White Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy all the cozy, comforting flavors of lasagna without the hours of layering and baking, then you’re going to be over the moon for this White Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with those classic Italian flavors, but comes together in a fraction of the time of traditional lasagna. I’ve made this soup on chilly weeknights when time is tight, and friends always ask for the recipe—because it somehow tastes like a fancy meal but feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why This Recipe Works
- Easy and Quick: You get all the lasagna flavor without hours in the kitchen.
- Creamy Comfort: The half-and-half and butter make the soup decadently smooth and rich.
- Versatile Ingredients: Simple pantry staples come together to make a dinner that feels special.
- Balanced Nutrition: Packed with protein, greens, and a touch of spice—comfort food you won’t feel guilty about.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe blends classic Italian herbs and tender chicken with creamy dairy to create a satisfying stew you’ll want on repeat. I always find that using fresh garlic and good-quality chicken broth makes a big difference here, plus a handful of spinach to keep things bright.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and a silky mouthfeel to the base.
- Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness that balances savory spices.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brightens and deepens flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: Classic herb blend that evokes traditional lasagna.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
- Red Chili Flakes: A gentle heat to keep the soup exciting.
- Chicken Broth: Forms the flavorful base of the soup.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that becomes tender and shreddable.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, umami-packed punch without overpowering.
- Dry Short Pasta / Broken Lasagna Noodles: Traditional lasagna flavor in a soup-friendly size.
- Half-and-Half: Makes the broth creamy without being too heavy.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the soup to just the right consistency.
- Fresh Spinach: Bright color and a nutritious pop of green.
- Ricotta, Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese: Garnishes that bring authentic lasagna flair and richness.
Make It Your Way
One of the things I love about this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Sometimes I swap out pasta for gluten-free options, or add a handful of sun-dried tomato-packed flavor when I want it a little punchier. You can definitely tweak it and still get that warm, cheesy lasagna vibe you crave.
- Variation: I once swapped chicken for Italian sausage to satisfy a craving for something heartier—it was a hit!
- Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken and use vegetable broth with extra mushrooms or lentils for a similar texture.
- Spicy Kick: Feel free to add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you’re a heat lover like me.
- Dairy-Free Swap: Use full-fat coconut milk and a non-dairy cheese alternative to keep it creamy.
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Start with the Flavor Base
First, melt the butter over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or soup pot. Once melted, toss in the finely chopped onion and cook gently, stirring often, for about 3 to 4 minutes until it just starts to brown and smell sweet. This step creates a wonderful caramelized foundation. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red chili flakes, cooking for just a minute until everything gets fragrant—be careful not to burn the garlic!
Step 2: Build the Broth and Cook the Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth, then nestle your boneless chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes into the pot. Bring everything up to a simmer over medium-high heat, then cover and turn the heat down to medium-low. Let it gently bubble away for about 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. I always use a meat thermometer here to avoid any guesswork—juicy, cooked-through chicken is key!
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Perfectly
While the chicken cooks, prepare your pasta in a separate pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. I prefer short pasta or broken lasagna noodles because they soak up the soup’s flavor perfectly without overpowering the bowl. Once cooked, drain and set aside to avoid sogginess later.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken and Thicken the Soup
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks (or your fingers, if you’re like me and eager to taste!). In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth, then slowly stir it into your simmering broth. Cook for another minute or two until it thickens slightly to a nice creamy consistency.
Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish with Greens
Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the cooked pasta and chopped fresh spinach. Stir everything well and warm through for a minute or two until the spinach is wilted but still bright green. Taste and adjust your salt and pepper here—I always like to add a little extra Parmesan at this stage to amplify the savory depth.
Tips from My Kitchen
- Don’t Overcook the Onions: Keep them just translucent with a slight golden tint to avoid bitterness.
- Use a Digital Thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked chicken without drying it out.
- Add Pasta Last: Cooking pasta separately prevents it from soaking up all the broth and getting mushy.
- Creamy Texture Adjustment: If the soup gets too thick, just stir in a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen it.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping this soup with a dollop of creamy ricotta and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. The ladle of cheeses gives you that classic lasagna feel—gooey, melty, and utterly irresistible. A few fresh basil leaves or a little cracked black pepper add a nice finishing touch.
Side Dishes
When I’m serving this soup for dinner, I like to keep it simple with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side. A crusty baguette or even some toasted focaccia works beautifully to sop up every last bit of broth.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I’ve tried serving this White Lasagna Soup Recipe in mini bread bowls—which feels extra cozy and fun. Garnishing with a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil really elevates presentation and flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I usually store leftover soup in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Here’s a pro tip: keep the cooked pasta separate from the soup so it doesn’t soak up too much liquid and become mushy overnight.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the soup (without pasta) in freezer-safe bags, and it reheats nicely. Just defrost overnight in the fridge, then warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the texture. I don’t recommend freezing with pasta included, as it tends to get soggy.
Reheating
I reheat leftovers slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent sticking and to keep it creamy. Adding a little extra half-and-half or broth during reheating helps if it thickened too much in the fridge—warm and cozy, just like fresh!
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken in this White Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver. Just add it towards the end of cooking to warm through instead of simmering raw chicken in the broth.
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What’s the best pasta to use for this soup?
Short pasta shapes like broken lasagna noodles, rotini, or small shells work best since they’re bite-sized and soak up the broth nicely without falling apart.
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute half-and-half with coconut milk or your favorite dairy-free creamer and use dairy-free cheese alternatives if desired. The texture will still be creamy and delicious.
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How spicy is this soup?
It has just a mild kick from the red chili flakes. If you prefer more heat, you can easily add extra chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce while cooking or at the table.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or take forever. It’s one of those meals I make when I want a little indulgence that’s still homey, warm, and full of familiar flavors. I can’t recommend it enough if you’re craving lasagna but need something on the table in under an hour. Go ahead—make a pot, curl up with a cozy blanket, and enjoy every spoonful. You’ll be glad you did!
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White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A cozy and hearty White Lasagna Soup featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and broken lasagna noodles, enriched with a creamy half-and-half broth and topped with a blend of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Proteins and Additions
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 2 cups dry, short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Dairy and Thickeners
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Ricotta cheese for garnish
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
- Shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cook Onions: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to brown and soften, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Add Broth, Chicken, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot.
- Simmer Chicken: Increase heat to medium-high and bring the soup to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes until fully cooked (an internal temperature of 165°F is recommended).
- Cook Pasta Separately: In a separate large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the soup and shred them using two forks.
- Thicken the Soup Base: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the broth thickens slightly.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and chopped spinach to the soup pot. Stir to combine and heat through until the spinach is wilted and everything is hot.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with generous spoonfuls of ricotta, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheeses as garnish.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover soup and cooked pasta separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days to prevent noodles from becoming soggy.
- Reheating: Reheat soup on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through; add pasta after reheating if stored separately.
- Cheese Options: Use fresh or pre-grated cheeses for convenience; substitute with dairy-free cheese to make it lactose-free.
- Chicken Substitute: Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a richer flavor; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Pasta Alternatives: Gluten-free or whole wheat noodles can be used to accommodate dietary preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
