White Lasagna Soup

Quick Benefits

  • Comforting & creamy: Offers the flavors of traditional lasagna in a cozy soup form.
  • One-pot meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
  • Customizable: Easy to adapt with different proteins, veggies, or pasta shapes.
  • Nutritious: Packed with protein, greens, and rich in calcium from the cheese.

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  • 2 cups short dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles
  • 1 cup half and half or cream
  • 2 tablespoons corn starch
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • Ricotta, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella for garnish

Preparation Steps

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large soup pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion until just golden, then add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
  2. Add Chicken & Simmer: Pour in chicken broth, then add chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12–15 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F.
  3. Cook Pasta Separately: In a separate pot, cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the soup, shred it, and set aside.
  5. Creamy Base: Whisk together the cream and corn starch until smooth. Stir this into the soup pot.
  6. Combine Everything: Return the shredded chicken, pasta, and chopped spinach to the pot. Heat until everything is well blended and warmed through.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with your favorite cheese.

Health Benefits

  • Protein-Rich: Chicken adds lean protein that supports muscle health.
  • Vitamin-Packed: Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes are rich in vitamins A, C, and iron.
  • Bone Health: Dairy ingredients like cream and cheese provide essential calcium.
  • Immune Support: Garlic and onions offer natural antimicrobial properties.

Serving Suggestions

  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for color and brightness.
  • Side Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, a side Caesar salad, or roasted veggies.
  • Family Style: Present in a large soup tureen with cheese on the side for a customizable experience.

Creative Variations

  • Vegetarian: Replace chicken with cannellini beans or mushrooms.
  • Spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes.
  • Cheesier: Stir in more mozzarella or a spoonful of ricotta directly into the soup before serving.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.

Storage Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze without the pasta for best texture, up to 2 months.
  • Reheating: Warm over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the consistency if needed.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overcook the pasta – al dente holds up better when reheating.
  • Add spinach right at the end to keep it vibrant and fresh.
  • For deeper flavor, use homemade chicken broth if possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?
A: Absolutely! It saves time and adds extra flavor.

Q: What pasta shape works best?
A: Broken lasagna noodles, rotini, or penne hold up well and capture the creamy broth.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes, just store the pasta separately and add it in when reheating to prevent it from getting too soft.

Q: Is this recipe kid-friendly?
A: Yes! The creamy, cheesy flavors are usually a big hit with kids.

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