If you love the comforting flavors of a classic pasta bake but crave something a little cozier and quicker to make, this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It perfectly captures the cheesy, hearty goodness of lasagna in a warm, creamy bowl that’s packed with tender chicken, vibrant veggies, and all the rich flavors you adore. Every spoonful feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, making it an absolute favorite to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe comes together with wonderfully simple ingredients that each play an important role. From the rich butter that forms the base to the fresh spinach that adds brightness, every element balances taste, texture, and color effortlessly.
- Unsalted butter: Adds a luscious depth and helps soften the aromatics for a rich foundation.
- Medium onion (finely chopped): Provides sweetness and a savory punch when sautéed.
- Garlic cloves (finely minced): Brings fragrant warmth that infuses the entire soup.
- Italian seasoning: Offers classic herbaceous notes reminiscent of traditional lasagna.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- Pepper: Gives a gentle spicy kick to balance the creaminess.
- Red chili flakes: Introduces a subtle heat that keeps every bite exciting.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Provides savory liquid that melds everything together without overpowering.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that becomes tender and shreddable.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped): Adds a punch of concentrated, vibrant flavor and color.
- Dry short pasta or broken lasagna noodles: Mimics the classic pasta texture we all love in lasagna.
- Half-and-half: Creates the creamy texture that makes this soup feel decadent and comforting.
- Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the perfect soup consistency.
- Fresh spinach (roughly chopped): Brings freshness and a pop of green to brighten the bowl.
- Ricotta, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese: Essential for garnishing and boosting cheesy richness.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Then add the finely chopped onion, cooking and stirring just until it starts to brown and become fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step layers in sweetness and depth right from the start.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes. Let these cook for a full minute to bloom the herbs and spices, filling your kitchen with those irresistible aromas that hint at the delicious soup to come.
Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth followed by the uncooked chicken breasts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Crank the heat up to medium-high to bring everything to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Let it cook gently for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked through—the key to that tender, shred-ready texture.
Step 4: Cook Pasta Separately
While the chicken simmers, boil your short pasta or broken lasagna noodles in salted water until al dente, following the package directions. Cooking the pasta separately keeps it from getting mushy later when added to the soup.
Step 5: Shred Chicken and Thicken Soup
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to thicken it perfectly into a creamy, luscious base.
Step 6: Final Assembly
Return the shredded chicken to the pot, then add the cooked pasta and chopped spinach. Heat everything through, stirring gently so the spinach wilts but still retains its vibrant color. Take a moment here to taste and adjust the seasoning; this step ensures your White Lasagna Soup Recipe will be packed with flavor just the way you like it.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Topping your soup with a dollop of creamy ricotta, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a handful of shredded mozzarella instantly elevates the dish, adding that irresistible melty, cheesy finish. For extra freshness, a little chopped basil or a pinch of black pepper on top works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a warm slice of crusty garlic bread makes for a full, satisfying meal. The contrast between the creamy soup and the crunchy sides brings a lovely textural balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your White Lasagna Soup Recipe in rustic bowls, layering cheese dollops on top so they melt attractively. For a fun twist, offer toasted lasagna noodles on the side to dunk or crumble in. This not only adds crunch but also makes the experience playful and unique.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover White Lasagna Soup Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld beautifully overnight, making the next-day meal even more comforting.
Freezing
This soup freezes very well. Make sure it has cooled completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can keep for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that fresh spinach texture may change slightly after freezing, so you might prefer to add fresh greens when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it has thickened too much, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore that creamy consistency. Top with fresh cheese for a taste like just-made.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this soup?
Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles or short pasta shapes are traditional here, penne, rotini, or even small shells work wonderfully. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the pasta is perfectly tender.
Is there a vegetarian version of this White Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Yes! You can easily skip the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. Adding mushrooms or extra sun-dried tomatoes helps keep the soup hearty and full of flavor even without meat.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely. Substitute the half-and-half with coconut milk or a nut-based cream and use dairy-free cheeses or omit the cheese garnishes. It won’t be exactly the same but will still have a rich, comforting quality.
How spicy is this soup?
This recipe has just a gentle hint of heat from red chili flakes to round out the flavors without overpowering. You can always adjust the amount to suit your preference or omit it altogether for a milder version.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can! Start by sautéing the onions and garlic as directed, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until the chicken is tender. Add the pasta, half-and-half, and spinach near the end to avoid overcooking.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is the ultimate cozy meal that combines all the best parts of lasagna without all the fuss. It’s creamy, flavorful, and satisfying in every single bite. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—whether for a busy weeknight or a weekend indulgence, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to comfort foods too.
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White Lasagna Soup Recipe
This White Lasagna Soup transforms the classic pasta bake into a comforting and creamy soup. Packed with tender shredded chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a medley of cheeses, this hearty soup is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or cozy meal any time of year.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
Savory Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
Broth & Protein
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Pasta & Thickeners
- 2 cups dry, short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Greens & Garnish
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Ricotta cheese, for garnish
- Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Shredded mozzarella cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it just begins to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook everything together for 1 minute to release the flavors.
- Simmer Chicken and Broth: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the uncooked chicken breasts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should be 165°F).
- Cook Pasta: While the soup simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the soup and shred them using two forks.
- Thicken Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the simmering soup and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
- Combine All Ingredients: Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the cooked pasta and roughly chopped spinach. Stir everything together and heat through until the spinach wilts.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt, pepper, or seasonings as desired. Serve hot, garnished generously with ricotta, parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the saltiness, allowing better seasoning adjustments at the end.
- Feel free to swap half-and-half for heavy cream for an even richer soup, or use milk for a lighter option.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Canadian