If you’re craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something a bit lighter and easier to make, White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. This dish combines all the classic lasagna elements—creamy, cheesy goodness—with the warmth and heartiness of a soup. Packed with tender chicken, hearty lasagna noodles, and fresh spinach, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. In just 35 minutes, you can enjoy a comforting bowl of this creamy soup that tastes like your favorite lasagna, but in soup form!
This recipe offers a lighter take on traditional lasagna without sacrificing any of the rich flavors you love. The combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and chicken broth creates a creamy, cheesy base that perfectly complements the tender noodles and wilted spinach. It’s quick to make, uses simple ingredients, and is perfect for a weeknight meal or to serve to guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory flavors of lasagna with the ease and warmth of a soup. It’s a one-pot dish that’s simple to prepare, yet indulgent enough for a family dinner. The addition of chicken provides a protein-packed base, while the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese deliver that satisfying creamy texture that makes lasagna so irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this soup is sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chicken broth
- Diced tomatoes
- Italian seasoning
- Lasagna noodles
- Spinach
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Add More Veggies: To boost the nutrition, consider adding more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- Use Ground Chicken or Turkey: For a leaner option, substitute the diced chicken breasts with ground chicken or turkey.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese and broth to make the soup dairy-free while still keeping the flavor rich and comforting.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Tomatoes
Stir in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling broth. Lower the heat and simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Step 5: Add the Spinach
Stir in the spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses
Once the spinach is wilted, add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the soup becomes creamy.
Step 7: Season and Serve
Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Noodle Texture: If you want the noodles to retain their texture and not become too soft, cook them just until tender and avoid overcooking.
- Make it Ahead: If you make the soup ahead of time, the noodles may absorb more liquid, so consider adding extra broth when reheating.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley would make a lovely garnish on top of the soup for added freshness and color.
- Use a Dutch Oven: A heavy-duty Dutch oven will help maintain an even heat distribution, which is great for simmering the soup.
How to Serve
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup is hearty and filling on its own, but you can serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad to make it a complete meal. For an extra cheesy experience, sprinkle some additional Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will continue to thicken as it sits, so you may want to add a bit more chicken broth when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Make sure to let the soup cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When reheating, add extra broth to adjust the consistency as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, place the soup on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little more chicken broth to reach the desired consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes, you can substitute the lasagna noodles with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
2. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just thaw it and drain any excess liquid before adding it to the soup.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the soup in a slow cooker. Add all the ingredients (except the cheese and spinach) and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the spinach and cheese during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
4. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make this soup gluten-free. Just ensure that all the other ingredients are also gluten-free.
5. Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add additional vegetables such as zucchini, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
6. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option for a quicker version of this soup. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking.
7. Is this soup spicy?
No, this soup is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you prefer some heat.
8. Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time. However, keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.
9. Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, vegetable broth is a great substitute for chicken broth to make the soup vegetarian or vegan.
10. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze this soup. Just make sure to leave out the noodles if you’re planning to freeze it, as they may become too mushy when reheated.
Conclusion
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a delicious and comforting twist on traditional lasagna. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor while being incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a hearty bowl of soup, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying meal on a cold evening or simply want to enjoy the flavors of lasagna in a new way, this soup is the perfect solution.
PrintWhite Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This hearty and comforting White Chicken Lasagna Soup is packed with tender chicken, flavorful vegetables, and cheesy goodness. It’s the perfect cozy meal, combining all the flavors of lasagna in a comforting, easy-to-make soup.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until softened.
- Stir in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil.
- Add broken lasagna noodles and simmer until noodles are tender (about 10-12 minutes).
- Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
- Add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add ricotta cheese or cottage cheese to make it extra creamy.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute spinach with kale or other leafy greens.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes