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If you have ever wished for a bowl that combines all the comforting, cheesy, and hearty essence of your favorite Italian classic with the ease and warmth of a perfect soup, then this Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is your new best friend. This dish captures the soul of lasagna, layering tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and vibrant spinach in a luscious broth dotted with sun-dried tomatoes and pasta, all simmered to cozy perfection. It’s like enjoying lasagna in a spoonful of warmth, delightful textures, and flavors that will make you feel instantly at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may look simple, but each one plays a starring role in creating the rich flavors and irresistible texture of this recipe. From the buttery softness of sautéed onion and garlic to the robust tang of sun-dried tomatoes and the creamy trio of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan, every component adds a special touch.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Essential for gently cooking the aromatics and adding richness to the base.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced: Infuses the broth with aromatic warmth and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: Brings fragrant herbal notes reminiscent of classic Italian dishes.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors—adjust to your taste.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: Provides subtle, underlying spice without overpowering.
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes: Adds a gentle kick; feel free to increase if you like some heat.
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The flavorful, savory liquid base that carries all the ingredients.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb): Shreds into tender protein that makes the soup hearty and satisfying.
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Offers a tangy punch to brighten the overall taste.
- 2 cups dry short pasta (or broken lasagna noodles): Brings substantial texture and delicious chewiness.
- 1 cup half-and-half: Creates a luscious, creamy broth that makes this soup feel indulgent.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Thickens the soup slightly for a velvety finish.
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped: Adds vibrant color and a fresh, healthy element.
- Ricotta cheese: A dollop on top adds creamy richness and smoothness.
- Parmesan cheese: Sprinkled generously, it adds a tangy, salty hit.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for an ooey-gooey cheesy lift.
How to Make Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by melting unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Toss in finely chopped onion and cook while stirring until the edges begin to brown, releasing a natural sweetness. Then stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Let these aromatics mingle for about a minute to awaken their full flavor potential before moving on.
Step 2: Simmer the Chicken and Broth
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, then add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Crank the heat to medium-high to bring everything to a simmer. Once simmering, cover and lower the heat to medium-low, letting the chicken cook gently for 12 to 15 minutes until completely cooked through and tender.
Step 3: Prepare the Pasta
While the chicken cooks, heat a large pot of boiling salted water and cook the dry short pasta or broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente—tender but with a slight bite. Drain well and set aside, ready to join your soup soon.
Step 4: Shred the Chicken
Remove the fully cooked chicken breasts from the soup and shred them with two forks, creating tender strands that will soak up all the delicious flavors when returned to the pot.
Step 5: Thicken and Enrich the Broth
In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half with cornstarch until blended smoothly. Stir this mixture into the simmering broth and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to thicken the soup slightly, adding that signature creamy, indulgent texture reminiscent of classic lasagna fillings.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Stir the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and fresh chopped spinach into the pot. Allow everything to heat through evenly, letting the spinach wilt just enough for vibrant green color and added nutrition. Before serving, taste and adjust any seasonings if needed to perfectly balance salt and spice.
How to Serve Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your bowl, add a generous dollop of creamy ricotta cheese for smooth richness. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan over the top for a sharp, salty contrast, and finish with a handful of shredded mozzarella that melts beautifully into luscious gooeyness. These toppings recreate that irresistible cheesy lasagna feeling with every spoonful.
Side Dishes
Pair your Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up every drop of that creamy broth. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing foil, keeping your meal balanced and vibrant. Roasted vegetables can also add extra heartiness and color if you want more veggies on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in mini bread bowls for an interactive, rustic vibe. Alternatively, layer it in clear glass cups with alternating cheese dollops and pasta ribbons for an elegant, lasagna-inspired presentation. Garnish each bowl with fresh basil leaves for a bright pop of color and fragrance that enhances the Italian spirit of the dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen and meld even more after resting, making leftovers just as delightful—if not better—than freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Because the pasta soaks up broth and can become mushy, it’s best to freeze the soup without pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. This keeps texture intact and fresh.
Reheating
Gently reheat your soup over low to medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. Add freshly cooked pasta and extra spinach during reheating for that perfect finishing touch of color and texture.
FAQs
Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time. Simply add it during the last step to warm through, and your soup will be just as tasty and satisfying.
What pasta works best in this soup?
Short pasta shapes like ditalini, elbow macaroni, or broken lasagna noodles work best because they hold up well in the broth and fit nicely on a spoon for easy eating.
Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of half-and-half, and skip or replace the cheeses with vegan alternatives—a very doable modification!
Can I make this soup spicy?
Definitely! Increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the broth during cooking. The heat complements the creamy and cheesy elements beautifully.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken. For protein, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or cooked lentils to maintain that hearty quality.
Final Thoughts
When you want to indulge in the flavors of classic lasagna with a warm, comforting twist, this Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It’s simple to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for sharing with family or friends on cozy evenings. Trust me, once you try it, this soup will become one of your go-to favorites just like it did for me—so grab your pot, and let’s get cooking!
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Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This comforting Chicken Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, creamy soup form. Featuring tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, this hearty dish is perfect for a cozy meal and ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Pasta & Thickener
- 2 cups dry short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Add-ins & Toppings
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Ricotta cheese (for serving)
- Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Heat the Butter and Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it just starts to brown, stirring frequently, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Broth, Chicken, and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the uncooked chicken breasts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Cook Pasta Separately: While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling, salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the soup and shred them into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the soup slightly thickens.
- Combine Everything: Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and roughly chopped spinach into the soup pot. Stir to combine and heat through until the spinach wilts.
- Adjust Seasonings and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt or pepper as desired. Serve hot, dolloping ricotta cheese on top and sprinkling with Parmesan and shredded mozzarella for added creaminess and flavor.
Notes
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- The soup can be made a day ahead; store separately from pasta to avoid sogginess.
- Feel free to use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For spicy lovers, increase the red chili flakes to taste.
- Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
