Creamy White Lasagna Soup

There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to bring comfort and warmth, especially when it’s as rich and creamy as this White Lasagna Soup. This innovative twist on a classic dish beautifully combines the beloved flavors of lasagna pasta with the comforting embrace of a hearty soup. Crafted with tender chicken, velvety cheese, and a symphony of fragrant seasonings, this creamy chicken pasta soup promises to be an unforgettable hit for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to impressive gatherings.

If you’re a fan of rich, comforting soups or have enjoyed a simplified lasagna, you’re going to absolutely adore this White Lasagna Soup. Its creamy texture and deep flavors make it a stand-out dish that’s both easy to prepare and incredibly satisfying. We’ve taken all the best elements of a classic lasagna – the tender pasta, savory meat, and layers of cheesy goodness – and transformed them into a spoon-friendly format that’s perfect for any day of the week. This recipe is a delightful fusion, offering all the joy of lasagna without the complex layering.

The Allure of White Lasagna Soup: A Cozy Twist on a Classic

Imagine the rich, cheesy layers of a classic lasagna, but transformed into a comforting, spoonable soup – that’s the magic of White Lasagna Soup. This delightful dish takes all the elements we love about traditional lasagna, like tender pasta, savory chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, and reinterprets them into a hearty, warming bowl. It’s an ideal choice for a chilly evening, a satisfying lunch, or a unique take on a beloved Italian-American classic. The “white” aspect refers to its creamy, often ricotta-infused (though optional in this version) béchamel-like base, distinguishing it from the tomato-based red lasagna.

This recipe for homemade White Lasagna Soup is designed to be both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make. We’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you create a creamy chicken pasta soup that will impress your family and friends. Forget the lengthy layering process of traditional lasagna; this soup delivers all the flavor with significantly less effort, making it a perfect weeknight meal. It offers the familiar comfort of lasagna in a convenient, one-pot (mostly) format, ideal for busy households seeking a gourmet touch without the fuss.

Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Lasagna Soup

Crafting the perfect White Lasagna Soup begins with selecting high-quality ingredients that build a robust flavor profile. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that signature creamy texture and rich taste:

• Chicken: Whether you choose tender thighs or lean breasts, chicken forms the hearty protein foundation of this comforting soup.
• Aromatics (Onions, Carrots, Celery, Garlic): This classic mirepoix trinity, along with pungent garlic, creates the aromatic base. Sautéing these until softened releases their sweet, savory essence, which infuses the entire soup with a deep flavor.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts effortlessly into the hot soup, adding a vibrant green color, a touch of earthiness, and a boost of nutrients. It balances the richness of the creamy broth beautifully.
• Broth: High-quality chicken broth serves as the liquid base, providing a savory backdrop and helping to carry all the other flavors throughout the soup.
• Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: These dairy powerhouses are absolutely crucial for achieving the signature rich, velvety, and luxurious texture that defines this white lasagna soup. Heavy cream provides unparalleled richness, while cream cheese adds a delightful tang and extra body, making the soup feel wonderfully decadent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is non-negotiable. Its sharp, salty, and nutty umami flavor melts perfectly into the soup, enhancing the cheesy profile and adding depth.
• Flour: A small amount of all-purpose flour is used to create a roux, which is essential for thickening the soup to a pleasing, substantial consistency, ensuring it’s not too watery.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of dried herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary provides the quintessential Italian flavors that make this soup taste like a deconstructed lasagna.
• Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are vital for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors, making the soup truly sing.

Time-Saving Tip: For busy cooks, pre-chopped vegetables like a mirepoix mix (onions, carrots, celery) are a fantastic shortcut. Many grocery stores, including places like Trader Joe’s, offer these convenient packages, saving valuable prep time. Similarly, using pre-peeled minced garlic can significantly speed up the initial cooking process without compromising flavor, allowing you to get this delicious homemade lasagna soup on the table even faster.

Choosing the Perfect Chicken for Your Lasagna Soup

The type of chicken you select can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your White Lasagna Soup. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts are both excellent choices, as is cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker preparation. Each option offers distinct characteristics that contribute to the overall enjoyment of this homemade lasagna soup:

• Chicken Thighs: These are often my preferred choice for their exceptional flavor and juiciness. Chicken thighs have a slightly higher fat content than breasts, which contributes to a richer, more succulent taste and a more luxurious mouthfeel in the soup. They are incredibly tender and hold up well during simmering, remaining moist and flavorful without drying out. If you desire a deeply savory and rich creamy chicken lasagna soup, thighs are an excellent pick.
• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender option, chicken breasts are easy to shred or cut into uniform chunks. While naturally less fatty and therefore potentially less flavorful than dark meat, they readily absorb the rich flavors of the creamy sauce and seasonings, making them a perfectly suitable choice, especially if you prefer a leaner protein option. They provide a mild, clean flavor that allows the creamy sauce to shine.
• Cooked Rotisserie Chicken: For ultimate convenience, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option. It dramatically cuts down on preparation time. Simply shred the meat from the bones and add it to the soup towards the end of the cooking process to warm through. This is ideal for busy weeknights when you want to minimize your time in the kitchen but still enjoy a hearty, homemade meal.

Whichever chicken you choose, ensure it is cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating within the soup. If using raw chicken, browning it at the beginning of the cooking process is essential to develop a flavorful crust and lock in its juices, enhancing the overall taste of your easy lasagna soup recipe.

Selecting the Best Pasta for Your Creamy Lasagna Soup

The pasta is a crucial element, bringing the “lasagna” experience to this soup format. While traditional lasagna uses flat sheets, we need something that’s easy to eat with a spoon and integrates well into the creamy broth. The right pasta choice ensures your White Lasagna Soup delivers on its promise of flavor and texture. Here are some excellent options:

• Extra Wide Ribbon Pasta: This is a unique find that closely resembles miniature lasagna noodles. If you can locate it in your local grocery store or online, it’s an ideal choice for mimicking the classic lasagna texture in soup form. These broad, flat ribbons have a wonderful surface area to hold the creamy sauce and bits of chicken, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying.
• Broken Lasagna Noodles: A readily available and effective alternative is to take standard lasagna noodles and simply break them into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This is a common practice in many lasagna soup recipes and works perfectly. Aim for pieces roughly 1-2 inches in size to ensure they fit comfortably on a spoon and cook evenly. This method allows you to use widely available ingredients for your easy lasagna soup.
• Rotini or Farfalle (Bow Tie) Pasta: These shapes are also excellent choices for a creamy chicken pasta soup. Rotini’s spirals capture the creamy broth and bits of chicken and vegetables beautifully, ensuring a flavorful bite every time. Farfalle’s elegant bow-tie shape adds a fun and substantial chew to each spoonful. Their robust shapes are generally less prone to becoming mushy quickly compared to thinner pasta types, which is a bonus in soup.

No matter which pasta you choose, always prioritize quality. A good quality pasta will hold its shape and texture better, preventing a mushy result that can detract from the soup’s appeal. The key is to ensure the pasta is cooked al dente – meaning it’s tender but still firm to the bite – even when cooking it directly in the soup. This will provide the best contrast to the creamy sauce and ensure a delightful eating experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Homemade White Lasagna Soup

This easy lasagna soup recipe comes together quickly, perfect for a satisfying meal without the fuss. Follow these detailed steps to create your own delicious, creamy chicken lasagna soup, ensuring each stage contributes to a rich and flavorful final dish:

1. Brown the Chicken for Flavor Foundation: Begin by heating 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add your diced chicken (thighs or breasts) along with 1 teaspoon of Italian Seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook the chicken until it is beautifully browned on all sides, typically 4-5 minutes. This browning step is crucial for building a deep, savory flavor foundation, known as the Maillard reaction. Once nicely browned, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside; it will be added back later.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, with any delicious leftover drippings from the chicken, add your chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté these vegetables until they soften and become translucent, usually 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for just another minute until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, taking care not to burn it, as burnt garlic can taste bitter. These aromatic vegetables form the essential flavor base of your creamy lasagna soup.
3. Create a Roux to Thicken: Sprinkle the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour evenly over the sautéed vegetables. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to ensure the flour is fully incorporated and cooked out. This step creates a roux, a mixture of fat and flour that will be the primary thickening agent for your soup, giving it a rich, luxurious body and preventing it from being too thin.
4. Whisk in Broth and Simmer: Gradually whisk in 6 cups of chicken broth, adding it slowly, a cup at a time, while continuously stirring to prevent any lumps from forming. As you whisk, use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan – this is called deglazing and those bits are packed with concentrated flavor. Once all the broth is added and smooth, return the browned chicken to the pot. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with its lid, and let it gently simmer for about 10 minutes to allow all the delicious flavors to meld and deepen. At this point, add the remaining ½-1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
5. Cook the Pasta Directly in Soup: Remove the lid and add your chosen pasta (extra wide ribbons or broken lasagna noodles) directly into the simmering soup. Stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is fully submerged in the hot liquid. Cover the pot again and continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, or according to your specific pasta package instructions, until the chicken is cooked through and the pasta is al dente (tender but firm to the bite). If the soup appears too thick or the pasta isn’t fully covered, add a little extra broth or water to ensure even cooking.
6. Enrich with Dairy and Spinach: Finally, uncover the pot and stir in the 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 4 oz cream cheese (if you’re using it for extra creaminess), and ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add the 4-5 cups of fresh spinach, stirring gently until it wilts into the hot soup, which should only take about 5 minutes. The cream and cheeses will melt into a luxurious, creamy base, truly transforming this into a rich White Lasagna Soup.
7. Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste the soup and make any final adjustments to seasoning. Sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper, or a dash more Italian seasoning, can make all the difference to perfect the flavor profile. Allow the soup to cool slightly before serving for the best flavor and consistency. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired, for a truly inviting bowl of comfort.

Achieving the Perfect Creamy Texture for Your White Lasagna Soup

The hallmark of a truly great White Lasagna Soup is its luxurious, creamy texture. This isn’t achieved by accident but through a precise combination of key ingredients and careful technique, all working in harmony to create that irresistible velvety consistency:

• The Roux – Your Soup’s Thickening Secret: Flour plays a vital role as a thickening agent in this homemade lasagna soup. By sprinkling flour onto your sautéed vegetables and cooking it briefly with the residual fat (from the olive oil and chicken drippings), you create a roux. This cooked flour mixture then absorbs the liquid from the chicken broth, swelling and thickening the soup as it simmers. The key here is to whisk continuously when gradually adding the broth to ensure the roux dissolves smoothly, preventing any unsightly lumps and resulting in a beautifully smooth, thick base.
• Heavy Cream – The Indulgent Richness: This is arguably the most important ingredient for achieving the desired richness and decadent mouthfeel. Heavy cream has a high fat content, which contributes significantly to the soup’s velvety texture and luxurious flavor. It’s added towards the end of the cooking process to prevent it from curdling due to prolonged high heat and to preserve its delicate, smooth texture. It’s what transforms a simple broth into a truly creamy chicken lasagna soup.
• Cream Cheese – The Tangy Depth (Optional but Recommended): While optional, cream cheese is highly recommended for an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle, delightful tangy depth that beautifully complements the other flavors. It melts smoothly into the hot soup, further enhancing its lasagna-like richness and adding a lovely mild tang that brightens the overall taste. If you prefer a less indulgent or slightly lighter soup, you can certainly omit it, but be aware that its absence will make the soup slightly less dense and rich.

For those looking for alternatives to cream cheese, full-fat sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be used in similar quantities. While they won’t yield the exact same rich, mild creaminess as cream cheese, they will still contribute to a thicker, tangy texture. Remember to temper them slightly by stirring in a little hot soup into a separate bowl with the sour cream or yogurt before adding it to the main pot. This step helps to gradually bring their temperature up, preventing them from curdling when introduced to the hot liquid.

The Magic of Freshly Grated Parmesan in Your White Lasagna Soup

While many cheeses can add creaminess, Parmesan cheese brings a unique and irreplaceable depth of flavor to this White Lasagna Soup. Its rich, salty, and nutty profile perfectly complements the creamy base, elevating the entire dish. But there’s a secret to unlocking its full potential and ensuring a truly gourmet experience: always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ideally Parmesan Reggiano.

Store-bought pre-shredded or pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents like cellulose, which are added to prevent the cheese from clumping together in the bag. While convenient, these agents can also prevent the cheese from melting smoothly in your soup, potentially giving it a slightly gritty or grainy texture. Freshly grated Parmesan, on the other hand, melts beautifully and seamlessly, integrating into the soup to create a smooth, luxurious finish.

Beyond texture, freshly grated Parmesan boasts a far superior flavor and aroma. Its complex, aged notes are much more pronounced than those found in pre-packaged varieties, making a noticeable difference in the final taste of your creamy chicken lasagna soup. Investing in a block of good quality Parmesan Reggiano and grating it yourself just before adding it to the soup will reward you with a depth of flavor that simply cannot be matched by its pre-shredded counterparts. This small effort yields significant returns in the overall quality and taste of your homemade lasagna soup, truly enhancing its authentic Italian-inspired character.

Mastering Noodle Cooking in Your Lasagna Soup to Avoid Mushiness

One of the most common challenges in soup recipes that include pasta is preventing the noodles from becoming mushy. For this White Lasagna Soup, I prefer to cook the noodles directly in the soup, which not only saves time and the need for a separate pot but also allows the pasta to absorb the rich flavors of the broth. However, this method requires careful timing and attention to achieve perfect, al dente pasta every time:

• Follow Package Instructions Religiously: This is paramount. Different pasta shapes and brands have varying cook times and hydration needs. Always refer to the instructions on your specific pasta package to determine the ideal cooking duration.
• Strategic Timing for Pasta Addition: Do not add the pasta at the very beginning of the simmering process. Instead, let your soup base simmer and develop its flavors for a good portion of the cooking time (e.g., 10 minutes, as in this recipe) before introducing the pasta. This ensures the other ingredients are cooked to perfection while preventing the pasta from sitting in the hot liquid for too long and becoming overcooked.
• Full Submersion is Key: When you add the pasta to the pot, ensure every single piece is completely submerged in the liquid. If the noodles are exposed to air, they will not soften evenly, leading to inconsistent textures. If necessary, add a bit more chicken broth or even plain water to adequately cover them.
• Aim for Al Dente Perfection: Cook the pasta only until it is al dente – meaning it’s tender yet still firm to the bite. It’s important to remember that pasta will continue to soften slightly even after the heat is turned off, and definitely upon reheating. Removing it from the heat when it’s just al dente ensures it retains a pleasant chew.
• Separate Cooking (Optional but Recommended for Freezing or Leftovers): If you plan to freeze portions of the soup for future meals, or if you are particularly concerned about mushy pasta in leftovers, cooking the pasta separately is an excellent strategy. Simply boil the pasta in a separate pot of well-salted water until al dente, then drain it. Add this freshly cooked pasta to individual bowls of soup just before serving. This ensures perfect pasta texture every single time, especially for make-ahead meals or if you anticipate enjoying the soup over several days. This method is the safest way to avoid mushy pasta in your creamy chicken lasagna soup.

Customizing Your White Lasagna Soup: Substitutions and Add-Ins for Endless Variations

One of the joys of making homemade soup is the freedom to customize it to your taste and what you have on hand. This White Lasagna Soup recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing for numerous substitutions and additions to make it uniquely yours and ensure it never gets boring. Feel free to experiment and discover your favorite combinations for this creamy chicken pasta soup:

• Meats:
  • Bacon: Crispy crumbled bacon, stirred in just before serving, provides a smoky, salty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the creamy broth.
  • Italian Sausage: Browned and crumbled Italian sausage (choose mild, sweet, or spicy, depending on your preference) can entirely replace or complement the chicken, adding a robust, herbaceous flavor profile that’s a natural fit for lasagna-inspired dishes.
  • Ground Turkey or Beef: For a different texture and flavor, browned ground turkey or lean ground beef can also be used.
• Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value, color, and texture with extra vegetables.
  • Kale: A heartier green than spinach, kale adds a slightly bitter note and more chew. Stir it in at the same time as the spinach, allowing a bit more time to wilt.
  • Mushrooms: Sliced cremini or button mushrooms sautéed with the aromatics add an earthy, umami depth that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • Zucchini: Diced zucchini softens beautifully in the soup, adding a mild flavor and extra nutrients. Add it with the carrots and celery.
  • Peas: Frozen peas stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking add a delightful pop of color and sweetness.
• Flavor Boosters: Elevate the taste with these additional elements.
  • Dry White Wine: A splash (about ¼ cup) of dry white wine, deglazed after sautéing the vegetables, can add a sophisticated layer of acidity and depth to the broth. Allow it to cook down before adding broth.
  • Cajun Seasoning: For a delightful kick and a different flavor profile, a touch of Cajun seasoning can transform this soup. It’s a fantastic way to add immense flavor if you enjoy a little spice and a unique twist on the classic.
  • Fresh Herbs (Basil, Parsley): Stir in fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving for incredible brightness and a fragrant, herbaceous finish.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the Italian seasoning provides a subtle warmth that awakens the palate.
• Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses to alter the creamy, cheesy profile.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Shredded mozzarella can be stirred in at the end for extra gooey, stringy cheese pulls, adding another layer of classic lasagna appeal.
  • Ricotta Cheese: While this recipe focuses on a creamy white base, a dollop of ricotta stirred into individual bowls before serving can add another layer of traditional lasagna flavor and a lovely soft texture, resembling the classic ricotta layers.
  • Romano Cheese: Similar to Parmesan, Pecorino Romano offers a sharper, saltier kick and a more pungent aroma, if you prefer a bolder cheese flavor.
• Legumes:
  • White Beans: Canned cannellini or great northern beans (rinsed and drained) can be added during the last 10 minutes of simmering for extra plant-based protein and fiber, making the soup even heartier and more filling.

Heavy Cream Alternatives for a Lighter Touch

While heavy cream is key to the decadent richness and signature creamy texture of this White Lasagna Soup, you can certainly explore alternatives if you’re looking for a slightly lighter option or simply don’t have heavy cream on hand. Keep in mind that these substitutions will inevitably alter the soup’s texture and overall richness, as heavy cream provides a unique fat content:

• Half and Half: This is a common and relatively easy substitute. It contains less fat than heavy cream, so your soup will be noticeably less thick and rich but will still retain a pleasant creamy quality. You might find you need to add a touch more flour to your roux if you desire to maintain some of the original soup’s body.
• Milk (Whole Milk Preferred): Whole milk offers a creamy taste but has a much lower fat content compared to heavy cream, resulting in a significantly thinner soup. If using whole milk, you would definitely want to consider increasing the amount of flour in your roux slightly to achieve a thicker consistency, or rely more heavily on the cream cheese (if using) for added body. Skim or low-fat milk is generally not recommended as it can curdle more easily and will result in a very thin soup.
• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: For a dairy-free or vegan-friendly alternative, full-fat canned coconut milk can provide a similar creamy texture. It’s important to be aware, however, that it will impart a subtle but noticeable coconut flavor to the soup. This can be a delicious and interesting twist for some palates but might not suit everyone expecting a strictly traditional Italian flavor profile in their homemade lasagna soup. Always use full-fat for the best texture.

When substituting any dairy product with a lower fat content, it’s often a good idea to start with a smaller amount and add more as needed, tasting as you go. You can also temper the milk or half and half by stirring a small amount of hot soup into it before adding it to the main pot, which helps prevent curdling. Remember that the soup’s original incredibly creamy consistency is largely due to the high fat content of heavy cream, so any alternatives will naturally yield a different result in terms of both richness and thickness.

The Ideal Pot for Soup Making: A Dutch Oven’s Advantage

The right cookware makes a significant difference in the success and ease of preparing any soup, especially a hearty one like White Lasagna Soup. A large, heavy-bottomed pot or, ideally, a Dutch oven is highly recommended for this recipe, and here’s why it stands out as the best choice for your creamy chicken pasta soup:

• Even Heat Distribution: Heavy-bottomed pots, particularly cast iron or enameled cast iron Dutch ovens, distribute heat much more evenly across the bottom and up the sides. This is absolutely crucial for preventing ingredients from sticking or burning, especially during the initial stages of sautéing vegetables and browning chicken. Even heat also ensures that all parts of your soup simmer consistently, leading to better flavor development and perfectly cooked ingredients.
• Superior Heat Retention: Dutch ovens excel at retaining heat over prolonged periods. This characteristic helps maintain a consistent simmer throughout the cooking process, which is important for the pasta to cook evenly to an al dente texture and for all the flavors of the soup to meld together beautifully and deeply. Once hot, they keep the soup warm for longer, which is great for serving.
• Ample Capacity: A large pot is essential for a soup that contains both a generous amount of liquid and solid ingredients like chicken, vegetables, and pasta. It provides ample space for all components to cook comfortably without overcrowding. Overcrowding a pot can lead to ingredients steaming instead of browning, and can prevent even cooking.
• Durability and Versatility: High-quality Dutch ovens are built to last a lifetime, making them a worthwhile investment for any home cook who loves making soups, stews, braises, and other one-pot meals. Their versatility extends beyond the stovetop, as many are oven-safe, adding to their utility.

If you don’t currently own a Dutch oven, any large, sturdy pot with a heavy bottom will work as an alternative. However, you might need to adjust heat levels more carefully and stir more frequently to avoid scorching, particularly at the bottom of the pot. Investing in a good Dutch oven is a game-changer for homemade soups like this easy lasagna soup recipe.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Your White Lasagna Soup

This creamy chicken lasagna soup often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to deepen and meld. Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your leftovers safely and deliciously, especially with a creamy, pasta-based soup:

• Storing Leftovers: Once the soup has cooled completely to room temperature (this is important for food safety to prevent bacterial growth), transfer it to an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to prevent any absorption of refrigerator odors and to maintain the soup’s freshness and flavor.
• Reheating on the Stove: This is generally the preferred method for reheating soup, as it allows for more control over the temperature and consistency. Transfer the desired portion to a saucepan and reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s warmed through to your liking. This slow, even reheating helps prevent scorching and ensures the creamy base remains smooth.
• Reheating in the Microwave: For individual servings or when you’re in a hurry, the microwave is a quick and convenient option. Place the soup in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely (a microwave-safe lid or plate works well to prevent splattering), and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until the soup is hot and evenly warmed through.
• Adjusting Consistency Upon Reheating: White Lasagna Soup will thicken significantly after refrigeration due to the starch released by the pasta and the setting of the fat from the cream and cheese. When reheating, it’s highly recommended to add a splash of extra chicken broth, water, or even a bit more cream to thin it out to your desired consistency. Add gradually, stirring well after each addition, until you reach the perfect, spoonable texture reminiscent of its freshly made state. This helps revive the soup and ensures it’s just as enjoyable as the first serving.

Freezing Your White Lasagna Soup for Future Enjoyment

White Lasagna Soup is a fantastic candidate for meal prepping and freezing, allowing you to enjoy a comforting meal even on your busiest days. However, a key consideration for freezing any pasta-based soup is the pasta itself, as it can significantly impact the texture upon thawing and reheating:

• Pasta and Freezing: The Critical Consideration: If you know ahead of time that you intend to freeze portions of this creamy chicken lasagna soup, it is strongly recommended to cook the pasta separately from the soup base. Pasta cooked directly in the soup and then frozen tends to become mushy, bloated, and absorb too much liquid upon thawing and reheating. Instead, prepare the soup base (without the pasta) and freeze it. When you’re ready to serve, thaw the soup base, reheat it, and then cook fresh pasta to add to individual bowls of the hot soup. This method ensures perfectly al dente pasta every time, even with make-ahead meals.
• Freezing Instructions: Allow the soup (either the full soup or, ideally, the pasta-free base) to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial for food safety and to prevent ice crystal formation. Transfer the cooled soup to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. If using containers, leave about an inch of headspace at the top to account for expansion as the liquid freezes. If using freezer bags, lay them flat for more efficient storage. Tightly seal the containers or bags. The soup can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months for optimal freshness and quality.
• Thawing and Reheating Frozen Soup: To thaw, transfer the frozen soup from the freezer to the refrigerator overnight. This allows for a slow, safe defrosting process. Once thawed, reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat. You will likely notice some separation in the soup (where the liquids and solids seem to have separated), which is entirely normal for dishes containing dairy after freezing and thawing. Simply stir vigorously while reheating to bring it back together into a smooth, creamy consistency. As with refrigerated leftovers, add additional broth, water, or a splash of cream as needed to achieve your desired consistency before serving.

More Comforting Soup Recipes to Explore

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this White Lasagna Soup, you’re sure to enjoy these other hearty and flavorful soup recipes that offer similar levels of comfort and satisfaction:

• Slow Cooker Crockpot Loaded Potato Soup: A creamy, cheesy potato soup made effortlessly in your slow cooker, packed with all your favorite potato toppings.
• Chicken Alfredo Soup with Tortellini: Combining two Italian favorites into one luxurious bowl, this soup is rich, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying with tender tortellini.
• Classic Chicken and Wild Rice Soup: A timeless and wholesome recipe, perfect for a hearty and nutritious meal.
• Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup: The ultimate classic comfort for any time of year, this soup is simple, soothing, and always a crowd-pleaser.
• Cajun Chicken Soup: A flavorful and spicy twist that will warm you from the inside out, offering a taste of Louisiana in a bowl.
• Marry Me Chicken Soup: A rich and creamy soup inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken dish, full of sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan.

For those who prefer different cooking methods, explore my Instant Pot Chicken Lasagna Soup for a quicker version that delivers similar amazing flavors, or check the recipe notes below for detailed tips on how to adapt this recipe for a slow cooker, allowing you to set it and forget it until dinner time.

Recipe: White Lasagna Soup

This creamy, hearty chicken pasta soup brings all the beloved flavors of lasagna into a comforting bowl, perfect for any occasion. It’s an easy lasagna soup recipe that doesn’t compromise on rich taste or luxurious texture.

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Equipment for White Lasagna Soup

• Cast Iron Dutch Oven (or a large heavy-bottomed pot)
• Whisk
• Cutting Board & Knife

Ingredients for White Lasagna Soup

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 pounds skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (or shredded rotisserie chicken)
• 1 ½ – 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning, divided
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ cup diced white onions
• ½ cup diced carrots
• ½ cup diced celery
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 6-8 cups chicken broth (start with 6 cups, add more for thinner consistency)
• 8 ounces extra wide ribbons pasta or lasagna noodles broken into pieces
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 4 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• ½ cup shredded Parmesan Reggiano cheese, freshly grated
• 4-5 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions for White Lasagna Soup

1. Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a large soup pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, along with salt and pepper to taste. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides (about 4-5 minutes). Remove the chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add the diced onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are translucent and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
3. Sprinkle the ¼ cup all-purpose flour throughout the vegetables and stir well to combine, cooking for 1-2 minutes to create a roux and remove the raw flour taste.
4. Gradually whisk in 6 cups of chicken broth, stirring constantly to ensure there are no lumps. Use your spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan (deglaze). Return the cooked chicken to the pot.
5. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then add the remaining ½-1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover the pot and reduce heat to low, allowing the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes to deepen flavors.
6. Uncover the pot and add the 8 ounces of pasta. Ensure the pasta is completely submerged in the liquid. Cover again and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or according to your pasta package instructions, until the pasta is al dente and the chicken is tender. Add additional broth or water if the soup becomes too thick or the pasta isn’t fully covered.
7. Remove the lid and stir in the 1 cup heavy whipping cream, 4 oz cream cheese (if using), ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and 4-5 cups fresh spinach (if using). Continue to simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and the spinach to wilt.
8. Taste the soup and adjust seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning) as needed to suit your preference. Let the soup cool slightly before serving for optimal flavor and consistency.

Recipe Notes

• Broth Quantity: I typically use 7-8 cups of broth for a thick and creamy soup. Start with 6 cups as directed, and feel free to add more broth or water later to thin out the soup if you prefer a less thick consistency. It’s always easier to thin a soup than to thicken it.
• Preventing Mushy Pasta: Overcooked pasta can quickly become mushy. If you are concerned about pasta texture, especially for leftovers or freezing, cook your pasta separately according to package directions until al dente. Add it to individual bowls of soup just before serving. This is particularly important if you plan to freeze the soup.
• Reheating Leftovers: Refrigerated soup will thicken significantly. When reheating, add additional chicken broth, water, or a splash of cream to restore the desired consistency.
• Flour for Thickening: Flour is used to create a roux and thicken the soup. Omitting it will result in a much thinner soup.
• Heavy Cream Substitutions: Half and half, milk (whole milk preferred), or full-fat canned coconut milk can substitute for heavy cream. Be aware that these alternatives have lower fat content and will yield a thinner soup.
• Cream Cheese Options: Cream cheese adds rich, tangy creaminess. If omitted, the soup will be less thick and rich. Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for cream cheese (using the same serving suggestion), but will slightly alter the creamy result and add a more pronounced tang.
• Slow Cooker Method: To use a slow cooker, combine all ingredients EXCEPT the pasta, heavy cream, cream cheese, spinach, and Parmesan cheese in the slow cooker pot. Cook on LOW for 8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. Once the cooking time is complete, boil the pasta separately until al dente. Then, add the cooked pasta, heavy cream, cream cheese, spinach, and cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until creamy and heated through, serving immediately.

Nutrition Information

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is typically calculated using online nutrition calculators like MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information for your specific recipe, it is recommended to calculate it with the actual ingredients and brands you use, utilizing your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for verifying the accuracy, completeness, and usefulness of any nutritional information provided.

Serving: 1 cup

Calories: 393 kcal

Carbohydrates: 16g

Protein: 25g

Fat: 26g

Thank you for trying this delicious White Lasagna Soup recipe! We hope you and your loved ones enjoy this comforting twist on a classic. Don’t forget to share your creations and experiences with us!