White Chicken Lasagna Soup: Creamy, Cheesy & Easy!

White Chicken Lasagna Soup might just be the ultimate comfort food hack you’ve been searching for! Imagine all the rich, creamy, cheesy goodness of your favorite baked white chicken lasagna, but transformed into a comforting, easy-to-eat soup bowl that’s ready in a fraction of the time. It truly delivers all the beloved flavors without the fuss of endless layering.

While classic lasagna holds a revered place in Italian culinary history, this delightful soup offers a modern, ingenious twist that pays homage to its origins. I find it fascinating how beloved dishes evolve to fit our contemporary, busy lifestyles, and this adaptation is a testament to that creative spirit—blending tradition with convenience. It’s a brilliant way to enjoy a substantial, heartwarming meal that feels both gourmet and incredibly accessible.

People absolutely adore this dish because it captures the essence of white chicken lasagna without the lengthy assembly. It’s incredibly satisfying, boasting tender pieces of chicken, soft lasagna noodles, and a luxuriously creamy, cheesy broth that warms you from the inside out. The harmonious blend of savory herbs and rich flavors creates a truly unforgettable experience, making it the perfect comforting meal for any evening. This White Chicken Lasagna Soup offers the ultimate convenience without compromising on that cherished, hearty taste, and I am confident you’ll fall in love with it!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Aromatics and Base:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (or about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (a pinch really enhances creamy sauces)
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups whole milk (or 2% milk for a slightly lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for ultimate richness)
• For the Cheesy Goodness:
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for a swirl or dollop when serving)
• For the Pasta and Veggies:
  • 6-8 lasagna noodles, broken into 2-3 inch pieces (about 4-5 ounces dry pasta)
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped (or 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry)
• For Garnish and Seasoning:
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
  • Extra red pepper flakes, for serving (optional)

Preparation and Sautéing the Chicken and Aromatics

1. Prepare the Chicken: My journey to creating the most comforting White Chicken Lasagna Soup always begins with the chicken. Grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into uniform 1-inch pieces. This size is perfect for quick cooking and ensures every spoonful of soup gets a delightful chunk of chicken. Season these pieces generously with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Don’t be shy here; proper seasoning at each stage builds incredible depth of flavor.

2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Once hot, add half of your seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer. You want to give the chicken enough space to brown properly, so avoid overcrowding the pan. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it’s beautifully golden brown and cooked through. The goal here isn’t just to cook it, but to develop a lovely crust which adds another layer of flavor to our soup. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. Repeat this process with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the rest of the chicken, then set all the cooked chicken aside. Trust me, those browned bits left in the pan are pure gold for the soup base!

3. Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the same pot. Once the butter has melted and is gently bubbling, add your finely diced yellow onion. Cook the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes until it becomes translucent and wonderfully softened. We’re looking for that sweet, mellow base that only caramelized onions can provide. This is a crucial step for building a robust flavor foundation for our White Chicken Lasagna Soup.

4. Infuse with Garlic and Spices: Now, it’s time to bring in the big guns for flavor: the garlic and spices! Add the minced garlic to the pot along with the dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them for that gentle warmth), and that tiny but mighty pinch of ground nutmeg. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant and the spices have bloomed. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter. The aroma filling your kitchen right now should be absolutely incredible – a true preview of the deliciousness to come.

Building the Creamy, Velvety Base

5. Create the Roux: This is where we build the luxurious body of our White Chicken Lasagna Soup. Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the softened onions, garlic, and spices. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flour to cook out and form a thick paste with the butter and pan drippings. This mixture, known as a roux, is essential for thickening our soup and giving it that silky, restaurant-quality texture. Cooking the flour prevents a raw, pasty taste in your final soup.

6. Whisk in the Liquids: Gradually, and I mean gradually, whisk in the 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Pour in a little bit at a time, whisking constantly to ensure there are no lumps. As you add the broth, the mixture will thicken. Continue adding and whisking until all the broth is incorporated and the soup base is smooth and lump-free. Once the broth is fully mixed in, pour in the 2 cups of whole milk and the 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Keep whisking to combine everything beautifully. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently, and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken further. You’ll notice it transforming into a wonderfully creamy consistency; this is the heart of our white lasagna soup!

7. Introduce Cream Cheese for Ultimate Smoothness: Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed, softened cream cheese to the simmering liquid. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the soup. This step is a game-changer; the cream cheese adds an incredible tang and richness, making the soup exceptionally creamy and decadent. It truly elevates the entire profile of the White Chicken Lasagna Soup, giving it that characteristic velvety mouthfeel.

Adding the Chicken, Pasta, and Veggies

8. Bring Back the Chicken: Now that our creamy base is perfect, it’s time to reunite it with our beautifully seared chicken. Carefully add all the cooked chicken pieces back into the pot. Stir to combine, ensuring every piece of chicken is coated in that luscious, creamy broth. Let it warm through gently while you prepare for the pasta. This allows the chicken to absorb some of the soup’s incredible flavors.

9. Add the Lasagna Noodles: This is where the “lasagna” magic truly comes into play! Take your 6-8 lasagna noodles and break them into manageable 2-3 inch pieces. Don’t worry about perfect uniformity; the rustic broken pieces add character to the soup. Add these broken noodles directly to the pot with the soup. Increase the heat slightly to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together, for about 10-12 minutes, or until the lasagna noodles are tender but still have a pleasant chew (al dente). You might need to add an extra splash of broth or milk if the soup becomes too thick as the pasta absorbs liquid. Keep an eye on the noodles – you don’t want them to get mushy!

10. Stir in the Spinach: Once the pasta is nearly done, add the 5 ounces of fresh, roughly chopped spinach to the pot. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s thawed and squeezed very dry to prevent watering down the soup. Stir the spinach into the hot soup until it wilts down, which usually takes only 2-3 minutes. The vibrant green of the spinach adds a lovely color, a touch of earthiness, and a boost of nutrients to our already fantastic White Chicken Lasagna Soup.

Finishing Touches and Cheesy Perfection

11. Melt in the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low. Now for the ultimate cheesy indulgence! Stir in the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and the 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until both cheeses are completely melted and beautifully incorporated into the soup, creating those delightful cheese pulls. The soup will become even creamier and richer at this stage. Always use freshly grated Parmesan if possible; it melts smoother and tastes infinitely better than pre-grated varieties.

12. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: This is arguably one of the most important steps in any recipe. Taste the White Chicken Lasagna Soup carefully. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Perhaps another pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick? Adjust the seasonings to your personal preference. Remember, everyone’s palate is different, and adjusting seasonings ensures the soup is perfect for you and your family.

Serving and Garnish

13. Ladle and Serve: Ladle generous portions of this incredibly satisfying White Chicken Lasagna Soup into individual bowls. The aroma alone will have everyone rushing to the table!

14. Garnish with Love: For that perfect finishing touch, I love to sprinkle each serving with a little extra grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. A scattering of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a pop of color and freshness that truly brightens the dish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, or just love that creamy texture, a small dollop or swirl of ricotta cheese on top of each bowl is simply divine. A tiny sprinkle of red pepper flakes offers a wonderful contrast and visual appeal for those who enjoy a bit of heat. Serve immediately and prepare for rave reviews! This soup is comforting, hearty, and everything you love about white lasagna, but in a cozy bowl.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the end of our culinary journey with this truly exceptional recipe. If you’ve been searching for a dish that perfectly blends comfort, convenience, and unparalleled flavor, then allow me to wholeheartedly declare that this White Chicken Lasagna Soup is an absolute triumph and a non-negotiable addition to your recipe rotation. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, transforming the beloved complexity of traditional lasagna into a hearty, soul-warming soup that’s surprisingly simple to prepare. I truly believe it captures all the rich, creamy, cheesy goodness you adore in a classic lasagna, but with a delightful, spoon-friendly twist that makes it perfect for any weeknight or a cozy weekend gathering.

What makes this particular White Chicken Lasagna Soup a must-try, you ask? Well, for starters, it delivers on its promise of big, bold flavors without demanding hours of your precious time. The delicate balance of tender chicken, al dente lasagna noodles, and that luscious, savory white sauce creates a symphony of tastes and textures in every single spoonful. It’s comforting in the purest sense, wrapping you in a warm hug on a chilly evening, yet it’s sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palate. Plus, it’s a brilliant way to enjoy all the components of lasagna without the fuss of layering and baking for ages. I’ve found that it consistently brings smiles to the faces around my table, and I’m confident it will do the same for yours.

When it comes to serving, this soup truly shines as a standalone star, but I love to elevate the experience with a few simple accompaniments. A crusty loaf of artisanal bread, perhaps a warm focaccia or a classic French baguette, is an absolute must for soaking up every last drop of that creamy broth. Even better, a generous slice of garlic bread or cheesy bread would be a match made in heaven, adding another layer of indulgent flavor and texture. For a refreshing contrast, consider pairing it with a crisp, simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. The brightness of the salad cuts through the richness of the soup beautifully, creating a perfectly balanced meal. Don’t forget a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil right before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh aroma – it really makes a difference!

But wait, the fun doesn’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile and ripe for your creative touch. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses; while mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, a touch of provolone or fontina could add an intriguing new dimension. For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the soup or a dash of hot sauce at the table would be a welcome addition. If you want to boost the vegetable content, wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or even some diced zucchini would integrate seamlessly. You could swap the chicken for shredded turkey, or for a vegetarian spin, omit the meat entirely and bulk it up with extra veggies and perhaps some cannellini beans or crumbled plant-based sausage. And for my gluten-free friends, simply use your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta shapes, and you’re all set to enjoy this delightful creation.

So, what are you waiting for? I genuinely encourage you to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this incredible recipe a try this week. It’s designed to be approachable, forgiving, and utterly delicious, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. There’s something truly magical about preparing a meal that brings warmth and joy to your loved ones, and this soup, with its familiar yet innovative appeal, is perfectly poised to do just that. Once you’ve experienced the pure comfort and incredible flavor of this White Chicken Lasagna Soup, I have a feeling it will become an instant favorite in your home. Please, don’t keep your culinary triumphs to yourself! I’d absolutely adore hearing about your experience. Come back and share your thoughts, your clever variations, or simply tell me how much you enjoyed it in the comments below. Happy cooking, and bon appétit!