If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this White Lasagna Soup is it. It takes everything you love about creamy lasagna—rich cheese, tender chicken, flavorful herbs, and pasta—and transforms it into an easy-to-make, soul-soothing soup. Whether it’s a cold weeknight or you just want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen, this one-pot wonder is ready in just 30 minutes and never fails to satisfy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Comforting: It’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken and pasta. Basically everything you want when comfort food calls.
- Quick and Simple: Ready in about 30 minutes with basic pantry ingredients. No fuss, no fancy tools, just delicious results.
- Full of Flavor: With Italian seasoning, sun-dried tomatoes, and a trio of cheese options, every bite is packed with savory goodness.
- Versatile: You can easily make it your own—choose your pasta, tweak the spice level, or switch up the cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this White Lasagna Soup so irresistible:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the onions.
- Onion: Gives the soup a savory, slightly sweet base of flavor.
- Garlic: Don’t hold back here—fresh minced garlic brings bold aroma and depth.
- Italian Seasoning: The all-in-one flavor boost that makes the soup taste like it simmered all day.
- Salt and Black Pepper: For essential seasoning—adjust to your taste.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth without overwhelming heat. Add more if you like it spicy.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Forms the hearty broth while letting you control the salt.
- Chicken Breasts: Cooked directly in the broth until tender, then shredded for that classic lasagna texture.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Optional but highly recommended—they add a subtle tangy sweetness that balances the richness.
- Short Pasta or Broken Lasagna Noodles: The pasta soaks up all the flavor and makes this soup extra satisfying.
- Half and Half or Cream: The magic behind that luscious, creamy broth. Use heavy cream for an ultra-decadent version.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the soup just enough to give it that velvety lasagna-like body.
- Spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and freshness. It wilts down perfectly at the end.
- Cheese (Ricotta, Parmesan, or Mozzarella): Pick your favorite or mix them for the ultimate cheesy topping.
Variations
Want to switch things up a bit? Here are some tasty ideas:
- Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use cannellini beans or mushrooms instead.
- Swap the Protein: Use cooked ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crumbled Italian sausage.
- Different Pasta: Any short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or even shells work beautifully.
- Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers add a fresh twist and more texture.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk with a touch of nutritional yeast for creaminess.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook until soft and just starting to brown. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute to bring out the flavors.
Step 2: Simmer the Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken simmers, cook your pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Creamy Magic
In a small bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth. Stir it into the soup along with the cooked pasta and spinach. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the soup thickens slightly.
Step 6: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or some gooey shredded mozzarella. Serve hot and enjoy every spoonful.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Shred the Chicken Right Away: It’s easiest to shred while still warm—don’t wait too long.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just to al dente. It will continue to soak up broth once added to the soup.
- Add Spinach at the End: Toss it in last so it keeps its color and freshness.
- Customize the Creaminess: For a thinner broth, use more chicken broth. For a thicker soup, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch.
How to Serve
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but a few sides can turn it into a full feast:
Bread Pairing:
Serve with crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia for dipping—trust me, you’ll want to soak up every drop.
Salad Ideas:
A crisp green salad with a balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup beautifully.
Toppings:
Add a swirl of pesto, a drizzle of olive oil, or fresh basil on top for extra flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better with time!
Freezing
This soup freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely and freeze in individual containers for up to 2 months. Just note the pasta might soften slightly when reheated.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water if it thickens too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just skip the simmering step and add the shredded cooked chicken in with the pasta and cream.
What’s the best pasta to use in this soup?
Short pasta like fusilli, rotini, or broken lasagna noodles work best. They hold onto the broth and give a lasagna-like texture.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and seasoning mix are gluten-free.
Is it okay to skip the sun-dried tomatoes?
Definitely. They add a nice depth of flavor, but the soup is still delicious without them. You could substitute with a few chopped cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Final Thoughts
If you love lasagna but don’t love the effort it takes to make one, this White Lasagna Soup is your new best friend. It’s creamy, comforting, full of flavor, and comes together in a fraction of the time. Perfect for busy nights or anytime you’re craving something cozy, this soup will warm your soul and fill your belly—no baking dish required. Give it a try and enjoy every spoonful!
Print
White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy, cheesy White Lasagna Soup is a comforting one-pot meal packed with tender chicken, short pasta, spinach, and savory herbs, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional but recommended)
- 8 oz short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
- 1 cup half and half or heavy cream
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Ricotta cheese, for topping
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, for topping
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft and slightly browned.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth, add chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer covered for 12–15 minutes until chicken is cooked.
- While the chicken cooks, boil pasta in a separate pot to al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Remove chicken, shred with forks, and return to the soup.
- Whisk together cream and cornstarch in a small bowl, then stir into the soup.
- Add cooked pasta and spinach. Simmer a few minutes until spinach wilts and soup thickens slightly.
- Ladle into bowls and top with ricotta, Parmesan, or mozzarella as desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time—add it with the pasta and cream.
- Swap the chicken for mushrooms or beans to make it vegetarian.
- Use coconut or almond milk and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add depth but can be substituted or omitted.
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