This creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is like a cozy hug in a bowl! With tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and comforting noodles, it’s perfect for chilly nights.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just simmer, combine, and enjoy. I always add extra cheese on top because, let’s be honest, more cheese is always a good idea! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is key here. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. Alternatively, leftover chicken works well too. If you’re vegetarian, consider substituting with cooked mushrooms or white beans for added protein.
Cheeses: The mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives the soup its creamy texture and richness. If you’re looking for lower-fat options, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella. For a dairy-free version, try cashew cream or tofu-based alternatives.
Lasagna Noodles: I like breaking lasagna noodles for a rustic feel. You can use any short pasta like penne or fusilli if you don’t have lasagna noodles. Gluten-free pasta is another great option, just be sure to adjust cooking time as needed.
Broth: Using low-sodium chicken broth keeps it flavorful without being too salty. If you prefer, vegetable broth can be a nice substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Creamy Base for Your Soup?
The key to a creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup is in smoothly incorporating the cheese mixture. Here’s how you do it:
- Combine ricotta, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan in a bowl until smooth. Whisking helps blend everything together.
- Add this cheese mixture to the simmering soup in small batches. Stir well each time to create an even consistency without lumps.
- Patience is essential! Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding the cheese mixture to fully meld flavors and achieve that creamy texture.
With these tips and ingredients, you’ll have a delicious soup that warms you up while capturing the essence of lasagna! Enjoy every spoonful! 😋
White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth (preferably low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz cooked lasagna noodles, cut into bite-sized pieces (or broken lasagna noodles)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage leaves, lightly sautéed (for garnish)
- Crispy prosciutto or bacon pieces (optional garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 20 minutes to cook. So, in about 35 minutes, you can have a warm, comforting bowl of White Chicken Lasagna Soup ready for you and your loved ones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with Sautéing Veggies:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion turns translucent. Now, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it smells amazing!
2. Add Broth and Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous), and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste. Let it all bubble together to combine the flavors!
3. Create the Creamy Cheese Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the ricotta cheese, heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until smooth. It should look luscious and creamy—this will give your soup that comforting texture!
4. Mix Everything Together:
Once the soup is simmering nicely, gradually stir in the cheese mixture. Keep stirring until everything is fully incorporated, and the soup is wonderfully creamy.
5. Add Noodles and Finish Cooking:
Add the cooked lasagna noodles to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they are heated through. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve it Up:
Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with sautéed fresh sage leaves, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan, and crispy prosciutto or bacon pieces if you’d like. Enjoy each comforting spoonful!
This soup beautifully captures the creamy, cheesy essence of white chicken lasagna in a comforting warm bowl. Enjoy!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor. Just shred the chicken and toss it into the pot when you add the broth.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the soup may be a bit less creamy. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or cashew cream instead!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
You can freeze the soup, but leave out the pasta. Cooked pasta can become mushy when frozen. To freeze, store the soup without pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just add freshly cooked noodles when you’re ready to enjoy!
