Chicken Lasagna Soup is a warm and cozy meal that brings all the flavors of traditional lasagna into a comforting bowl! This dish features tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and tasty noodles.
It’s like a hug in a bowl, especially on chilly days. I love topping it with fresh herbs and extra cheese—because can you ever have too much cheese? 🧀😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This adds flavor and helps cook the onions. You can use any cooking oil, like vegetable or canola oil, if you don’t have olive oil handy.
Onion: A small onion gives sweetness to the base. If you’re in a hurry, you can use shallots or even onion powder — about 1 teaspoon should do!
Chicken Broth: It forms the soup’s base. You can use vegetable broth for a lighter flavor or even water if needed, but broth will definitely boost the taste.
Lasagna Noodles: Any pasta can work here! Feel free to swap in rotini or penne if lasagna noodles aren’t available. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. If you don’t have it, kale or frozen spinach also works well — just remember to thaw and drain any excess water from frozen spinach first.
Cheeses: Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella bring creaminess. You can substitute cottage cheese for ricotta and use any melty cheese instead of mozzarella, like cheddar.
How Do I Make My Soup Extra Creamy?
To achieve that perfect creamy texture, stirring in dairy at the right time is essential. Using half-and-half or heavy cream helps create that luxurious feel. Here’s how to ensure your soup is rich and satisfying:
- Add the half-and-half or cream only after the noodles are cooked and the soup is taken off heat for a moment. This prevents the cream from curdling.
- For an even creamier soup, add a bit more cheese. I love tossing in some extra mozzarella just before serving.
- Ensure all cheese is mixed well until melted before ladling into bowls. A creamy texture comes from combining the ingredients thoroughly!
Chicken Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Lasagna Soup takes about 15-20 minutes for prep and another 20 minutes for cooking. In total, expect about 40 minutes from start to finish—a quick and easy meal for busy evenings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes or until softened and translucent. This brings a lovely flavor to your soup.
2. Add Garlic and Seasonings:
Next, toss in the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Stir everything together and cook for another minute to let those delicious aromas fill your kitchen.
3. Boil the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. This will form the base of your tasty soup!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, cooking them according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too soft!
5. Wilt the Spinach:
Once the noodles are tender, lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the shredded chicken and chopped spinach. Let everything simmer for about 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is heated through.
6. Make It Creamy:
Stir in the half-and-half (or heavy cream), then add both the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until everything is melted and creamy. This step is where the magic happens!
7. Season It Up:
Don’t forget to season your soup with salt and pepper to taste, giving it that perfect flavor. Adjust as you like—everyone’s taste is different!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the delicious soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous scoop of ricotta cheese and sprinkle with fresh parsley and some extra Parmesan if you fancy. Enjoy your warming bowl of Chicken Lasagna Soup!
9. Pair with Bread:
Serve the soup with warm, crusty bread on the side for dipping. It’s the perfect way to soak up all that creamy goodness!
This creamy, cheesy Chicken Lasagna Soup is sure to become a family favorite, combining all the comforting flavors of lasagna into a dear bowl of soup. Enjoy!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred or chop the chicken and add it to the pot in step 5 to warm it through.
What Can I Use Instead of Half-and-Half?
If you don’t have half-and-half, you can use whole milk, but your soup will be slightly less creamy. Alternatively, heavy cream can be used for an even richer texture.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the soup has thickened.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the chicken with your choice of vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans for protein!