If you love the cozy flavors of lasagna but crave something a bit lighter and quicker, you’ll absolutely fall for this White Chicken Lasagna Soup. It’s the ultimate comfort food in a bowl: creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, al dente noodle pieces, and aromatic herbs. Every spoonful feels like a big hug on a chilly night, and this recipe brings together all the best parts of classic white lasagna—minus the fuss. Whether you’re looking for a soothing weeknight meal or an impressive soup to share with family and friends, White Chicken Lasagna Soup makes it incredibly easy to satisfy those cravings!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for White Chicken Lasagna Soup is refreshingly simple but also specifically chosen to create layers of flavor and that signature creamy texture. Each one adds something special—whether that’s a savory depth, velvety richness, or those irresistible strings of cheese.
- Olive oil: A splash in the pot keeps everything from sticking and brings out those savory notes in the veggies.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed until soft, it gives sweetness and a little bite to start the base of your soup.
- Fresh garlic: Three cloves deliver an amazing aroma and that classic Italian flavor boost.
- Dried basil: Sprinkled in for its sweet and slightly peppery undertones, bringing depth to every spoonful.
- Dried oregano: Adds a warm, slightly earthy taste that’s unmistakably “Italian.”
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Use just a pinch if you like a gentle heat that sneaks up and brightens the richness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The backbone of the soup—choose low-sodium so you can control the saltiness.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that brings juicy, flavorful protein to the party.
- Lasagna noodles: Breaking these into pieces gives you all the pasta satisfaction without tackling a pan of layered noodles!
- Whole milk: Offers creaminess that’s light enough to keep the soup from feeling heavy.
- Heavy cream: This is your secret weapon for ultimate silkiness and richness.
- Cream cheese: When stirred in, it melts to create the luxurious, thick broth that defines this soup.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for those crave-worthy cheesy strands.
- Parmesan cheese: Brings that salty, nutty punch—a necessary finishing touch!
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for perfecting your flavors—season to your personal taste.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, herby garnish that makes every bowl look like a celebration.
How to Make White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Start by heating the olive oil in a large soup pot set over medium heat. Once it shimmers, toss in the diced onion and sauté until the pieces are soft and translucent—about 3 or 4 minutes. Add the garlic, basil, oregano, and (if you’re using it) red pepper flakes. Stir for a minute or so, just until the kitchen starts to smell amazing. This layering step makes sure every bowl of White Chicken Lasagna Soup has a fragrant, flavorful base.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any little bits that might have stuck to the bottom. Bring everything to a gentle boil. You’ll notice the aroma really ramps up here, and the broth gets infused with all those sautéed herbs and onions.
Step 3: Add Lasagna Noodles
Toss in your broken lasagna noodle pieces, giving them an occasional stir so they cook evenly and don’t clump together. Let them simmer in the bubbling broth for about 10 minutes or until just tender. These noodle pieces soak up so much flavor, making every bite extra comforting.
Step 4: Creamy Chicken Time
Reduce the heat to low, then add your cooked shredded chicken, whole milk, and heavy cream. Stir everything together and watch as the soup transforms into something extra luscious. Now, drop in your cubed, softened cream cheese. Keep stirring gently—it will melt into the soup and create the signature creamy base that sets this White Chicken Lasagna Soup apart.
Step 5: Get Cheesy
Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Continue to stir gently until both are melted and the soup is irresistibly cheesy and slightly thickened. If you want, season the soup now with salt and pepper—taste and then tweak to your liking!
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Let the pot simmer for just a couple minutes longer so all the flavors can come together. Ladle your steaming hot White Chicken Lasagna Soup into bowls, top with a flourish of fresh parsley, and serve while it’s creamy and cozy.
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but you can also try extra Parmesan for richness, a drizzle of olive oil for gloss, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. A twist of black pepper looks beautiful and adds another layer of flavor right before serving.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy soup with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, or serve with warm, crusty bread for dunking—that cheesy broth just begs for a good bread swipe! Roasted asparagus or simple garlic knots make lovely accompaniments too.
Creative Ways to Present
Set up a mini soup bar for family or friends, with bowls of toppings like extra shredded cheese, baby spinach, chopped fresh basil, or lemon zest. For an extra-special dinner, serve White Chicken Lasagna Soup in bread bowls so everyone gets an edible vessel as cozy as the soup itself.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool any leftover soup quickly before sealing it in an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to three days. If possible, store extra cooked noodles separately so they don’t soak up too much liquid—they’ll stay perfectly tender for reheating.
Freezing
White Chicken Lasagna Soup can be frozen, although the dairy elements may separate a bit after thawing. For best results, freeze cooled soup in portions, ideally before adding the final cheeses—just stir in fresh cheese while reheating for the best texture. Use within two months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
To reheat, place your soup in a pot over low heat, stirring gently until smooth and hot (don’t let it boil, to avoid separating the cream). If it seems thick, splash in a bit of milk or broth. If you’ve stored noodles separately, add them just before serving to keep their perfect bite.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?
Absolutely! Any flat pasta will work—try broken-up fettuccine or pappardelle. Even small pasta shapes like rigatoni or rotini will make the soup just as delightful, though the lasagna pieces do capture the spirit of the dish best.
Is there a way to make this soup lighter?
You can lighten things up by using 2% milk instead of whole milk, and just half the amount of cream cheese. The soup will still taste amazing, though a little less decadent. Another tip: skip the heavy cream and bump up the milk by half a cup.
How do I add vegetables without losing the classic feel?
Stir a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale into the soup just before serving so the greens wilt but stay vibrant. You could also toss in a few halved cherry tomatoes or finely chopped carrots when you sauté the onions for an extra pop of color and nutrition.
Can White Chicken Lasagna Soup be made gluten free?
Definitely. Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta. Keep in mind you might need to adjust the cooking time since gluten-free varieties soften more quickly.
What’s the best chicken to use for this recipe?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is wonderfully convenient and flavorful, but you can use any leftover roast chicken or even quickly poach a couple of chicken breasts while you prep the rest of your ingredients. The key is to shred or chop it so the pieces soak up all that tasty broth.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about the first spoonful of White Chicken Lasagna Soup: cozy, creamy, and completely satisfying. Give this recipe a try on your next chilly evening—chances are, it’ll become a new favorite comfort food in your kitchen too!
Print
White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy twist on traditional lasagna, this White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 6 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot, sauté onion until softened. Add garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Add Broth and Noodles: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil. Add lasagna noodles and cook until tender.
- Finish Soup: Stir in chicken, milk, and cream. Add cream cheese and melt. Mix in mozzarella and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving hot.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, stir in spinach or kale.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust creaminess by varying cream cheese and milk amounts.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
