Introduction
Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that brings the flavors of traditional lasagna into a cozy bowl of soup. This recipe features tender chicken, lasagna noodles, and a rich, creamy broth made with Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, creating a delightful and satisfying meal.
As the soup simmers, the chicken becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the delicious flavors of the broth. The lasagna noodles add a comforting texture, while the creamy sauce provides a luxurious mouthfeel that is both rich and satisfying. With each spoonful, you’ll experience the familiar taste of lasagna in a lighter form, making it perfect for those days when you crave comfort food without the heaviness.
I love making this soup on chilly evenings when I want something warm and nourishing. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just one pot and minimal fuss, which makes cleanup a breeze. The addition of fresh herbs not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful aroma that fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table.
To serve, I recommend topping each bowl with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for an added touch of elegance. You can pair this delicious soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad for a complete meal that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply enjoying a cozy night in, Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a dish that will impress and delight your family and friends. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the classic flavors of lasagna in a new and comforting format.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup will quickly become a favorite in your meal rotation:
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup combines the comforting flavors of lasagna with a creamy broth, making it the perfect cozy meal for chilly days.
- Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up this delicious dish in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy: The addition of cream and cheese creates a velvety texture that’s incredibly satisfying and indulgent.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of garlic, Italian herbs, and juicy chicken infuses every spoonful with mouthwatering flavor.
- Loaded with Veggies: Spinach and other vegetables add color and nutrients, making this soup not just delicious but also nutritious.
- Kid-Friendly: The familiar flavors of lasagna appeal to kids and adults alike, making it a hit with the whole family.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the protein for something else, like turkey or sausage.
- Great for Leftovers: This soup reheats well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze it for future meals.
- Impressive Presentation: Topped with fresh basil and a sprinkle of cheese, it looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for serving guests.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and portion it out for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week, ensuring you always have a comforting meal on hand.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 480 calories per serving
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 32g, Carbohydrates: 38g, Fat: 23g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup:
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Highlights
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup, making it luxuriously smooth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Provides a savory, nutty flavor that complements the creamy base.
- Lasagna Noodles: Classic lasagna noodles bring the taste of traditional lasagna into the soup.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple instructions to create your own Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup:
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the Chicken
- Stir in the shredded chicken, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Incorporate the Parmesan
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
How to Serve
Here are some delightful ways to serve Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup:
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with chopped fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor.
- Add a Sprinkle of Cheese: Finish with a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy touch.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping and scooping.
- Accompany with a Side Salad: Offer a light green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness of the soup.
- Drizzle with Olive Oil: A light drizzle of high-quality olive oil can enhance the flavors and add a touch of elegance.
- Include a Dollop of Sour Cream: For creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top of each serving.
- Serve in Individual Bowls: Present the soup in individual bowls for a more formal dining experience.
- Add a Twist of Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens the flavors beautifully.
- Top with Croutons: Add crispy croutons for a delightful crunch that contrasts with the creamy soup.
- Pair with Wine: Serve alongside a glass of crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for a complete meal experience.
Additional Tips
To ensure your Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, shred rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken. It adds flavor and saves time.
- Customize the Broth: Feel free to use chicken broth for a richer flavor or vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian version.
- Add Spinach or Kale: Incorporate fresh spinach or kale into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different cheese blends, such as mozzarella, provolone, or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top, for varied flavor profiles.
- Adjust the Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of broth or add more lasagna noodles. For a thinner consistency, add additional broth.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasonings to your liking, adding more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley right before serving for a burst of freshness.
- Prepare Ahead of Time: You can prepare the soup base ahead of time and add the noodles and cream just before serving to keep them from becoming mushy.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair the soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal.
- Store Properly: If you have leftovers, store the soup and noodles separately to maintain the texture. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth if needed.
These tips will help you make the most out of your Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup!
Recipe Variations
Here are some variations to try with Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup:
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable broth for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spinach and Ricotta: Add fresh spinach and dollops of ricotta cheese for added creaminess and nutrition.
- Italian Sausage: Use Italian sausage instead of chicken for a spicier, more robust flavor profile.
- Mushroom Medley: Incorporate a variety of mushrooms, such as cremini or shiitake, for an earthy depth to the soup.
- Zucchini Noodles: Replace lasagna noodles with spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, gluten-free option.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick of heat.
- Creamy Spin: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or heavy cream at the end for an even creamier texture.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs, like thyme or oregano, to change the flavor profile to your liking.
- Lemon Zest: Add a hint of lemon zest for a bright, refreshing twist to the rich flavors.
- Cheese Lovers: Top with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone for a gooey, cheesy finish.
These variations allow you to customize the soup to your preferences while still keeping its comforting essence!
Freezing and Storage
Here’s how to store and freeze your Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup:
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Special Equipment
Here are some helpful kitchen tools for making Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup:
- Large Stock Pot: Ideal for simmering the soup and cooking all the ingredients together.
- Wooden Spoon: Perfect for stirring the soup without scratching the pot.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurately measuring ingredients like broth, cream, and seasonings.
- Chef’s Knife: A good-quality knife for chopping vegetables and slicing chicken.
- Cutting Board: A sturdy surface for preparing your ingredients.
- Colander: Useful for draining pasta if you’re adding it to the soup.
- Whisk: Great for blending cream and flour to avoid lumps when adding to the soup.
- Ladle: Perfect for serving the soup into bowls without making a mess.
- Soup Bowls: Deep bowls are ideal for serving your delicious soup.
- Blender (Optional): If you prefer a smoother texture, a blender can puree some of the soup for a creamier consistency.
Having these tools on hand will help make your cooking experience enjoyable and efficient!
FAQ Section
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup:
- Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the soup will be slightly less creamy. - How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure that the broth is gluten-free. - Can I add vegetables to this soup?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or peas can be added for extra nutrition. - How do I reheat the soup?
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. - Is it okay to use leftover chicken?
Yes, using leftover cooked chicken is a great way to save time.
Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Add the Chicken
- Stir in the shredded chicken, dried basil, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper, and cook for 2 minutes.
Add the Liquid Ingredients
- Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
Incorporate the Parmesan
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the soup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Fat: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g
Conclusion
Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a delightful fusion of classic lasagna flavors presented in a warm, comforting bowl of soup. This dish captures the essence of traditional lasagna with its rich and creamy broth, tender chicken, and soft lasagna noodles, making it a true comfort food favorite.
Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it as a satisfying lunch, this soup is sure to warm you from the inside out. The ease of preparation combined with its delicious flavor makes it a must-try recipe for soup lovers and lasagna fans alike.
So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a cozy masterpiece that will delight your family and friends. Don’t forget to share your experience—snap a photo of your delicious creation and tag me! I can’t wait to see how your Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup turns out. Happy cooking!