If you love the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something quicker and easier to serve, Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is your solution. This hearty soup combines tender chicken, pasta, creamy white sauce, spinach, and Italian seasonings for a cozy meal that’s ready in under an hour.
It’s a twist on traditional lasagna, served in a bowl — perfect for weeknights or meal prep.
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy, cheesy base without heavy layering
- Tender chicken for protein-rich heartiness
- Spinach adds color and nutrients
- Quick-cooking pasta (or broken lasagna noodles)
- Comforting flavors of Italian herbs, garlic, and cheese
The result is a bowl that tastes like lasagna in soup form: rich, comforting, and indulgent without being too heavy.
Key Ingredients
Protein & Pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles or small pasta shapes
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Soup Base
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Optional: 4 oz shredded mozzarella for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken, season lightly, and cook until fully cooked (~5–6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
2. Sauté Vegetables
In the same pot, add butter. Sauté onion until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Base
Sprinkle flour over the vegetables, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook 1–2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and half-and-half until smooth. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Add Pasta & Chicken
Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cooked chicken. Simmer until pasta is tender (8–10 minutes).
5. Add Spinach & Cheese
Stir in fresh spinach until wilted. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Optional: Top each serving with shredded mozzarella and let melt before serving.
6. Season & Serve
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and Italian seasonings. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Flavor Profile
- Creamy and cheesy
- Garlic-forward with mild Italian herbs
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Slight bite from al dente pasta
- Freshness and slight earthiness from spinach
The soup mimics traditional lasagna flavor but with a creamy, spoonable texture.
Tips for Best Results
- Use day-old or slightly firm pasta for better texture.
- Cook chicken separately first to ensure tenderness.
- Simmer gently after adding dairy to avoid curdling.
- Reserve a little pasta water to adjust thickness if needed.
Variations
Add Vegetables
- Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers
- Carrots for sweetness
Make It Spicy
- Add crushed red pepper flakes or hot Italian sausage
Low-Carb Version
- Substitute lasagna noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles
Make It Creamier
- Add cream cheese or mascarpone for extra richness
What to Serve With
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Caesar or mixed green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Crusty bread for dipping
Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing
Freeze without spinach for best results; add fresh spinach when reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. Avoid boiling to keep cream from separating.
Nutritional Highlights
- High-quality protein from chicken
- Fiber and vitamins from spinach
- Balanced carbohydrates from pasta
- Calcium from Parmesan
- Comforting and filling yet portion-controlled
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking pasta — results in mushiness.
- Adding dairy to high heat — can curdle the soup.
- Skipping flour or roux — soup may remain too thin.
- Underseasoning — Italian herbs and Parmesan are essential for flavor depth.
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is a quick, satisfying way to enjoy classic lasagna flavors without the time commitment of baking layers. The combination of creamy base, tender chicken, pasta, and fresh spinach makes this soup a comforting weeknight favorite that’s sure to please the whole family.
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Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, diced (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 4 oz (115g) lasagna noodles, broken into 1” pieces
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for subtle acidity)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tsp dried basil
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Extra ricotta or mozzarella
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Grated Parmesan
- Crusty bread or garlic toast
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion; cook 4–5 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic (and carrots, if using); cook 2 more minutes.
- Simmer broth: Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Add broken lasagna noodles; simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender.
- Add chicken & seasonings: Stir in shredded chicken, tomatoes (if using), basil, and oregano. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Finish creamy base: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, and ricotta until melted and smooth.
- Wilt spinach: Add spinach; stir until just wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, topped with extra ricotta, Parmesan, and fresh herbs. Pair with crusty bread for dipping!
💡 Pro Tips:
– For extra richness, swirl in 2 tbsp cream cheese with the ricotta.
– Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
– Make it vegetarian: swap broth for veggie broth and omit chicken (add white beans for protein).
Prep Time & Nutrition (per serving, serves 6):
Servings: 6 | Calories: 280 | Net Carbs: 22g | Fats: 14g | Protein: 20g