Lasagna is a beloved dish known for its layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, melted cheese, and savory meat or vegetables. But have you ever tried a soup version of lasagna? Creamy White Lasagna Soup takes the classic flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a warm, comforting, and indulgent one-pot meal. This dish swaps out the usual tomato-based sauce for a creamy, cheesy broth infused with Italian herbs and loaded with shredded chicken, baby spinach, and tender lasagna noodles. It’s the perfect recipe for anyone who loves hearty meals but wants something a little different from the usual pasta dish. If you love creamy soups like chicken alfredo soup or creamy tortellini soup, then this dish will quickly become one of your favorites. The best part? It’s easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and can be prepared in under 40 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1½ cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the heavy cream and stir to combine.
- Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Let them cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add the shredded chicken and chopped spinach to the soup. Stir and cook for another 5 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and half of the mozzarella cheese.
- Reduce heat to low. Slowly stir the cheese mixture into the soup until fully incorporated and melted.
- Serve hot, garnished with the remaining mozzarella cheese and red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
The Origins of White Lasagna Soup
Lasagna soup has been around for a while, with many variations floating around in cookbooks and on food blogs. Most versions stick to the traditional red-sauce lasagna flavors, incorporating ground beef or sausage, tomato broth, and ricotta cheese. However, White Lasagna Soup takes a different approach, inspired by white lasagna (also known as lasagna bianca in Italy). Unlike the classic red lasagna, white lasagna layers a creamy white sauce (béchamel or alfredo-style) with cheese, chicken, and vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. This soup takes all those flavors and simplifies them into a single bowl, making it an easier and more comforting alternative to the baked version.
Why This Recipe Is the Best
Rich and Creamy Texture
- This soup delivers a luscious, velvety texture thanks to a blend of heavy cream, ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Every spoonful is packed with creamy goodness, making it a must-try for cheese lovers.
A One-Pot Wonder
- No need to deal with multiple layers or a complicated baking process. This soup comes together in just one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
Quick and Easy
- While traditional lasagna requires hours of layering and baking, this soup version takes only about 35 minutes to prepare—perfect for busy schedules!
Protein-Packed and Nutritious
- With shredded chicken, baby spinach, and a trio of cheeses, this dish is not just comforting but also a great source of protein, calcium, and essential nutrients.
Customizable to Your Taste
- You can easily tweak this recipe to fit your dietary needs or preferences. Want to make it vegetarian? Swap the chicken for mushrooms or white beans. Looking for a lower-fat version? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and opt for reduced-fat cheese.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient plays a key role in making this soup so incredibly delicious:
- Olive Oil – Used to sauté the onions and garlic, adding depth and fragrance to the broth.
- Onion & Garlic – Essential aromatics that create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary gives this dish its signature Italian flair.
- Chicken Broth – Forms the foundation of the soup, providing a rich and savory taste.
- Heavy Cream – Adds the luxurious creaminess that makes this soup irresistible.
- Lasagna Noodles – Broken into bite-sized pieces, these give the soup its signature pasta element, mimicking classic lasagna layers.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken – Adds protein and a hearty texture, making the soup extra satisfying.
- Baby Spinach – Provides a pop of color, added nutrients, and a slight earthy taste that balances the richness.
- Ricotta Cheese – The secret ingredient that gives the soup a creamy, slightly tangy, and indulgent flavor.
- Parmesan & Mozzarella Cheese – A combination of cheeses that add a gooey, melty finish to the soup.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding your own.
- Cook Pasta Separately for Meal Prep – If you plan on storing leftovers, cook the lasagna noodles separately and add them to individual bowls before serving. This prevents them from getting too soft.
- Adjust the Creaminess – If you want a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream. For extra indulgence, add a spoonful of cream cheese!
- Make It Spicier – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
- Use Different Cheeses – Gouda, fontina, or provolone can be used instead of mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
Variations and Substitutions
Vegetarian Option
- Swap the chicken for mushrooms, white beans, or cauliflower.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Gluten-Free Version
- Use gluten-free lasagna noodles or substitute them with cooked quinoa or rice.
Dairy-Free Adaptation
- Replace the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative.
- Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
One of the best things about this soup is that it makes amazing leftovers! Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup (without the pasta) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When reheating, cook fresh pasta separately and add it to the soup.
- Reheating: Warm the soup on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it up.
What to Serve with White Lasagna Soup
Pair this soup with these side dishes for a complete meal:
- Garlic Bread – A must-have to soak up all that creamy broth.
- Simple Green Salad – A light and fresh contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Cheesy Breadsticks – More cheese? Yes, please!
- A Glass of White Wine – A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy flavors.
Conclusion
The rich and Creamy White Lasagna Soup is the ultimate fusion of comfort and indulgence. With tender shredded chicken, soft lasagna noodles, and a blend of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, this dish transforms a classic Italian favorite into a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness. The aromatic blend of garlic, Italian herbs, and creamy broth brings out an irresistible depth of flavor. Perfect for family dinners or cozy evenings at home, this soup is easy to prepare and comes together in just one pot. Whether you’re a fan of traditional lasagna or just love a good, hearty soup, this dish is a must-try. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a side of crusty garlic bread for the ultimate comforting meal. So, whether you’re looking for a cozy winter dinner, an easy weeknight meal, or something to impress guests, this White Lasagna Soup is the answer. Give it a try, and let me know how you like it!
