If you love lasagna but want a quicker, cozy, and soup-friendly version, Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is the perfect recipe. This hearty, one-pot meal combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, tender pasta, and all the Italian flavors you love in lasagna—but without layers, baking, or hours in the kitchen.
It’s ideal for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy weekend meals, offering rich flavor, comforting textures, and easy cleanup.
Why Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken Is So Popular
Lasagna soup takes everything we love about classic lasagna—cheese, sauce, pasta, and Italian herbs—and makes it faster, lighter, and just as satisfying. Adding chicken elevates the protein content while keeping the dish easy to prepare.
What Makes This Soup a Favorite
- All-in-one comfort meal
- Creamy, cheesy, and flavorful
- Quick prep with minimal cleanup
- Protein-packed with tender chicken
- Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd
- Easy to customize with vegetables or seasonings
This soup is a hit for both kids and adults, making it a family-friendly recipe.
What Is White Lasagna Soup?
White lasagna soup is a deconstructed lasagna in soup form. Instead of the traditional red tomato sauce, this version uses a creamy white sauce (often made with milk, cream, or ricotta), seasoned with garlic, Italian herbs, and Parmesan cheese.
Key components include:
- Tender chicken
- Pasta (usually small shapes like rotini, penne, or broken lasagna noodles)
- Creamy sauce
- Cheese, herbs, and optional vegetables
It’s indulgent like lasagna but fast, light, and perfect for cold nights.
Flavor and Texture Profile
This soup balances creamy richness with fresh, savory flavors:
- Silky white sauce enriched with Parmesan and cream
- Tender chicken for protein and texture
- Soft pasta that absorbs the flavorful broth
- Optional vegetables like spinach or zucchini for color and nutrition
- Herbaceous notes from oregano, basil, and parsley
Every spoonful is comforting and satisfying, like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why Chicken Works Perfectly in White Lasagna Soup
Chicken is mild but hearty, making it ideal for creamy soups:
- Absorbs the flavors of garlic, herbs, and cream
- Adds protein for a filling meal
- Easy to cook quickly or use pre-cooked/rotisserie chicken
- Keeps the soup light compared to beef or sausage
It makes the soup family-friendly and meal-prep friendly.
Key Ingredients Explained
Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—shredded or diced—work best.
Pasta
Small pasta shapes or broken lasagna noodles ensure the soup is hearty but spoonable.
Mushrooms (Optional)
Add umami depth to the broth.
Garlic and Onion
Build the flavor foundation.
Cream or Half-and-Half
Creates the signature creamy texture.
Parmesan Cheese
Adds richness, saltiness, and depth.
Italian Herbs
Oregano, basil, and thyme enhance the flavor profile.
Spinach or Zucchini (Optional)
Add color, nutrients, and freshness.
Each ingredient contributes to the rich, comforting, and layered flavor.
Step-by-Step Overview
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Sear or poach until just cooked, then shred or dice.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Cook onions, garlic, and optional mushrooms until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Add chicken broth and Italian herbs; simmer for flavor.
Step 4: Cook Pasta
Add pasta directly to the simmering broth and cook until tender.
Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese
Stir in cream or half-and-half and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Vegetables
Return chicken to the pot, add spinach or zucchini, and heat through.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil.
Simple steps, maximum lasagna flavor without baking.
Tips for Perfect Creamy White Lasagna Soup
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor
- Don’t overcook pasta—al dente is best as it absorbs soup flavors
- Stir gently after adding cream to prevent curdling
- Add spinach or zucchini at the very end to preserve color and texture
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end
These small tips elevate the soup to restaurant-quality flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Thin Soup
Ensure pasta absorbs some broth for a creamy consistency.
Overcooked Pasta
Add pasta last or cook separately to avoid mushy noodles.
Bland Flavor
Season each component—chicken, broth, and cream—for layered flavor.
Curled or Scrambled Dairy
Add cream at low heat and stir slowly.
Easy Variations to Try
Cheesy Chicken Lasagna Soup
Add shredded mozzarella for a gooey twist.
Spicy White Lasagna Soup
Add crushed red pepper or jalapeños for heat.
Low-Carb Version
Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles instead of pasta.
Slow Cooker Version
Layer ingredients for a hands-off version, adding cream at the end.
Meatless Version
Omit chicken and add beans or extra mushrooms.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This soup is ideal for meal prep:
Make Ahead
- Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
- Keep cream separate if storing longer to prevent separation
Freezing
- Freeze without cream; add dairy when reheating
- Up to 2–3 months in airtight containers
It reheats beautifully, making weeknight dinners stress-free.
How to Reheat White Lasagna Soup
- Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat
- Stir frequently
- Add a splash of cream or milk if needed
- Avoid boiling to maintain creamy texture
This ensures the soup retains its signature silkiness.
What to Serve with Creamy White Lasagna Soup
Pair this soup with complementary sides:
- Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
- Parmesan or herb garnish for extra flavor
Sides should balance the richness of the soup.
Is White Lasagna Soup Healthy?
While indulgent, it can fit into a balanced diet:
Nutritional Highlights
- High in protein from chicken
- Contains vegetables for nutrients
- Portion control makes it satisfying without overindulgence
- Easily lightened with half-and-half or plant-based cream
This soup is comforting yet nutrient-conscious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut for fast prep.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta or substitute with zucchini noodles.
Can I freeze the soup?
Yes, freeze without cream; add cream when reheating.
Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot Italian sausage for a kick.
Why This Soup Is a Crowd-Pleaser
Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken combines the best of lasagna—cheese, pasta, and flavor—with the ease of a one-pot meal. It’s rich, hearty, and comforting, making it perfect for:
- Families
- Meal prep
- Weeknight dinners
- Serving guests
Everyone loves the creamy, cheesy, savory goodness of this soup.
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is the ultimate comfort food for pasta and soup lovers alike. It delivers all the flavor of lasagna—cheese, herbs, chicken, and noodles—in a quick, one-pot, cozy soup. Perfect for chilly evenings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, it’s sure to become a household favorite.
This recipe proves that you don’t need hours or a casserole dish to enjoy all the deliciousness of lasagna—just a pot, fresh ingredients, and a love of comfort food.
Print
Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken: All the Flavor of Lasagna in a Comforting Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1½ cups lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or substitute with ditalini or rotini)
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of nutmeg, red pepper flakes
- Dollops of ricotta
- Freshly grated Parmesan
- Chopped fresh parsley or basil
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
Instructions
- Sauté veggies: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–6 min until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 sec.
- Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil.
- Cook pasta: Add broken lasagna noodles; simmer 8–10 min until tender (stir occasionally to prevent sticking).
- Add chicken & cream: Stir in shredded chicken, heavy cream, ricotta, and Parmesan. Simmer 3–5 min until slightly thickened.
- Season: Add salt, pepper, and optional nutmeg or red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot, topped with extra ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread for dipping!
Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):
Servings: 6 | Calories: 320 | Net Carbs: 22g | Fats: 16g | Protein: 24g