This cozy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, creamy pasta, and tasty veggies, it brings all the classic lasagna flavors without the fuss.
Honestly, who can resist a soup that tastes like lasagna? I love how simple it is to whip up. Just throw everything in one pot and enjoy a comforting meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great base for sautéing! You can substitute with avocado oil or even butter for a different flavor profile. I find that olive oil adds a nice richness to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is best for flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too; just use about a teaspoon. But honestly, fresh garlic really elevates the taste!
Chicken Broth: Low-sodium broth is my go-to to keep control over the salt levels. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter version or even homemade broth for a deeper flavor.
Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but if you want to go gluten-free, use zucchini noodles or rice noodles. You can also use regular lasagna sheets; just break them into pieces as you add them.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use cottage cheese, though it will change the texture a bit.
How Do I Get Perfectly Creamy Soup Without Curdling the Dairy?
When you’re adding dairy like cream and milk, be sure to lower the heat before you pour it in. Heat it gently to avoid curdling. Here are some steps to keep it creamy:
- After simmering the broth, remove it from direct heat before adding the cream and milk.
- Stir continuously as you add the dairy to incorporate it smoothly.
- Heat just until warm; avoid boiling after adding cream to keep it beautiful and creamy!
By following these tips, you’ll have a luscious white chicken lasagna soup that’s sure to hit the spot. Enjoy every warm spoonful!
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 8 ounces egg noodles or broken lasagna noodles
- 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional
- Sour cream or additional ricotta, for garnish
- Fresh basil or Italian seasoning, optional for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15-20 minutes for preparation, plus around 20 minutes of cooking time. So in total, you’re looking at about 40 minutes until your warm, comforting bowl of White Chicken Lasagna Soup is ready to serve. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, or until it becomes translucent. This will smell wonderful!
2. Add Garlic and Flour:
Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Now, sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute to create a light roux; this will help thicken your soup.
3. Whisk in the Broth:
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, making sure there are no lumps. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens a bit.
4. Mix in Dairy:
Lower the heat again and stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Warm it gently; avoid boiling at this stage to keep the cream nice and smooth.
5. Cook the Noodles and Chicken:
Add the shredded chicken and the noodles to the pot. Cook for about 6-8 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
6. Stir in the Spinach:
Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and let it cook until wilted, which should take about 2 minutes.
7. Add the Cheeses:
Now, it’s time to add the ricotta and Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until everything is combined and the cheese is melted into the soup.
8. Season and Serve:
Season the soup with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Serve it hot, garnished with a dollop of sour cream or ricotta, and sprinkle with fresh basil or Italian seasoning if you like. Don’t forget the crusty bread for dipping!
This creamy, flavorful soup captures the comforting layers of classic white chicken lasagna in a cozy bowl. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the meat and add it in place of the cooked chicken breast. It adds a wonderful flavor to the soup!
What If I Don’t Have Spinach?
No worries! You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard. Just ensure you chop them into small pieces and cook them until wilted in the soup. Frozen spinach can work too—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if it’s too thick. It may thicken after refrigeration, so a little extra liquid can help!
Can I Freeze This Soup?
Yes, you can freeze it! Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can last for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove, adding a bit of cream if needed to restore creaminess.