If you think lasagna is only meant to be baked and served in thick, cheesy slices, wait until you dive into this Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe. It takes all the flavors you love about classic white chicken lasagna—tender chicken, rich creaminess, and layers of cheesy goodness—and transforms them into a cozy, soul-warming soup. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you crave comfort food but want something a little lighter and easier to whip up. Every spoonful bursts with familiar, satisfying flavors wrapped in a creamy, delicious broth that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for the Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is key to capturing its comforting flavors and silky texture. Each component plays a role in building a soup that’s hearty, flavorful, and just downright irresistible.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle, fruity base for sautéing and enhances the overall richness.
- Chicken breast (diced): The lean protein centerpiece, providing tender bites throughout the soup.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify all the fresh flavors.
- Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth once softened.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provides an aromatic punch that awakens the senses.
- Carrot (diced): Brings a subtle earthiness and a touch of natural sweetness.
- Celery stalks (diced): Adds crunch and a refreshing note to balance the creamy elements.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that forms the hearty foundation of the soup.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together with herbs like oregano and basil.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into bite-sized pieces): Offers pasta bites reminiscent of classic lasagna layers but easier to enjoy as a soup.
- Heavy cream: Makes the broth silky and luxurious without weighing it down.
- Ricotta cheese: Creates a creamy texture and mild tang that echoes traditional lasagna.
- Mozzarella cheese (shredded): Melts smoothly for that gooey, cheesy comfort.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the creamy soup.
- Fresh basil or parsley (chopped): Bright, fresh herbs for garnish to add color and freshness.
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat and toss in the diced chicken breast. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken just until it loses its pink color and starts to brown slightly—this locks in moisture and flavor. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside so it doesn’t overcook later.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add a touch more oil if needed. Throw in the chopped onion, carrot, and celery. These veggies soften and release sweetness as they cook, creating the flavor base that makes this soup special. After about five minutes, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until you catch that irresistible fragrant aroma wafting through the kitchen.
Step 3: Add Broth and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. This herby blend brings that classic Italian vibe to the dish. Return the chicken to the pot, stir everything together gently, and bring the soup to a gentle simmer. It’s looking—and smelling—like a bowl of cozy happiness at this point.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add your broken lasagna noodles or whatever short pasta you prefer. Giving the noodles a little extra room by breaking them down helps them cook evenly and remain perfectly tender—not mushy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, just until al dente. This is the stage where the soup begins to thicken and feel more like a creamy meal than just broth.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheeses
Turn the heat down to low and slowly drizzle in the heavy cream, stirring as you go to blend it smoothly into the soup. Now it’s time for the magic—adding the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Whisk continuously until the cheeses melt and your soup transforms into a luscious, creamy delight. This step makes the soup feel indulgent but still incredibly satisfying.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle your steaming, cheesy soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly chopped basil or parsley. This final touch adds a pop of green and a fresh herbal note that balances the richness perfectly. Serve hot, grab a spoon, and enjoy one of your new favorite comfort foods.
How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh basil or parsley brightens the soup with color and a delicate herbal freshness that cuts through the creaminess beautifully. For a little extra flair, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil also pairs wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This soup is satisfying on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, serve it alongside a warm, crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad. The bread soaks up the creamy broth, while the salad offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl by serving the soup in bread bowls for a rustic touch that guests will love. Alternatively, garnish with dollops of ricotta or twisted fresh pasta nests as a charming way to echo the lasagna elements in a fun way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for 3 to 4 days. Before storing, allow the soup to cool to room temperature to keep its flavors intact.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, which makes it a wonderful make-ahead option. To freeze, cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the noodles may soften a bit upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up. Avoid using high heat to prevent the cream and cheeses from separating.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly. Just add it in when you add the broth and seasoning to warm through without overcooking.
What can I substitute for lasagna noodles?
Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle can replace lasagna noodles. Just break them into smaller pieces for easy spooning and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is this soup suitable for freezing with the cream and cheeses?
Yes, it freezes well, but the texture may change slightly. Stir well when reheating, and you can add a bit more cream or cheese if it seems less creamy.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
You can definitely make a vegetarian version by swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and omitting the chicken. Adding hearty mushrooms can bring extra umami flavor.
How can I make this soup spicier?
For a spicy kick, add crushed red pepper flakes during the sauté step or top each serving with a dash of hot sauce. This adds heat without overpowering the creamy notes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those dishes that makes you want to curl up with a good book or share a cozy evening with loved ones. It’s simple enough to make any weeknight special but impressive enough to serve when you want to wow guests. Once you try it, this soup will quickly become a go-to recipe for comfort, flavor, and that all-important creamy satisfaction. Give it a shot—you’ll be amazed at how quickly it disappears from the bowl!
Print
Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy white chicken lasagna soup combines all the comforting flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. Tender diced chicken, softened vegetables, and broken lasagna noodles simmered in a savory broth enriched with Italian seasoning and a trio of creamy cheeses create a delicious and satisfying meal ideal for any day.
Ingredients
Soup Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or 2 cups of any short pasta)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with salt and pepper, and cook until the chicken is no longer pink and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if necessary. Add the chopped onion, diced carrot, and diced celery. Cook the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they have softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the Italian seasoning. Return the cooked chicken back into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Cook the Pasta: Add the broken lasagna noodles or the short pasta of your choice to the simmering soup. Cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes or until it reaches al dente, stirring occasionally to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick together.
- Add Cream and Cheeses: Lower the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream. Then add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Whisk continuously until the cheeses melt completely and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy white chicken lasagna soup into bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve the soup hot and enjoy its comforting flavors.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth.
- Broken lasagna noodles can be replaced with any short pasta such as penne, rotini, or shells.
- Be sure to stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- The soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or microwave.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as desired before serving.
