Velvety Chicken Lasagna Soup

Are you craving the comforting, layered goodness of classic lasagna but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen? You’ve come to the right place! This incredible Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup delivers all the rich, savory flavor of your favorite lasagna dish, transformed into a convenient, delicious one-pot meal. Say goodbye to the tedious layering and hello to a bowl full of pure comfort.

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For over a decade, I’ve dedicated myself to sharing reliable, well-seasoned recipes that genuinely work for busy weeknights. My Southern roots instilled in me the belief that comfort food should always taste like love, never stress. That’s why I’ve been perfecting one-pot dinners long before they became a trend. And when it comes to soups, they are truly my passion! I love transforming beloved dishes into hearty, easy-to-make soup versions, and this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup is a shining example. Unlike traditional lasagna soups that often feature marinara, this recipe takes inspiration from my Seafood Lasagna, built upon a luscious, creamy white sauce that is simply irresistible.

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Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup: The Ultimate Weeknight Meal

Imagine a rich, savory broth infused with aromatic vegetables, tender chicken, and classic Italian seasonings, all brought together with a silky cream sauce and comforting lasagna noodles. That’s exactly what you get with this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup. It’s a delightful fusion that captures the essence of a hearty baked lasagna, but in a fraction of the time and with minimal cleanup. This recipe is designed for those evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying and flavorful, yet incredibly easy to prepare.

What Makes This Soup So Special?

• No Layering Required: The biggest time-saver! Skip the meticulous layering process of traditional lasagna without sacrificing any flavor.
• One-Pot Potential: While the noodles are cooked separately to ensure perfect texture, the bulk of this soup comes together in one pot, simplifying both cooking and cleanup.
• Creamy Indulgence: Forget red sauce! This soup boasts a luxurious cream-based broth, enriched with cream cheese and Parmesan Reggiano, offering a decadent and smooth consistency.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize with your favorite vegetables, chicken cuts, or even vegetarian alternatives. It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal touch.
• Comfort Food at its Best: This soup truly embodies comfort. It’s warm, hearty, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for a cozy night in or a family meal.

Key Ingredients for Unforgettable Flavor

Every great recipe starts with quality ingredients, and this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup is no exception. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece, along with some helpful tips for each component:

• Olive Oil: The foundation for sautéing our ingredients, adding a touch of Mediterranean richness.
• Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: I prefer chicken breasts for their lean protein, but chicken thighs offer a juicier, more tender result. For an ultimate shortcut, a store-bought rotisserie chicken works wonderfully – simply shred and add it in near the end of the cooking process to save significant time.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper: These classic spices are crucial for building the authentic lasagna flavor profile. Don’t be shy with seasoning the chicken and the soup base.
• Onions, Carrots, Celery, and Garlic: This aromatic trio, often called a mirepoix, is the soul of many savory dishes. It provides a sweet, earthy base that elevates the entire soup. Freshly minced garlic is a must for its pungent, savory kick.
• Broth: High-quality chicken broth is essential for the soup’s depth of flavor. Choose a low-sodium option to control the overall saltiness.
• Lasagna Noodles: Crucially, use standard lasagna noodles, not the “oven-ready” variety. Oven-ready noodles cook too quickly and might become mushy in this soup. You can break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier eating. While lasagna noodles are traditional, feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even broken spaghetti.
• Milk/Heavy Whipping Cream: This is where the “creamy” magic happens. Heavy whipping cream provides ultimate richness, while a combination with milk (like unsweetened almond milk for a lighter touch) can balance the indulgence. Full-fat canned coconut milk can be a great dairy-free alternative.
• Cream Cheese: A secret weapon for velvety texture and a slight tang that complements the savory chicken and cheese.
• Parmesan Reggiano Cheese: The star cheese for that authentic, nutty lasagna flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds incredible depth.
• Dry White Wine (Optional): A splash of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, adds a layer of sophistication and acidity that brightens the overall flavor of the soup. The alcohol cooks off, leaving behind only the exquisite taste.
• Spinach (Optional): Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the hot soup, adding vibrant color, a touch of earthiness, and a boost of nutrients.
• Flour: Used to create a simple slurry that thickens the soup to a perfect, satisfying consistency. Cornstarch is a suitable substitute for a gluten-free option.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Lasagna Soup

Making this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup is simpler than you might think. Follow these easy steps to achieve a truly comforting and flavorful meal:

1. Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Begin by cooking your lasagna noodles according to the package directions. Remember to use standard noodles, not oven-ready. Once cooked to al dente, drain them well and set them aside. Breaking them into smaller pieces before or after cooking can make them easier to manage in the soup.
2. Brown the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat one teaspoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoned with one teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully browned on all sides and no longer pink in the center. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Drizzle another teaspoon of olive oil into the same pot. Add the chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic for another minute until aromatic, being careful not to burn it.
4. Build the Soup Base: Return the browned chicken to the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and add the remaining half teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together, ensuring any delicious browned bits at the bottom of the pot are scraped up – this is called deglazing and adds immense flavor!
5. Add the Creamy Elements: Now for the creaminess! Stir in the milk, heavy whipping cream, shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese, and cream cheese. If you’re using dry white wine and fresh spinach, add them now as well. Continue to stir gently as the cheese melts and the soup simmers, about 10-12 minutes, until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Thicken and Combine: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour and water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this mixture into the simmering soup while stirring constantly. The soup will begin to thicken to a rich, luscious consistency. Finally, add the pre-cooked lasagna noodles to the pot and gently stir to incorporate them into the creamy soup.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld further and the soup to reach a perfect eating temperature. Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired.

Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup

By Brandi Crawford

This Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup offers all the beloved flavors of classic lasagna without any of the intricate layering. It’s a hearty, flavorful one-pot meal perfected for busy weeknights, embodying true Southern comfort: food that tastes like love, not stress.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins

• Course: Dinner, Lunch
• Cuisine: American

• Servings: 8 cups
• Calories: 344 kcal

Equipment

• Instant Pot
• Freezer Soup Molds
• Cast Iron Dutch Oven

Ingredients

Soup

• 2 teaspoons olive oil (Divided into 1 teaspoon servings)
• 1 pound skinless chicken breasts (Cut into 1-inch cubes)
• 1 ½ teaspoons Italian Seasoning (Divided into 1 teaspoon and ½ teaspoon servings)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup chopped white onion
• ½ cup chopped carrots
• ½ cup chopped celery
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 5 cups chicken broth
• 10 lasagna noodle strips (Broken in half)

Cream Sauce

• ½ cup milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream (or full fat canned coconut milk)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese
• ¼ cup dry white wine (I use Pinot Grigio)
• 3 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Thickener

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons water

Instructions

1. Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, chicken cubes, 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
3. Drizzle an additional teaspoon of olive oil into the pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic.
4. Return chicken to the pot. Add chicken broth and remaining Italian Seasoning.
5. Stir in milk, heavy cream, shredded cheese, cream cheese, dry white wine, and spinach (if using). Cook for 10-12 minutes until cheese has melted.
6. In a separate bowl, combine flour and water to form a slurry. Stir into the soup to thicken.
7. Add cooked lasagna noodles and stir gently.
8. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Always use standard lasagna noodles, not oven-ready, as oven-ready varieties cook too quickly for this recipe. You can use any type of pasta you wish.
• The soup is designed to be thick and creamy. Adjust the consistency by adding more or less broth to your preference.
• While chicken breasts are used here, feel free to substitute with chicken thighs or legs; the cooking time remains similar. Ensure the chicken is browned first for maximum flavor.
• To save time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. Shred the chicken and add it to the soup at step 5 (after vegetables are sautéed and broth is added), stirring until warm. No need to pressure cook if using pre-cooked chicken.
• For a lower-fat option, use fat-free cream cheese and coconut milk as a substitute for heavy whipping cream.
• Cornstarch can be used as a substitute for all-purpose flour for thickening.
• For a low-carb thickener, whisk ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum into a small amount of cooked soup until thickened, then stir back into the main pot.

Nutrition Data

Pro Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?

Absolutely! This is one of my favorite shortcuts for busy weeknights. Simply shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken and stir it into the soup near the end of the cooking process (at step 5, after the vegetables are sautéed and broth is added). This method provides all the delicious chicken flavor without the extra cooking time, ensuring your chicken remains juicy and tender.

How do I make the soup extra creamy?

For ultimate creaminess, don’t skimp on the heavy cream and cream cheese. These dairy components are key to achieving that luxurious, velvety texture that mimics classic lasagna. Using full-fat dairy products will yield the richest result. A good amount of freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano cheese also contributes significantly to both the creaminess and the depth of flavor.

How can I thicken the soup?

The recipe calls for a simple slurry made from equal parts all-purpose flour and water. Whisk them together thoroughly until smooth, then stir this mixture into your simmering soup. It will thicken almost immediately, giving you a beautiful, rich consistency. As an alternative, cornstarch can be used in the same way for a gluten-free option. For a low-carb alternative, a small amount of xanthan gum (about ½ teaspoon mixed with a few tablespoons of warm soup before adding to the pot) can effectively thicken the soup.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, certainly! This soup is highly adaptable to additional vegetables. Consider tossing in fresh spinach (which wilts quickly), sliced mushrooms, or chopped zucchini for extra texture, nutrients, and color. These vegetables blend seamlessly with the creamy broth, making it even heartier and more wholesome. Feel free to experiment with bell peppers or diced tomatoes for different flavor profiles.

How do I store the soup? How long will it last in the fridge?

To store your Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will last deliciously in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. When reheating, you may want to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the consistency, as creamy soups can thicken considerably upon cooling.

This soup can also be frozen! I highly recommend using freezer molds, available on Amazon, which allow you to freeze individual portions. Be aware that with creamy, dairy-based soups, you might notice some separation in texture once defrosted and reheated. To help with this, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, and adding a little extra milk or broth if needed to restore its creamy texture.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, you can absolutely adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot for even faster cooking! Here’s how:

1. Turn on the Instant Pot’s sauté function. Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil, cubed chicken, 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the chicken is browned and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Drizzle another teaspoon of olive oil into the pot. Add onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic for a minute.
4. Add the chicken broth and remaining Italian seasoning to the pot. Use a wooden spoon to deglaze the bottom, scraping up any browned bits.
5. Return the chicken to the pot. Arrange the broken lasagna noodles on top, ensuring they are mostly submerged in liquid (add a little extra broth if necessary).
6. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and pressure cook on Manual (or High Pressure) for 5 minutes.
7. Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the steam.
8. Open the pot and turn on the sauté function again. Stir in the milk, heavy cream, shredded Parmesan, cream cheese, dry white wine, and spinach (if using) until the cheese has melted and the soup is heated through.
9. In a separate bowl, combine flour and water to create a slurry. Stir this into the soup to thicken it to your desired consistency.
10. Cool slightly before serving and enjoy your quick Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup!

Serving Suggestions & Perfect Pairings

This Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple accompaniments. For a classic Italian-inspired dinner, consider:

• Crispy Air Fryer Garlic Bread: The perfect vessel for soaking up every last drop of creamy goodness.
• Homemade Classic Southern Cornbread: A delightful complement that brings a touch of rustic charm and a hint of sweetness.
• Light Zucchini Noodle Pasta Salad: A refreshing, low-carb side to balance the richness of the soup.
• A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette can add a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy soup.
• Crusty Italian Bread: Just a simple, crusty loaf of bread is ideal for dipping and enjoying the flavorful broth.

For beverages, a crisp Pinot Grigio or a light-bodied red wine would complement the flavors beautifully. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling cider or iced tea also make great choices.

More Comforting Soup Recipes

If you loved this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup, you’re sure to enjoy these other heartwarming soup recipes from my kitchen:

• Autumn Butternut Squash Soup
• Keto Broccoli Cheddar Soup
• Instant Pot Baked Potato Soup
• Keto Zuppa Toscana Soup
• Instant Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup
• Buffalo Chicken Soup
• Instant Pot Split Pea Soup
• Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Creamy Pumpkin Soup with Canned Pumpkin
• Ham Potato and Vegetable Soup
• Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup