This White Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on classic lasagna. It features tender chicken, pasta, and spinach in a creamy broth, making it perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you crave a hearty meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comforting & Hearty: This soup offers all the flavors of lasagna in a warm, satisfying bowl.
- Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste, including adding different vegetables or proteins.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy, flavorful dish.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot, saving you time and effort.
Tools and Equipment
To make this White Lasagna Soup, you will need a few essential kitchen tools.
Essential Tools
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Two forks for shredding chicken
Why These Tools Matter
- Dutch oven: Ideal for even heat distribution and can go from stovetop to oven.
- Whisk: Ensures smooth blending of the cream mixture with no lumps.
- Sharp knife: Makes chopping vegetables and shredding chicken quick and safe.
Ingredients for White Lasagna Soup
Soup Base
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth (use 4 cups for a thinner soup)
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 300 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
Creamy Mixture
- 1 cup half and half or cream (the higher the fat content, the richer the soup)
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (reduce if not using low sodium broth)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (more for extra spice)
Pasta and Greens
- 2 cups short dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 120 grams)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Ricotta cheese, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish as desired
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Base
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until just starting to brown.
Step 2: Season and Sauté
Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Add the chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through with an internal temperature of at least 165°F.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in boiling salted water to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the soup and shred it using two forks.
Step 6: Prepare the Cream Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the half and half (or cream) and corn starch until smooth.
Step 7: Combine and Heat Through
Return the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir in the cream mixture and spinach. Heat through until the soup is hot and the spinach is wilted.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella as desired.
Enjoy this comforting White Lasagna Soup with a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup
This White Lasagna Soup is versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways.
Top with Crispy Garlic Bread
Add a slice of crispy garlic bread to each bowl for a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy soup.
Create a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Serve the soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich for a nostalgic comfort food experience, perfect for dipping.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
Enhance the flavor by garnishing each bowl with fresh basil or parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness.
Pro Tips for the Best White Lasagna Soup
To elevate your White Lasagna Soup, consider these expert tips.
- Use Quality Chicken Broth: A rich, flavorful broth is essential for a delicious base; opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought options.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when added to the soup.
- Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheeses like fontina or gouda for a unique twist on the classic flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to modify the salt and spices according to your preference, especially if using regular broth.
- Make it Ahead: This soup can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Best Side Dishes and Pairings
Pair your White Lasagna Soup with these delightful accompaniments.
- Crusty Italian Bread: Its texture is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth and adds a satisfying crunch.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of seasonal roasted vegetables adds color and nutrition, balancing the meal.
- White Wine: A glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the flavors of the soup beautifully.
- Garlic Knots: Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping and enhance the overall dining experience.
- Herbed Rice: A light herbed rice side dish can soak up the broth, adding another layer of flavor to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Browning the Onions: Skipping the browning step can lead to a less flavorful base for your soup.
- Overcooking the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature but avoid overcooking to keep it tender.
- Ignoring the Pasta Cooking Instructions: Cooking the pasta too long can result in mushy noodles in your soup.
- Skipping the Cream Mixture: Not whisking the cream and corn starch together can lead to lumps in your soup.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
Store any leftover White Lasagna Soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Tips
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place the soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth if the soup is too thick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make White Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator or freeze it for later use.
What can I substitute for chicken in White Lasagna Soup?
You can use cooked turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian version of White Lasagna Soup.
How do I make White Lasagna Soup creamier?
To enhance creaminess, use a higher fat content cream and ensure to whisk the cream and corn starch thoroughly before adding it to the soup.
Can I add vegetables to White Lasagna Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
How do I thicken White Lasagna Soup?
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add more corn starch mixed with a little water or broth during the cooking process.
Final Thoughts
White Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on a classic dish, perfect for any cozy meal. I encourage you to try making this recipe and share your experience in the comments. Your feedback is invaluable!
Dinner
PrintWhite Lasagna Soup
This White Lasagna Soup is a cozy twist on classic lasagna, loaded with tender chicken, pasta, spinach, and a creamy broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you’re craving a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: No bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 300 grams)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup half and half or cream
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons corn starch
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups short dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 120 grams)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Ricotta cheese, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella cheese for garnish
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onions and cook until just starting to brown.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Add the chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a simmer, cover, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in boiling salted water to al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the soup and shred it using two forks.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the half and half and corn starch until smooth.
- Return the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the pot. Stir in the cream mixture and spinach. Heat through until the soup is hot and the spinach is wilted.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with ricotta cheese, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella as desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 90mg