Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup

Introduction

Lasagna is one of those iconic comfort foods that never goes out of style. Its layers of tender pasta, rich sauce, savory meats, and gooey cheese make it a favorite among families and dinner guests alike. But what if you could enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in the form of a cozy, one-pot soup? Enter Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup—a hearty, creamy, and satisfying soup that delivers all the goodness of traditional lasagna with a fraction of the effort.

This comforting soup is made with tender chunks of chicken, creamy white sauce, lasagna noodles, and a blend of cheeses, bringing the best of both worlds to your dinner table. The soup is rich and velvety, with just the right amount of seasonings to give it that classic lasagna flavor. Whether you’re craving a warm bowl of comfort on a chilly night or you’re looking for a hearty dish to serve at your next family gathering, Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is sure to become a new favorite.

In this article, we’ll explore why this soup is the perfect twist on a beloved classic, provide you with a step-by-step guide to making it, and offer tips and variations to make it your own. So grab a spoon, and let’s dive into the delicious world of Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and Hearty: Just like a bowl of lasagna, this soup is filling and comforting, with rich layers of flavor that make each spoonful satisfying.
• Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of a creamy white sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese creates a velvety soup that’s as indulgent as it is comforting.
• Easy to Make: Unlike traditional lasagna, this soup is made in one pot, reducing prep time and cleanup while delivering all the delicious flavors you love.
• Customizable: Whether you want to swap out the chicken for another protein, add extra veggies, or make it gluten-free, this soup is easily adaptable to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (15 minutes for prep, 45 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 450, Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 20g.

Ingredients

Soup Base:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cooked and shredded. Chicken provides a lean protein and absorbs the creamy, flavorful broth.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the vegetables and adding richness to the soup.
• 1 medium onion: Diced. Adds a savory base flavor to the soup.
• 3 cloves garlic: Minced. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile of the soup.
• 2 medium carrots: Peeled and diced. Carrots add a touch of sweetness and color.
• 2 celery stalks: Diced. Celery gives the soup a refreshing crunch and complements the other vegetables.
• 6 cups chicken broth: The base of the soup. You can use low-sodium broth for a lighter option or homemade broth for extra flavor.
• 2 cups half-and-half: Adds creaminess to the soup without being as heavy as full cream.
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: For that classic Italian herb flavor that you find in lasagna.
• 1 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet flavor to the soup.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Complements the other herbs and adds depth to the broth.
• Salt and pepper: To taste. Essential for seasoning the soup and balancing the flavors.

Lasagna Noodles:

• 8 oz lasagna noodles: Broken into smaller pieces. The noodles will soften and absorb the flavors of the soup, mimicking the layers of traditional lasagna.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: To prevent the noodles from sticking together during cooking.

For the Cheese Mixture:

• 8 oz cream cheese: Softened. Cream cheese gives the soup its smooth, velvety texture.
• 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese: Adds richness and helps create a lasagna-like texture.
• 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into the soup and gives it that signature cheesy pull.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor to balance the richness of the other cheeses.

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley: For a burst of color and freshness.
• Extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan: For an extra cheesy finish.
• Red pepper flakes: For a bit of heat, if desired.

First Step: COOK THE CHICKEN

1. Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either bake them in the oven, cook them on the stovetop, or use a slow cooker to make the chicken tender and easy to shred. If you’re baking the chicken, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the chicken breasts for 25-30 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
2. Optional Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can also use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.

Second Step: SAUTÉ THE VEGETABLES

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the onion is translucent.
2. Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.

Third Step: BUILD THE SOUP BASE

1. Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, add the dried Italian seasoning, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine, and let the soup simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to meld.
2. Add the Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook according to the package directions, about 8-10 minutes. The noodles should be tender but not too soft, as they will continue to soften as they absorb the soup’s liquid.

Fourth Step: MAKE IT CREAMY

1. Add the Half-and-Half: Once the noodles are cooked, pour in the half-and-half, stirring to combine. This will add a creamy, rich texture to the soup without making it too heavy.
2. Add the Cheese Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth. Gradually add this cheese mixture to the soup, stirring constantly to ensure the cheese melts evenly into the soup. The soup should become creamy and velvety, with the cheese fully incorporated into the broth.

Fifth Step: ADD THE CHICKEN

1. Add the Shredded Chicken: Once the soup has reached the desired creaminess, add the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine and let the soup simmer for another 5-7 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to blend together.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or herbs, depending on your preferences.

Final Step: GARNISH AND SERVE

1. Serve the Soup: Ladle the creamy white chicken lasagna soup into bowls. You can top each serving with extra shredded mozzarella, Parmesan, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
2. Optional Garnishes: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top of the soup. For a heartier dish, serve with a side of crusty bread for dipping.
3. Enjoy: Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of lasagna in a bowl!

How to Serve Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup

Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a versatile and hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various sides. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious soup:

1. Serve with Garlic Bread or Crusty Bread

A slice of garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth and sopping up all the cheesy goodness. It’s the ideal accompaniment to this comforting soup.

2. As a Weeknight Dinner

This soup is quick and easy to make, making it a perfect option for a weeknight dinner. You can prep most of the ingredients ahead of time and have the soup ready in less than an hour.

3. Pair with a Simple Salad

For a lighter option, serve the soup with a simple green salad. A salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully, making it a great meal prep option. Prepare a big batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Recipe Variations

While Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to customize the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs:

1. Use Ground Chicken or Turkey

If you prefer ground meat, you can swap the shredded chicken for ground chicken or turkey. Simply brown the meat in the pot before adding the vegetables.

2. Make It Gluten-Free

To make the soup gluten-free, swap the lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. There are many gluten-free pasta options available that will work well in this recipe.

3. Add More Vegetables

For extra nutrition, consider adding more vegetables to the soup. Spinach, kale, or zucchini would work well in this creamy base. Just add them toward the end of cooking so they don’t overcook.

4. Spicy Version

If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the soup base. This will add a nice spicy kick that complements the creamy soup.

Tips for Perfect Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup

1. Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. It’s already cooked and shredded, saving you time and effort.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to absorb liquid after being added to the soup.
3. Add the Cream Slowly: When adding cream or half-and-half, do so slowly to avoid curdling. Stir well and make sure the soup comes to a simmer afterward.
4. Make It Ahead of Time: This soup stores well in the refrigerator and can be made ahead of time. If you have leftovers, the soup will taste even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

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Conclusion

Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a comforting, creamy, and flavorful twist on the classic lasagna. With tender chicken, hearty vegetables, creamy cheese, and lasagna noodles, this soup brings all the delicious elements of lasagna into a cozy bowl of goodness. It’s easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or preparing a meal for the week, this soup is sure to become a favorite. Try it today, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food in a bowl!