White Lasagna Soup Recipe: Imagine condensing the deeply comforting, cheesy layers of your favorite classic lasagna into a single, soul-warming bowl. That’s precisely the culinary magic we’re about to unveil today! While traditional lasagna boasts a storied history dating back to ancient Italy, celebrated for its rich flavors and laborious assembly, this modern soup offers a delightful shortcut to that very same indulgence. We believe it captures the essence of a dish often reserved for special occasions and transforms it into an accessible, weeknight-friendly marvel.
I find that people absolutely adore this dish because it perfectly marries convenience with uncompromised flavor. Forget the intricate layering and long bake times; here, tender lasagna noodles mingle in a lusciously creamy, béchamel-inspired broth, enriched with savory ground meat (or a vegetarian alternative), fragrant herbs, and a generous blend of cheeses. The result is a hearty, texturally satisfying, and intensely flavorful experience that delivers all the warmth and nostalgia of a traditional lasagna, but in a fraction of the time. It’s comforting, satisfying, and undeniably delicious, making the White Lasagna Soup Recipe an instant hit for anyone craving Italian-inspired comfort without the fuss.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium preferred
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8-10 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into 2-3 inch pieces (about 8-10 sheets)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (optional, for a touch of green!)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnishes: fresh basil, ricotta cheese dollops, extra red pepper flakes
Preparing the Chicken and Aromatics for Your White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Let’s dive into making this comforting and utterly delicious White Lasagna Soup Recipe! We’re going to start by building the foundational flavors that will make every spoonful incredibly rich and satisfying. This initial stage is crucial for developing the depth we want in our creamy white lasagna soup.
- Brown the Chicken: In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat the olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the chicken pieces. Season them generously with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s beautifully browned on all sides and mostly cooked through. We’re looking for that lovely golden crust that adds so much flavor. Don’t worry if it’s not entirely cooked in the center; it will finish cooking later in the soup. Once browned, remove the chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. This step ensures our chicken is flavorful and doesn’t get rubbery from overcooking in the soup base later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely diced yellow onion to the same pot, along with any residual chicken drippings. These drippings are packed with flavor, so we definitely want to keep them! Cook the onion for 6-8 minutes, stirring frequently, until it softens and becomes translucent. You’ll notice the kitchen filling with a wonderful sweet aroma, which is always a good sign. Be mindful not to let it brown too much; we’re aiming for softness and sweetness here.
- Infuse with Garlic and Spices: Add the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you’re using them) to the softened onions. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. It’s truly amazing how quickly garlic releases its potent aroma, transforming the base of our soup. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter and will impact the overall flavor of your White Lasagna Soup Recipe negatively. This aromatic trio forms the heart of our flavor profile, setting the stage for the creamy goodness to come.
Building the Creamy Base for Your White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Now that our aromatics are perfectly fragrant and tender, it’s time to build the luxurious, creamy base that defines this incredible White Lasagna Soup Recipe. This is where the magic truly happens, transforming simple ingredients into a rich and comforting masterpiece. Patience and continuous stirring are key here to achieve that silky-smooth consistency we’re aiming for.
- Make the Roux: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed onions, garlic, and spices. Stir continuously with a whisk or a wooden spoon for 1-2 minutes, creating a thick paste known as a roux. This step is vital because the flour will cook out its raw taste, and the roux will act as the thickening agent for our soup. It should look like a golden, slightly grainy mixture, almost like wet sand. Keep stirring to prevent it from clumping or burning at the bottom of the pot.
- Whisk in Liquids Gradually: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, a cup at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition to prevent lumps. The mixture will initially be very thick, but as you add more liquid and whisk, it will begin to smooth out. Once all the broth is incorporated and the soup base is smooth, gradually whisk in the whole milk. Continue stirring until the mixture is well combined and starts to thicken slightly. This gradual addition and constant whisking are crucial for achieving a lump-free, velvety base for your white lasagna soup.
- Bring to a Simmer: Increase the heat slightly to medium-high and bring the soup to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Once it reaches a simmer, reduce the heat back to medium-low to maintain a gentle bubbling. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken further. You’ll notice the consistency becoming more substantial and creamy even before adding the cheese and heavy cream. This simmering time is essential for developing a deeper flavor profile.
Incorporating Cheeses, Noodles, and Finishing Touches for Your White Lasagna Soup Recipe
We’re in the home stretch now! This stage is all about adding the signature creaminess and cheesy goodness that makes this White Lasagna Soup Recipe so incredibly irresistible. We’ll introduce the cheeses, cook the lasagna noodles, and add those final vibrant touches that elevate the dish from great to absolutely spectacular.
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Add the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes until they are completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup. The cream cheese adds an incredible tang and extra richness that truly elevates the white sauce. Next, add the shredded mozzarella cheese and 1 cup of the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are fully melted and beautifully blended into the soup, creating that luxurious, gooey, and utterly delicious texture that screams “lasagna.” Taste the soup at this point and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the cheeses also add saltiness, so taste before adding too much.
A Note on Cheese Choice:
For the best results in your White Lasagna Soup Recipe, I highly recommend using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-grated cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can make your soup slightly gritty. Freshly grated melts more smoothly and provides a superior flavor. The combination of cream cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a balanced, rich, and deeply savory profile.
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Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodle pieces directly into the simmering soup. Stir gently to ensure all the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot. We want them tender but still with a slight bite.
Pro Tip for Noodles:
Cooking the lasagna noodles directly in the soup means they absorb all that wonderful flavor, making them incredibly delicious. However, be mindful that noodles will continue to absorb liquid even after the soup is off the heat. If you’re planning on having leftovers, you might want to undercook them slightly or add an extra splash of broth when reheating. Alternatively, you can cook the noodles separately according to package directions, drain them, and add them to individual bowls before serving, or add them to the pot right before serving if you prefer a thicker soup texture.
- Return Chicken and Add Finishing Touches: Once the noodles are cooked to your liking, return the browned chicken pieces to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, ensuring it’s well combined but avoid bringing the soup to a vigorous boil once the cream is added. This helps maintain its smooth texture and prevents it from separating. Finally, stir in the chopped fresh spinach (if using) and the 1/4 cup of fresh parsley. Cook for just another minute or two, allowing the spinach to wilt and the herbs to release their fresh aroma. The vibrant green adds a beautiful contrast to the creamy white soup.
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Serve Your Delicious White Lasagna Soup: Ladle generous portions of your warm and inviting White Lasagna Soup Recipe into bowls. For an extra touch of indulgence, I love to garnish each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan, a few more red pepper flakes for a little zing, and some additional fresh parsley or basil. A side of crusty bread for dipping into that rich, cheesy broth is absolutely perfect. This soup is a complete meal in itself, offering all the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna in a warm, slurpable format. Enjoy this hearty and soul-satisfying dish with your loved ones!
Storage and Reheating:
Leftovers of this White Lasagna Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you might find that the noodles have absorbed a lot of the liquid, making the soup very thick. Simply add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to achieve your desired consistency while gently warming it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Avoid boiling vigorously to maintain the creamy texture.
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is truly a triumph – all the layers of flavor, the rich creaminess, and the tender pasta, without all the fuss of layering a traditional lasagna. It’s quickly become one of my absolute favorite comfort food dishes!
Conclusion:
And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the delicious finale of our journey through what I truly believe is one of the most comforting, satisfying, and utterly delightful recipes you could ever whip up. This isn’t just another soup; it’s a culinary hug in a bowl, a sophisticated yet approachable dish that effortlessly marries the beloved flavors of a traditional lasagna with the comforting ease of a hearty soup. It brings together rich, creamy textures, savory herbs, and tender pasta in a way that feels both familiar and excitingly new. I’ve personally found that it strikes that perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight when you crave something special without spending hours slaving over a hot stove, or for a leisurely weekend lunch when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones to something truly memorable.
What makes this particular dish a true standout, a definite must-try in your kitchen repertoire, is its incredible depth of flavor. Each spoonful offers that unmistakable cheesy, herby goodness that makes lasagna so irresistible, but in a format that’s incredibly easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Gone are the days of meticulously layering pasta and sauce; here, all those wonderful elements are harmoniously combined into a luxurious, simmering pot of pure deliciousness. This is a recipe that consistently earns rave reviews from everyone I’ve shared it with, and I’m confident it will become a cherished favorite in your home too. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a dish that radiates warmth and hospitality, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The incredible aroma alone, as it simmers gently on the stove, is enough to draw everyone to the kitchen, eagerly anticipating their first taste of this magnificent creation.
When it comes to serving, the possibilities are wonderfully varied, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preference. For a classic, wholesome meal, I always recommend pairing it with a generous slice of crusty garlic bread or a warm, fluffy ciabatta roll – perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. A light, crisp green salad, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup, adding a lovely freshness to the meal. Don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil, finely chopped, adds a vibrant pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor. For those who can’t get enough cheese, an extra dusting of grated Parmesan or a dollop of creamy ricotta on top of each serving takes it to another level of indulgence. And if you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes offers a subtle, warming heat that beautifully complements the other flavors.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is incredibly versatile, inviting you to experiment and make it truly your own. Feel free to explore various adaptations to suit your taste or what you have on hand. For a protein boost, shredded rotisserie chicken or browned Italian sausage (mild or spicy, depending on your preference) can be easily stirred in. Ground turkey or even cannellini beans make for fantastic lighter or vegetarian alternatives. If you want to sneak in more vegetables, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, diced zucchini, or even finely chopped bell peppers during the cooking process. You can also play with the pasta; while broken lasagna noodles are traditional, smaller pasta shapes like rotini, orecchiette, or even cavatappi would work beautifully. Adjust the level of creaminess by adding a bit more heavy cream or cream cheese if you desire an even richer consistency, or a splash more milk for a slightly lighter texture. This recipe is wonderfully forgiving, allowing you to truly personalize it to your culinary whims.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!
I genuinely hope that reading through this has inspired you to grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible recipe a try. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a journey into heartwarming comfort food that I promise will not disappoint. I can vividly imagine you in your kitchen, enjoying the process, and then gathering around the table with your loved ones, savoring every delicious spoonful. There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of creating something truly delicious from scratch, especially when it’s met with smiles and requests for second helpings. Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you stick to the recipe, or did you add your own unique twist? What did your family and friends think? Sharing your feedback, your triumphs, and any clever modifications you came up with is what makes our cooking community so vibrant and inspiring. Your insights could spark new ideas for other home cooks, further enriching our shared love for delicious food. So, go ahead, dive in, and let this creamy, savory White Lasagna Soup warm your soul and delight your taste buds. Happy cooking!
Cozy White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Imagine condensing the deeply comforting, cheesy layers of your favorite classic lasagna into a single, soul-warming bowl. This modern soup offers a delightful shortcut to that very same indulgence, capturing the essence of a dish often reserved for special occasions and transforming it into an accessible, weeknight-friendly marvel. Tender lasagna noodles mingle in a lusciously creamy, béchamel-inspired broth, enriched with savory ground meat (or a vegetarian alternative), fragrant herbs, and a generous blend of cheeses.
Ingredients
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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1 medium onion, chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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6 cups low sodium chicken broth
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1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
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8 ounces short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
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1 cup half and half or heavy cream
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1 tablespoon cornstarch
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2 cups fresh spinach
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Ricotta cheese, for topping
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Grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
Instructions
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Step 1
Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Brown chicken breasts on all sides. Remove chicken, shred or cube, and set aside. Add chopped onion to the pot; cook until soft, about 6-8 mins. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using); cook for 1 minute until fragrant. -
Step 2
Pour in chicken broth and add sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer. Add pasta or broken lasagna noodles; cook for 10-12 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally. -
Step 3
Return shredded chicken to the pot. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with a splash of half and half (or cream) to form a slurry; stir into the soup. Stir in the remaining half and half (or cream) and fresh spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and soup thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Step 4
Ladle soup into bowls. Garnish each serving generously with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
