There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm, creamy soup, especially when it’s packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients. White Chicken Lasagna Soup takes everything you love about traditional lasagna—the creamy cheese, the tender pasta, the flavorful chicken—and transforms it into a one-pot masterpiece. This dish delivers indulgence in every spoonful while remaining simple enough for a quick weeknight meal.
In this guide, we’ll explore what makes this soup an irresistible favorite, creative variations to customize it, expert tips for achieving the best texture and flavor, and answers to common questions to help you perfect this recipe.
Why White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a Must-Try Dish
1. A New Take on a Classic Favorite
Lasagna is a timeless dish loved for its layers of cheese, meat, and pasta. However, assembling and baking a traditional lasagna can be time-consuming. This soup takes the classic flavors of a white chicken lasagna and simplifies them into an easy, creamy dish that’s made in one pot. No layering, no long baking times—just rich, comforting flavors ready in about 40 minutes.
2. Creamy, Cheesy, and Packed with Flavor
One of the standout features of this soup is its decadent, velvety broth. A combination of heavy cream, milk, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese gives it a rich, creamy texture that coats every bite. The shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness, while fresh spinach provides a pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
3. Simple One-Pot Meal with Minimal Cleanup
Unlike lasagna, which requires multiple layers, saucepans, and baking dishes, this soup is made entirely in one pot. This not only reduces cooking time but also makes cleanup a breeze—an ideal option for busy families or anyone looking for a no-fuss meal.
4. Easily Customizable
This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you want to add more veggies, swap the noodles for a gluten-free option, or spice it up with extra seasonings, this soup adapts beautifully to your tastes.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Sauté Aromatics:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Broth:
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Creamy Ingredients:
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream, milk, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate the Chicken and Greens:
- Add shredded chicken and fresh spinach to the pot.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Stir in the Cheese:
- Remove the soup from heat and stir in ricotta and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.):
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 28g
- Total Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
Creative Ways to Customize This Soup
1. Add More Vegetables
While spinach is a great addition, you can easily include other vegetables to enhance the soup’s flavor and texture. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots. Simply sauté them with the onions at the beginning for an extra layer of depth.
2. Swap the Protein
While shredded rotisserie chicken keeps this recipe quick and easy, you can experiment with other proteins:
- Ground turkey or chicken – Brown it with the onions before adding the broth.
- Sausage – Italian sausage adds a spicy kick.
- Shrimp – If you prefer seafood, add cooked shrimp at the end.
3. Try Different Cheeses
Ricotta and Parmesan create the signature creamy base, but you can mix things up by incorporating other cheeses:
- Mozzarella – For an extra cheesy, stretchy texture.
- Gruyère – Adds a nutty, rich depth of flavor.
- Fontina – Melts beautifully into the broth for a silky finish.
4. Make It Spicy
If you love a little heat in your dishes, there are plenty of ways to spice up this soup:
- Increase the red pepper flakes.
- Add diced jalapeños when sautéing the onions.
- Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving.
5. Turn It Into a Casserole
If you prefer a baked dish, you can easily transform this soup into a creamy white lasagna casserole. Simply reduce the broth slightly, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, and top with extra cheese before baking until bubbly and golden.
Expert Tips for the Best White Chicken Lasagna Soup
1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles
One of the biggest mistakes people make with pasta-based soups is overcooking the noodles. Lasagna noodles should be cooked to al dente, meaning they are tender but still slightly firm. Since the noodles will continue to absorb liquid as the soup sits, you can even undercook them slightly to maintain texture.
2. Shred Your Own Cheese
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the creamiest soup, shred fresh Parmesan and ricotta from a block.
3. Balance the Thickness
If your soup thickens too much while sitting, you can thin it out by adding a little extra broth or milk. If it’s too thin for your liking, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
4. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience
Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, adding deep flavor with minimal effort. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, poaching or roasting it with simple seasonings will give you similar results.
5. Adjust Seasoning at the End
Cheese, broth, and even rotisserie chicken can have varying levels of saltiness, so always taste the soup before serving and adjust seasoning accordingly. A pinch of extra salt, black pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice can bring out the flavors beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! If making ahead, it’s best to prepare the soup without adding the noodles. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and cook the noodles fresh to avoid them becoming too soft.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If the soup thickens too much when chilled, add a little extra broth or milk when reheating.
3. Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but with a modification—freeze the soup without the noodles. Pasta tends to become mushy when frozen and reheated. When ready to eat, reheat the soup and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
4. What can I use instead of lasagna noodles?
If you don’t have lasagna noodles, other pasta shapes like bowtie, rigatoni, or penne work well. For a low-carb option, you can use spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice.
5. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use plant-based cheeses instead of ricotta and Parmesan.
6. What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from separating. If microwaving, do so in short bursts, stirring in between.
7. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely. Add all ingredients except for the noodles, spinach, and cheese to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Stir in the noodles, spinach, and cheese in the last 30 minutes before serving.
Conclusion: A Soup That Feels Like a Warm Hug
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the perfect balance of indulgence and ease. It takes the creamy, cheesy goodness of a traditional white lasagna and turns it into a one-pot, soul-warming meal. Whether you’re craving a comforting dish on a cold evening, looking for a new way to enjoy lasagna flavors, or just need a quick meal the whole family will love, this soup delivers every time.
Its versatility allows for endless variations, making it a staple recipe that can be enjoyed over and over again. So, grab your favorite bowl, ladle in some creamy goodness, and savor every spoonful of this rich, flavorful dish.
If you try this recipe, let us know how you customized it and what creative twists you added. We’d love to hear your take on this comforting classic.
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Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is everything you love about creamy, cheesy lasagna in a comforting bowl of soup. Tender shredded chicken, broken lasagna noodles, fresh spinach, and a rich, velvety broth come together to create the ultimate cozy meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or when you need a hearty dish to warm your soul!
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Broth:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles:
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the boiling broth and cook them according to the package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Make It Creamy:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, milk, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Chicken and Greens:
- Stir in the shredded chicken and fresh spinach. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Incorporate the Cheese:
- Remove the soup from heat and stir in the ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan until fully combined and creamy.
- Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if the soup thickens.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles after thawing and reheating.
- Customizations: Swap spinach for kale, add mushrooms for an earthy flavor, or use gluten-free lasagna noodles for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust Spice: If you prefer less heat, skip the red pepper flakes, or add more for an extra kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
