White Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the comforting, layered flavors of lasagna in a warm, cozy bowl, you’re going to love this White Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s like all the best parts of classic lasagna—creamy cheese, tender chicken, and savory seasoning—transformed into a hearty soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. I’m excited to walk you through every step because this recipe not only tastes incredible but is surprisingly simple, even on a busy day.
Why This Recipe Works
- Time-Saving Twist: By cooking pasta separately and adding shredded chicken directly to the broth, you get perfect texture every time.
- Balanced Creaminess: Using half-and-half thickened with cornstarch gives this soup rich, silky smoothness without heaviness.
- Deep Flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning combine to create that classic lasagna taste in a lighter, more refreshing form.
- Customizable Comfort: You can easily tweak this White Lasagna Soup Recipe to fit your mood, whether you want it spicier, extra cheesy, or veggie-packed.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe brings together ingredients that complement each other beautifully, blending savory with creamy and a hint of tang. Whether you’re grabbing chicken breasts or picking sun-dried tomatoes, knowing why each element matters will help you pick the freshest and best versions to make this soup shine.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness without overpowering, letting the other flavors pop.
- Medium onion: Provides a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Garlic: Essential for that classic Italian aroma and flavor kick.
- Italian seasoning: Brings together herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme for authentic lasagna vibes.
- Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances the soup’s savory notes.
- Red chili flakes: Adds a subtle heat to brighten the creamy base—adjust to taste.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the flavorful soup base without being too salty.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that shreds beautifully.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Boosts umami with a tangy sweetness that elevates the broth.
- Dry, short pasta or broken lasagna noodles: The hearty texture mimics classic lasagna noodles perfectly in soup form.
- Half-and-half: For a creamy, luscious broth without excess heaviness.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the soup just enough to be cozy, without being gloopy.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a hint of earthiness to balance richness.
- Ricotta, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese: For garnish and that signature cheesy finish we all crave.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love how versatile this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is. You can easily amp it up or keep it simple depending on what’s in your pantry or what you’re craving. Personally, I like to add a little extra chili flakes when I want warmth on a chilly evening, but my kids prefer it milder with a sprinkle of extra cheese.
- Spicy Kick: Adding more red chili flakes or even a dash of hot sauce amps the flavor—great for those who love a little heat.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers during the onion sauté for extra nutrition and color; it’s a great way to sneak in veggies.
- Dairy-Free Version: Substitute the half-and-half with full-fat coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese to make it allergen-friendly.
- Make it Meatless: Skip the chicken and add extra mushrooms or lentils for protein; the broth will still be packed with flavor.
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté those aromatics just right
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in your largest soup pot or Dutch oven. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it gently—stirring often—until it’s just beginning to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key because you want the onion caramelized enough to bring sweetness, but not burnt. Then, stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Let those cook together for about a minute until fragrant, filling your kitchen with that warm Italian aroma.
Step 2: Build your flavorful broth and cook the chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and add the uncooked chicken breasts along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything up to a simmer on medium-high heat. Once simmering, pop a lid on, lower the heat to medium-low, and let it cook gently for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken reaches that safe 165°F internal temp. This part is magical—the chicken soaks up the broth’s flavors, while the sun-dried tomatoes impart bursts of tang and umami.
Step 3: Cook your pasta perfectly
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions until just al dente. I always like to drain it and rinse it quickly under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping—especially since it will warm again in the soup later.
Step 4: Finish the soup with creamy goodness and veggies
Once the chicken’s cooked through, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks—this is where your soup really starts to come together. In a small bowl, whisk the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth, then stir this mixture into the soup pot. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until the broth thickens slightly. Finally, stir in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and chopped fresh spinach. Heat everything through until the spinach wilts and the soup is piping hot. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Pro Tips for Making White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Cook Pasta Separately: This prevents soggy noodles and keeps your soup’s texture perfect every time.
- Shred Chicken with Forks: It’s faster and gives you the ideal texture to blend seamlessly in the soup.
- Thicken Gradually: Mix half-and-half and cornstarch before adding to avoid lumps in your creamy broth.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: The cheese you add at the end may add saltiness, so check before adding extra salt.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of topping this soup with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta, a sprinkle of sharp Parmesan, and plenty of melted mozzarella to keep things classy and indulgent. A little fresh basil or chopped parsley on top also adds a fresh pop of color and brightness. If you love garlic, a drizzle of garlic-infused olive oil as a finishing touch takes it next level.
Side Dishes
Since the soup is hearty on its own, I like to keep sides simple—think warm, crusty Italian bread for dunking or a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Sometimes, I even serve it with garlic breadsticks for a comforting meal that hits all the right notes.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this for a special occasion, try presenting it in individual mini soup cocottes or ramekins—adding a sprinkle of cheese and broiling briefly for a bubbly, golden top. It’s a fun twist that feels fancy but is totally doable. Pair the bowls with a rustic wooden board lined with bread and fresh herbs for a charming, cozy vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftover soup and pasta separately in airtight containers because the noodles soak up too much broth and get mushy if left in the soup overnight. This little step keeps everything tasting fresh if you’re reheating the next day.
Freezing
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe freezes well without the pasta. Freeze the soup portion alone in a freezer-safe container, and pop it in for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup on low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add the cooked pasta and spinach fresh if stored separately, and heat until just wilted and hot. This method keeps everything tasting vibrant and prevents the noodles from turning mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use other types of pasta in the White Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles or short dry pasta work best for texture, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even elbow macaroni—just be sure to cook them separately and keep them al dente to avoid mushiness.
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Is there a vegetarian version of this White Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Yes, just skip the chicken and add hearty mushrooms, lentils, or even beans to replace protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and it’s a delicious, meatless take that’s just as comforting.
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Definitely! Substitute half-and-half with canned coconut milk or another non-dairy milk that’s creamy, and opt for dairy-free cheese alternatives for garnish. The soup will still be rich and satisfying with these swaps.
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How do I prevent the soup from getting too thick or too thin?
Mix the half-and-half with cornstarch before adding it, and cook just until the soup thickens slightly. If it gets too thick, simply stir in a bit more broth or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, mix a tiny bit more cornstarch with cold liquid and add gradually.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s cozy, quick, and brings all the comfort of lasagna in less time and with less fuss. I hope when you try it, you’ll feel the same joy I do—there’s something so satisfying about a warm bowl filled with creamy broth, tender chicken, and fresh spinach. Don’t be shy about making it your own either—add extra cheese, spice, or veggies to fit your family’s tastes. Happy cooking, friend!
Print
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
Description
This White Lasagna Soup is a comforting and delicious twist on classic lasagna. Made with tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses, it combines the flavors of lasagna into a warm, hearty soup perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
Sauté 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
Soup and Pasta
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 cups dry, short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
Thickening and Greens
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Garnishes
- Ricotta cheese (for garnish)
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
- Melt the Butter: Heat the unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat until melted and sizzling.
- Sauté Onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook together for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Add the whole 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, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is fully cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. 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 the meat 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 has thickened slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and roughly chopped fresh spinach into the soup pot. Stir well and heat through until the spinach wilts and everything is heated evenly.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings with salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot garnished with ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese as desired.
Notes
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. For best texture, store cooked pasta separately from the soup.
- To reheat, warm the soup in the microwave or on the stove over low heat until heated through, then combine with pasta.
- If you prefer, use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken, adding extra vegetables or plant-based protein instead.
- Adjust the red chili flakes to your heat preference or omit for a milder soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg