There’s something irresistibly cozy about a bowl of creamy, savory soup that tastes like your favorite Italian comfort food. This Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe brings together tender chicken, rich creaminess, and all the flavors of lasagna in a delightful, slurpable form that warms you right to your soul.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This soup is my go-to when I want dinner that’s cozy, easy, and totally satisfying without standing over the stove forever. It’s like a hug in a bowl, packing creamy richness and wholesome veggies with that comforting lasagna flavor you adore.
- Flavor-packed simplicity: Every spoonful bursts with classic Italian herbs, cheese, and tender chicken that tastes homemade and fresh.
- One-pot comfort: The soup comes together mostly in one pot, so cleanup is a breeze after those satisfying bites.
- Customizable heartiness: Adjust noodle quantity or veggies to make it lighter or more filling, depending on your appetite.
- Family friendly: Even picky eaters tend to love this because it feels familiar but surprises with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient plays an important role in building that rich, comforting flavor that sets this soup apart. Here’s why you’ll want to use these staples and some tips for picking the best versions at the store.
- Unsalted butter: Starting with butter adds that silky, rich base to sauté the veggies and develop flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
- Onion, carrots, celery: The classic mirepoix trio creates layers of savory depth and sweetness that round out the soup perfectly.
- Garlic: Just a few cloves bring that warm, fragrant punch that sings in every creamy bite.
- Italian seasoning & dried basil: These herbs layer in classic lasagna flavors, so you feel like you’re enjoying a bowl of Italian magic.
- Flour: It thickens the soup into a luscious consistency that coats your spoon beautifully.
- Chicken broth & water: The broth adds savory umami while water balances it out, making the soup light but flavorful.
- Chicken breasts: Skinless, boneless pieces cook tender and shred easily, delivering protein-rich bites in every spoonful.
- Whole milk & cream cheese: These are the secret duo for that creamy, velvety texture that turns soup into a comforting indulgence.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle melts into melty, nutty goodness that pulls this whole dish together.
- Baby spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of green without overpowering the creamy base.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-size pieces, noodles provide the pasta love you expect in any lasagna variation.
Make It Your Way
I love tweaking this recipe based on the season or pantry staples. Whether you want to amp up the veggies or swap out ingredients for a lighter touch, this recipe is super forgiving and easy to personalize.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap baby spinach for kale when I want a bit more bite and nutrition—just let it cook a bit longer to soften.
- Dairy-free option: Use coconut milk and dairy-free cream cheese substitutes to keep it creamy without the dairy.
- Protein twist: Feel free to use shredded rotisserie chicken if you want to save time but keep the flavor intact.
- Extra hearty: Add more noodles or even a scoop of ricotta on top before serving for a lasagna-like touch.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Comfort Base
Start by melting the butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven—this is where the magic begins. Toss in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. I find cooking them for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften perfectly softens their flavors without losing their bite. Then add the minced garlic and stir for another minute until it’s fragrant. This step brings a savory aroma that fills your kitchen, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Season and Thicken
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and just a touch of nutmeg—it’s subtle but adds a warm layer of complexity. Whisk in the flour to coat the veggies; this helps thicken the soup later. Make sure to stir thoroughly to avoid clumps—it should look like a smooth paste before you move on.
Step 3: Simmer the Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring as you bring it all to a boil. Gently add the chicken breasts and reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover with a lid and let it bubble gently for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. This slow simmer helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 4: Shred and Cook Pasta
Carefully remove the chicken and let it cool just enough to handle. Shred it into bite-sized pieces—it’s so satisfying to see that tender chicken ready to mix back into your creamy soup. Meanwhile, cook your broken lasagna noodles in a separate pot until al dente. I recommend cooking a few extra noodles if you like it pasta-heavy because that’s one of my favorite parts.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish
Bring the soup base back to a gentle simmer and add the whole milk and softened cream cheese. Stir occasionally, letting the creamy cheeses melt smoothly into the broth over 3 to 5 minutes. This turns your soup into the indulgent, velvety dish you’re craving.
Step 6: Final Touches and Serve
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and shredded chicken. Cook just a few minutes more until the spinach wilts gently and everything is heated through. Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. I like adding the lasagna noodles to each bowl right before serving to keep them perfectly tender without getting mushy. Garnish with fresh herbs or shaved Parmesan for that beautiful, restaurant-style touch!
Top Tip
I’ve made this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe dozens of times, and a few little tricks have saved me from soggy noodles or bland broth that can easily happen. These tips will help your soup shine every time.
- Cook noodles separately: Add noodles to each bowl individually instead of the pot, so they don’t soak up too much broth and get mushy.
- Don’t rush the simmer: Low and slow cooking lets flavors deepen and chicken become tender without drying out.
- Use softened cream cheese: Softened cream cheese melts in quickly for a smooth texture—cold chunks can create lumps.
- Season gradually: Add salt and pepper little by little; you can always add more after tasting at the end.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top each bowl with fresh chopped basil or parsley, along with a generous shaving or two of Parmesan. Sometimes a drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes adds a fun extra punch that wakes up the flavors.
Side Dishes
This soup is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple garlic bread or a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this in mini cast iron bowls with a parmesan crisp perched on the side. It’s a beautiful way to impress guests with a comforting, homey vibe. You can also layer lasagna noodles on top like a crunchy garnish for a playful touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. I store soup and noodles separately to keep the noodles from turning mushy. Just reheat the soup gently and add noodles freshly before serving again.
Freezing
This soup freezes well—just hold off on cooking the noodles before freezing. When you thaw and reheat, cook noodles fresh or add pre-cooked ones last minute. This keeps the texture spot-on instead of gummy.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps restore creaminess if it thickened too much overnight. Heat until the soup is warmed through, then stir in noodles just before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken saves time and adds great flavor. Just stir it in during the final step to warm through without overcooking.
Cook the lasagna noodles separately and add them to each serving bowl just before eating. This keeps them perfectly tender without absorbing too much broth and becoming soggy.
Yes! Baby kale or Swiss chard work well, though kale may need a longer cooking time to soften. It’s a great way to switch up the flavor and texture.
Definitely! Use coconut milk or almond milk with a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese to keep that cheesy flavor without dairy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those special dishes I keep coming back to—whether for a chilly weeknight dinner or a weekend when I want something comforting but not complicated. The way it fills the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas and delivers a creamy, cheesy hug in every spoonful makes it an absolute favorite in my home. Give it a try—you might just add it to your own rotation of go-to comfort foods!
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Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy and comforting White Lasagna Soup with tender chicken breasts, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach. This cozy soup captures all the flavors of classic white lasagna in a warm and hearty bowl, perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Sauté Base
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 1 cup celery stalks, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Thickener
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Broth & Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
Protein & Pasta
- 2 medium chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 6 oz lasagna noodles
Cheese & Greens
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 oz baby spinach
Instructions
- Melt butter and sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, peeled and diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for about 4 minutes or until the vegetables soften.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and ground nutmeg. Whisk in the all-purpose flour until fully combined to help thicken the soup.
- Add broth and simmer chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the raw chicken breasts. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred cooked chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and allow them to cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Cook lasagna noodles: While the chicken cools, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil and cook broken lasagna noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. You can add extra noodles if you prefer a pasta-rich soup.
- Melt cheese into soup base: Return the soup base to a simmer. Stir in the whole milk and softened cream cheese. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3 to 5 minutes until the cream cheese has melted completely.
- Add cheese, greens, and chicken: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and the shredded chicken. Cook for another 3 minutes or until the Parmesan melts, spinach wilts slightly, and the chicken is reheated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with noodles and garnish: Remove the soup from heat. Ladle soup into bowls and add cooked lasagna noodles just before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy your hearty White Lasagna Soup with Chicken!
Notes
- You can substitute kale for spinach if preferred for a different flavor and texture.
- To make this soup more pasta-heavy, cook and add extra lasagna noodles as desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting quality.
- For a lighter version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk and reduce the butter by half.
- This soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 417 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1309 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg
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