There’s something about a warm bowl of soup that feels like a big, comforting hug. This Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe brings all that cozy comfort but in a creamy, cheesy twist that’s simply irresistible. It’s like lasagna reinvented as a hearty, soul-warming soup that I turn to anytime I want something familiar but a little different.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those meals I find myself making again and again because it just hits all the right notes. Creamy without being heavy, packed with tender chicken and veggies, and bursting with all the flavors that remind you of classic white lasagna—all in one pot.
- Big Flavor, Simple Prep: You get all the rich taste of a white lasagna without the hours of layering and baking.
- Comforting Yet Light: Cream cheese and Parmesan add creaminess without feeling too heavy or greasy.
- Flexible Ingredients: Easily swap spinach with kale or add extra veggies to make it your own.
- Family Friendly: This soup is both kid-approved and grown-up satisfying—perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy weekend lunches.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role to build layers of flavor and texture that marry beautifully. The combo of veggies, herbs, chicken, and cheeses creates that luscious lasagna feel but in a perfectly spoonable form. Here’s why I love each piece.
- Unsalted Butter: It’s the base that sautés the veggies, adding richness without overpowering.
- Onion, Carrots, and Celery: Classic soffritto that brings sweetness and depth to every spoonful.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves go a long way with aromatic punch.
- Italian Seasoning & Dried Basil: These herbs give the soup its unmistakable Italian vibe—feel free to boost or swap with fresh herbs!
- Salt, Pepper & Nutmeg: Salt and pepper season perfectly, while nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that’s a secret weapon in creamy sauces.
- All-Purpose Flour: It thickens the broth into that luscious, comforting consistency.
- Chicken Broth & Water: The flavorful liquid base; homemade broth is wonderful if you have it.
- Chicken Breasts: Tender protein that soaks up all those lovely flavors; shredding it keeps every bite tender.
- Whole Milk & Cream Cheese: Cream cheese melts into the broth, adding velvety smoothness that makes it truly special.
- Parmesan Cheese: The nutty, salty punch that makes you smile in every spoonful.
- Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and color, plus a gentle bite that balances the richness.
- Lasagna Noodles: Broken up and cooked separately, these bring the familiar pasta texture we crave.
Make It Your Way
I love switching up this Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or the season. It’s a recipe that welcomes creativity, so don’t hesitate to tweak it until it feels just right for you.
- Variation: For a slight twist, I’ve swapped baby spinach with kale—just cook it a little longer so it softens up nicely. It adds a bit more texture and a subtle earthiness.
- Vegetarian Option: Leave out the chicken and use vegetable broth plus extra spinach or mushrooms for a delicious meatless version.
- Extra Cheesy: If you adore cheese, stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella before serving. It melts beautifully and adds gooey goodness.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sautéed veggies gives the soup a nice little zing without overpowering the creamy base.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Create the Flavor Base
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once it’s all melted and shimmering, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. I like to stir frequently, letting those veggies soften for about 3-4 minutes—that’s when they begin releasing their sweetness, building the base of your soup’s flavor. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until you catch that lovely fragrant garlic scent. Watch carefully here; garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter.
Step 2: Season and Thicken
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg. Stir those in to wake up the herbs and spices. Now whisk in the flour—this will thicken the soup beautifully as it cooks. Make sure you whisk constantly here; no lumps allowed! Cook the flour for a minute or two so it loses that raw taste.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Simmer Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and water, giving it a good stir before bringing it all to a boil. Once boiling, nestle in the chicken breasts, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and let everything cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear. This slow simmer allows the chicken to soak up the soup flavors while cooking gently for a tender bite.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Cook Noodles
Remove the chicken breasts and set aside to cool just enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces with two forks—that’s my favorite part because those tender shreds soak up the creamy broth so well. Meanwhile, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces and cook them in a separate pot according to package instructions, until they’re al dente. I usually cook a few extra noodles than the recipe calls for because, honestly, more pasta equals more happiness.
Step 5: Creamy Finish and Final Touches
Bring the soup base back to a gentle simmer. Stir in the whole milk and softened cream cheese, and keep stirring until that cream cheese melts completely into the broth—this is where the magic happens and you get that silky, luscious texture. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and the shredded chicken. Let it cook for a few more minutes until the spinach is just wilted, and everything is heated through. Give it a final taste and tweak seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Step 6: Serve with Noodles and Garnishes
Ladle the soup into bowls and add the cooked lasagna noodles individually to each serving—this way, they won’t get mushy if you have leftovers. Top with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil and a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan for an extra touch of elegance. Now dig in and enjoy every cozy spoonful.
Top Tip
Making this Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe was a game-changer for me, especially on chilly nights when I want something comforting but don’t want to slave over the stove. Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that keep it tasting fresh and well-balanced every single time.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Adding lasagna noodles to each bowl separately keeps their texture perfect, so they don’t turn mushy when reheated.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is room temperature to help it melt quickly and smoothly without clumping in the soup.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: Shredding chicken right after cooking, while still warm, makes it so much easier and faster.
- Balance Flavors Slowly: Season with salt and pepper in stages and taste often—this soup carries seasoning well but you want to avoid over-salting.
How to Serve Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love using fresh parsley and basil as garnishes—they add a burst of color and freshness that balances the creamy soup so well. Sometimes, I’ll add a few shaved Parmesan curls on top just to give it a nice salty finish. If I’m feeling fancy, a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil adds a silky touch that elevates the bowl right away.
Side Dishes
This soup shines as the star of the meal, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf for dipping is always a welcome side, especially for soaking up every last bit of broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I sometimes serve this soup in mini bread bowls. It adds a fun, rustic charm and doubles as an edible bowl that guests love. Another idea I tried was layering cooked noodles and chicken on top as a "peekaboo" lasagna effect before pouring the broth around—pretty and playful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to store any leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the noodles separate because they absorb too much broth and lose their texture over time. When I’m ready to eat, I simply reheat the soup base and add fresh noodles to the bowl.
Freezing
Freezing the soup is totally doable! Just make sure to freeze it without the noodles. The creamy texture holds up well in the freezer, and the chicken stays tender. When thawed, reheat gently on the stove and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
Reheating
I reheat the soup slowly over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cream cheese from separating. Adding a splash of additional milk or broth during reheating helps bring back that silky texture. Then, toss in cooked noodles right before serving so everything tastes fresh and perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re fully cooked and shreddable.
Not as written, because of the flour and lasagna noodles. But you can swap the flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free noodles to make it safe for gluten-free diets.
Yes! Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini. Skip the chicken but keep the cream cheese and Parmesan for richness.
If your soup thickens too much during cooking or after refrigeration, just add a splash of chicken broth, milk, or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those cozy dishes that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s fuss-free, loaded with comforting flavors, and seriously satisfying every time. When I make it, friends always ask for seconds and the leftovers disappear fast. I’m confident you’ll enjoy it just as much—so grab your pot, gather those ingredients, and dive in. You deserve this kind of comfort food today.
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Chicken White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken breasts, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, and Parmesan. Inspired by classic white lasagna flavors, this cozy soup features hearty lasagna noodles, baby spinach, and a flavorful broth, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Thickener
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Broth and Chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 medium chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Creamy Components and Add-ins
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 oz baby spinach
- 6 oz lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Prepare the Soup Base: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 4 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Season and Thicken: Stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and whisk thoroughly to combine, creating a roux base for thickening.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and water while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the chicken breasts. Reduce heat to simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and allow it to cool slightly. Once manageable, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using forks or your hands.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: In a separate pot, cook broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside. You may cook extra noodles if you prefer a pasta-heavy soup.
- Incorporate Dairy: Return the soup base to a simmer. Add whole milk and softened cream cheese. Stir occasionally and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the cream cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy.
- Add Cheese, Spinach, and Chicken: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and shredded chicken. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until the Parmesan melts, spinach wilts slightly, and chicken is reheated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove the soup from heat. Ladle soup into bowls and add cooked lasagna noodles to each serving just before eating. Garnish with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan if desired. Enjoy warm!
Notes
- This soup is flexible; you can substitute baby spinach with kale for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- Cooking extra lasagna noodles allows you to customize the pasta quantity to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, freshly grate Parmesan cheese rather than using pre-grated.
- This soup combines the essence of classic white lasagna in an easier, cozy-to-eat soup form.
- Ensure not to add noodles to the pot too early to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 417 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1309 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg
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