ll get all those layered lasagna flavors without the time-consuming assembly and baking.

What makes this soup truly special is the luxurious, velvety white sauce base that coats each ingredient perfectly. The aromatic combination of sautéed onions, garlic, and Italian herbs creates a fragrant foundation that elevates simple ingredients to extraordinary heights. Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of tender chicken, pasta, and creamy broth.

Best of all, this creamy chicken soup recipe comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze. It’s elegant enough for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners when comfort food cravings strike.

Ingredients

For this delicious White Chicken Lasagna Soup, you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into 2-inch pieces (about 8-10 noodles)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

The cream cheese is crucial for achieving that silky, rich consistency reminiscent of lasagna’s creamy layers, while the combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses creates the authentic Italian flavor profile we all love in a classic chicken lasagna.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Pasta Cooking Technique
For perfect texture in your White Chicken Lasagna Soup, cook the broken lasagna noodles directly in the broth rather than separately. This infuses the pasta with flavor while also releasing starches that naturally thicken the soup. However, keep a close eye on cooking time – check the noodles every 2 minutes after the 8-minute mark to prevent them from becoming mushy. For meal prep, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual portions to prevent it from absorbing too much liquid during storage.

Master the Roux Base
The secret to a silky-smooth, never-grainy soup lies in properly developing your roux. Cook the flour with the sautéed onions and garlic for a full 2 minutes before slowly adding liquids. This eliminates the raw flour taste and creates the perfect thickening agent. When adding the broth, pour it in gradually while continuously whisking to prevent lumps from forming.

Temperature Control for Perfect Cheese Integration
To achieve that velvety, cheese-infused broth, reduce the heat to low before adding your cheeses and cream cheese. Add the cheese in small batches, allowing each addition to melt completely before adding more. This prevents the proteins in the cheese from seizing and creating a grainy texture. Never let the soup boil after adding cheese, as this can cause separation and a broken soup base.

Instructions

Step 1: Create the Aromatic Base
Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let the garlic brown.

Step 2: Develop the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed aromatics and stir continuously for 2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. This creates the base that will give your White Chicken Lasagna Soup its luxurious thickness. The mixture should look like a thick paste and smell slightly nutty.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, about 1 cup at a time, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more. This prevents lumps from forming. Once all the broth is added, pour in the milk while continuing to stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodle pieces to the simmering broth. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the soup naturally.

Step 5: Add Protein and Create Creaminess
Stir in the shredded chicken and reduce heat to low. Add the heavy cream and cream cheese cubes, stirring until the cream cheese completely melts and incorporates into the soup. This creates that distinctive lasagna-like creaminess that makes this soup special.

Step 6: Incorporate Cheeses and Finish
Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring after each addition until completely melted. Fold in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the hot soup, about 1-2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your White Chicken Lasagna Soup into bowls and garnish with a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese and fresh basil if desired. For the full lasagna experience, consider topping each bowl with a small dollop of ricotta cheese.

Variations

Vegetable-Loaded Version
Transform your White Chicken Lasagna Soup into a nutrient-packed meal by adding 1 cup diced carrots and 1 cup diced zucchini with the onions. Increase the spinach to 2 cups, or substitute with chopped kale for a heartier green. This variation not only adds beautiful color but also increases the nutritional value while maintaining the creamy, comforting essence of the original recipe.

Seafood Twist
For an elegant seafood variation, replace the chicken with 1 pound of mixed seafood such as shrimp, scallops, and chunks of firm white fish. Add the seafood during the last 5 minutes of cooking to prevent overcooking. The delicate seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy broth, creating a luxurious seafood lasagna soup perfect for special occasions.

Dairy-Free Adaptation
For those with dairy restrictions, create a dairy-free version by substituting the milk and heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk. Replace the cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative, and use dairy-free mozzarella-style shreds. While the flavor profile will shift slightly, you’ll still achieve a rich, creamy chicken lasagna soup that everyone can enjoy.

Storage and Serving

Store leftover White Chicken Lasagna Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken considerably when chilled, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. For longer storage, freeze the soup without the pasta for up to 2 months – simply cook fresh pasta separately when ready to serve.

For an impressive meal presentation, serve this creamy chicken soup in bread bowls made from hollowed-out sourdough rounds. The contrast between the crusty bread and velvety soup creates a delightful textural experience. Alternatively, pair with a crisp Caesar salad and garlic bread for dipping – the perfect complement to the rich, creamy flavors.

For a complete Italian-inspired dinner party, start with antipasto skewers, follow with this White Chicken Lasagna Soup as the main course, and finish with tiramisu for dessert. The soup’s sophisticated flavor profile makes it suitable for both casual family dinners and special occasions.

FAQs

Can I use different pasta shapes instead of lasagna noodles?
Yes! While broken lasagna noodles create the authentic lasagna experience, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like farfalle, campanelle, or wide egg noodles. Adjust cooking time according to the package directions for al dente pasta.

How can I make this soup thicker?
If you prefer an even thicker White Chicken Lasagna Soup, you can increase the flour to 4 tablespoons when making the roux. Alternatively, make a slurry with 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir it into the simmering soup until it reaches your desired consistency.

Can I make this soup ahead of time for a party?
Yes, but for best results, prepare the soup without the pasta and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup, cook the pasta separately until almost al dente, then combine just before serving. This prevents the pasta from becoming soggy.

Is there a shortcut version for busy weeknights?
Absolutely! Use rotisserie chicken, pre-shredded cheese, and no-boil lasagna noodles (which cook faster). You can also substitute 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning blend for the individual herbs to streamline the process.

What can I use instead of spinach?
If you’re not a fan of spinach, substitute with 1 cup of chopped kale (added slightly earlier to allow more cooking time), 1 cup of frozen peas (added in the last 2 minutes), or simply omit the greens entirely—the soup will still be delicious.

Conclusion

This White Chicken Lasagna Soup is comfort food at its finest — a velvety, cheesy embrace in a bowl that transforms the classic Italian casserole into a spoonable delight. It’s the kind of dish that bridges the gap between everyday meals and special occasions, offering all the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna without the lengthy preparation. Whether you’re serving family on a chilly weeknight or impressing guests at a casual gathering, this creamy, hearty soup delivers satisfaction in every spoonful. Now that you’ve mastered this recipe, you’ve added a versatile, crowd-pleasing dish to your culinary repertoire that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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