White Lasagna Soup with Chicken Recipe

If you are craving something comforting, creamy, and packed with vibrant flavors, this White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all the warm, familiar flavors of your favorite white lasagna, transformed into a cozy, soup form that feels just as indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make. Tender chicken, luscious cream cheese, melty Parmesan, and fresh spinach swim in a silky broth, accented by perfectly cooked lasagna noodles—you’ll find it hard to stop at just one bowl!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is straightforward and familiar, yet together they create a symphony of flavor and texture that makes the White Lasagna Soup with Chicken so irresistible. Each component plays a vital role, whether it’s bringing creaminess, a delicate herbal touch, or that satisfying pasta bite.

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For sautéing the aromatics and adding a silky richness to the soup base.
• 1 medium onion (diced): Provides a sweet, savory foundation and builds layers of flavor.
• 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced): Adds a mild sweetness and a pop of color to brighten the broth.
• 1 cup celery stalks (chopped): Brings subtle earthiness and a nice crunch while cooking down.
• 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the soup with aromatic warmth that wakes up the palate.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A balanced herb blend that ties the Italian-inspired flavors together effortlessly.
• ½ teaspoon dried basil: Accent of herbal sweetness that deepens the savory notes.
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste): Essential to enhance and harmonize all the flavors.
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste): Adds gentle heat and complexity.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: A subtle hint that beautifully complements creamy and cheesy dishes.
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup into a luscious, velvety consistency.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The savory liquid base packed with comforting chicken flavor.
• 1 cup water: Balances the broth intensity and prevents the soup from being too heavy.
• 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless and skinless): Provides tender protein that soaks up the broth’s goodness.
• 1 cup whole milk: Brings creamy richness and softens the acidity for smooth flavor layers.
• 4 oz cream cheese (softened): Melts into the soup for indulgent creaminess and mild tang.
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated): Adds sharp, salty depth and velvety texture.
• 3 oz baby spinach: Fresh greens that introduce color, nutrition, and gentle earthiness.
• 6 oz lasagna noodles: Provides the defining pasta element; broken into pieces, they soak up the tasty broth perfectly.

How to Make White Lasagna Soup with Chicken

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by melting the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once it’s nice and melted, toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. These veggies soften and release their natural sweetness, creating an irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. After 3 to 4 minutes, add the garlic and cook for just another minute until fragrant—this step layers the flavor beautifully and sets the foundation for your soup.

Step 2: Season and Thicken

Next, stir in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. These spices add warmth, depth, and that unmistakable Italian flair. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking it thoroughly so it combines evenly with the vegetables and seasonings. This helps thicken the soup later into that luscious, creamy consistency you’re craving.

Step 3: Simmer with Chicken

Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring everything together as the pot comes to a boil. Now, nestle the chicken breasts into the simmering liquid, reduce the heat, and cover the pot. Let it all simmer gently for about 15 minutes, just enough time for the chicken to cook through and for the broth to soak up all those herbaceous, savory flavors.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and let them cool just a bit so you can handle them easily. Using two forks or your hands, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces—perfectly tender and ready to join the rest of the soup.

Step 5: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

While the chicken cools, bring a separate pot of water to boil and cook the lasagna noodles until al dente. Breaking them into bite-sized pieces before cooking makes them soup-ready in every spoonful. If you love extra pasta in your soup, don’t hesitate to add a couple more noodles—you can’t go wrong with a little pasta love!

Step 6: Add Creamy Elements

Return your soup base to a gentle simmer, then stir in the milk and softened cream cheese. Keep stirring as the cream cheese melts down, swirling into the broth to create a wonderfully silky texture. This step transforms the soup into that decadent, creamy experience you expect from a White Lasagna Soup with Chicken.

Step 7: Finish with Parmesan, Spinach, and Chicken

Stir in the grated Parmesan, fresh baby spinach, and shredded chicken. The Parmesan melts into the soup, enriching the flavor and thickening the broth just a touch more. The spinach wilts slightly, adding a beautiful green pop and freshness. Give it a good stir, let everything warm through, and taste to adjust any seasoning needed.

Step 8: Serve with Noodles and Garnishes

Remove the pot from the heat and add the warm, tender lasagna noodles into each serving bowl. This keeps them perfectly al dente and prevents overcooking. Top with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and some freshly shaved Parmesan for that finishing touch that elevates the whole bowl. Now you’re ready to dive into pure comfort in soup form!

How to Serve White Lasagna Soup with Chicken

Garnishes

Garnishing takes this soup from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley brighten each spoonful with color and fresh herbaceous notes. A sprinkle of shaved Parmesan or even a dash of red pepper flakes adds the perfect finishing touch. Consider a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a spoonful of ricotta for extra creaminess and luxury at the table.

Side Dishes

Since the White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is so hearty, you’ll want simple but tasty sides that complement without overpowering. A crusty loaf of garlic bread or toasted Italian bread makes perfect dipping companions. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette helps balance the richness, and roasted vegetables bring lovely texture and warmth if you want a fuller meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this soup in rustic, deep bowls for a cozy vibe or elegant clear glass bowls to showcase the vibrant layers of noodles, chicken, and spinach. For gatherings, individual ramekins can make each serving feel special. Experiment with layering the noodles and toppings right before serving so your guests experience the textures and temperature contrasts at their best.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the noodles soak up broth over time, it’s best to keep the pasta separate if possible or add extra broth when reheating to restore that freshly-made texture.

Freezing

Freezing White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is doable, but since the noodles can become mushy, I recommend freezing just the soup base without the noodles and spinach. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the soup base, reheat gently, then add fresh spinach and freshly cooked noodles for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat to prevent curdling and maintain creaminess. Stir frequently, and if it’s too thick, whisk in a splash of milk or broth. Adding fresh spinach and cooked noodles at this stage refreshes the soup perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a brilliant shortcut. Just shred the meat and add it at the step when the chicken is stirred back into the soup. It will save time without sacrificing flavor.

What can I substitute for cream cheese?

You can use mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy texture with a subtly different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter soup, plain Greek yogurt can work but add it off the heat to prevent curdling.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Definitely! Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use hearty mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives instead of chicken breasts. The creamy, cheesy base will still shine.

Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, by sautéing the veggies first, then transferring everything including raw chicken into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, shred chicken before adding dairy and noodles later on stovetop to avoid curdling.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening, and replace lasagna noodles with gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so wonderful about turning comforting white lasagna into a warm, creamy soup full of wholesome ingredients and hearty flavors. This White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is a perfect meal to cozy up with any day of the week, delivering big flavor with simple steps. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and experience that soul-soothing delight in every spoonful!

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