If you’re craving all the comforting flavors of classic Italian lasagna but want something quicker, cozier, and totally soul-satisfying, this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender shredded chicken swimming in a creamy, garlicky broth with spinach, sundried tomatoes, and broken lasagna noodles, all topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s the perfect weeknight meal that feels fancy but comes together effortlessly in your slow cooker, filling your kitchen with the happiest aromas and your belly with pure joy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this White Lasagna Soup Recipe lies in its simple yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, from the robust Italian seasoning that layers flavor, to the creamy heavy cream that gives the soup its luscious texture, and the fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- White onion (diced): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth that forms the soup’s flavor base.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Provides aromatic warmth that elevates the broth.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp.): A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian familiarity and complexity.
- Salt (1 tsp.): Essential for balancing and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp.): Adds a gentle kick to the dish’s seasoning.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp., optional): For those who love just a touch of heat to warm things up.
- Chicken stock (6 cups): The hearty liquid base that carries all the delicious components.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (1 lb.): Tender protein that soaks up all the savory flavors as it cooks.
- Sundried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Adds a sweet-tart burst that brightens the soup unexpectedly.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that velvety, rich texture that makes the soup feel indulgent.
- Cornstarch (2 Tbsp.): Helps thicken the broth just right for a perfect, smooth consistency.
- Fresh spinach (4 cups): Adds freshness, color, and a healthy boost to the bowl.
- Broken lasagna noodles (8 oz., cooked separately): Brings hearty chewiness reminiscent of traditional lasagna layers.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: For topping that nutty, salty finish you’ll want on every bite.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, herbaceous garnish to complete the look and flavor.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by tossing the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes into your slow cooker. This combination creates the aromatic foundation your soup needs, mixing savory depth with a little herbal flair. Pour the chicken stock over everything and stir, letting those flavors mingle before the protein enters the party.
Step 2: Add the Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes
Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts right on top of the flavorful broth, then sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes evenly over the surface. The tomatoes add a slightly sweet and tangy note that balances the creaminess that’s coming later. Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours — whichever fits your schedule. The chicken will cook slowly, becoming tender and juicy while infusing the broth with rich flavor.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked, take it out and shred it with two forks — this is one of those satisfying steps that feels like a labor of love. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker to soak up even more deliciousness.
Step 4: Thicken with Cream and Cornstarch
Whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. This mixture is your secret weapon for creating that creamy, thick broth without any clumps. Pour it into the slow cooker and stir well to combine. Cover and cook on high for another 30 minutes to allow it to thicken up beautifully while the flavors meld.
Step 5: Prepare the Lasagna Noodles and Spinach
While the soup finishes cooking, boil the lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. When the cream mixture is ready, stir in the fresh spinach directly into the hot soup—it will wilt quickly, adding a fresh, green pop that’s just as pleasing to the eye as it is to your palate.
Step 6: Final Assembly and Serve
Just before serving, gently fold the cooked lasagna noodles into the slow cooker, making sure they’re evenly distributed but not mushy. Ladle the soup into bowls, then top with a generous handful of shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley is essential to elevate this White Lasagna Soup Recipe from cozy comfort to a restaurant-worthy meal. The cheese adds a salty richness that perfectly complements the creamy broth, while parsley freshens each spoonful with vibrant color and brightness.
Side Dishes
This soup is pretty much a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread. Both sides add a textural contrast and brightness that keep the meal balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your dinner guests or make weeknight family dinners more fun? Serve the soup in mini bread bowls or colorful mismatched bowls for a cozy, inviting vibe. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of pesto on top for an unexpected layer of nuttiness and herbal freshness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the creamy texture and vibrant flavors. The noodles might absorb some broth over time, so it’s best to keep cooked noodles separate if possible for longer freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup without the cooked noodles for up to 2 months. Leave the noodles out when freezing and add freshly cooked ones when you reheat. This keeps the texture perfect without any sogginess that sometimes happens with freezing pasta.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of chicken stock or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Add the cooked lasagna noodles at the last moment to warm through without getting mushy, and finish with fresh Parmesan and parsley.
FAQs
Can I make this White Lasagna Soup Recipe without a slow cooker?
Absolutely! You can simmer the ingredients on the stovetop in a large pot. Start by sautéing the onions and garlic, then add the stock, chicken, and spices. Cook on low heat, covered, for about 1 to 1.5 hours until the chicken is tender, then continue with the remaining steps.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the soup will be less creamy and rich. To maintain thickness, increase the cornstarch slightly. Coconut cream can also work for a dairy-free twist, but it will add subtle coconut flavor.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While broken lasagna noodles are traditional here for that layered taste, small pasta shapes like shells, penne, or rigatoni can also work wonderfully. Just be sure to cook them separately and add just before serving to avoid sogginess.
Is this soup spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes as optional, so you control the heat level. Without them, the soup is mild, creamy, and perfect for all ages. Add the flakes if you like a gentle kick for a little extra warmth.
Can I prepare this recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is fantastic for meal prep because you can make a big batch and portion it out for several days. Keep the noodles separate until serving, and reheat gently to enjoy that fresh, homemade feel all week long.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this White Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s one of those rare dishes that feels special but starts with simple ingredients and comes together with minimal fuss. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want a hug in a bowl. Give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This comforting White Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup form. Slow-cooked chicken, tender lasagna noodles, fresh spinach, and creamy broth create a delightful, easy-to-make meal perfect for any day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 white onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles (cooked separately and drained)
- Shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Prepare base ingredients: In a slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir these aromatics together to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Add stock and chicken: Pour in the chicken stock and stir to combine. Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts and sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes on top for added flavor and texture.
- Cook chicken low and slow: Cover and cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender enough to shred.
- Shred chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker to mingle with the broth and vegetables.
- Create creamy mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth, then pour this mixture into the slow cooker. Stir well to combine and cover again.
- Thicken soup: Continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes to allow the soup to thicken and become creamy.
- Cook noodles: While the soup thickens, cook the broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Add spinach and noodles: Stir fresh spinach into the soup until wilted. Then add the cooked lasagna noodles just before serving, stirring gently to incorporate the noodles without breaking them up further.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a delicious finishing touch. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicy kick, do not skip the crushed red pepper flakes.
- If you prefer, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Use gluten-free noodles to adapt this recipe for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; noodles may absorb broth so consider adding extra stock when reheating.
- For thicker soup, increase the cornstarch to 3 tablespoons.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
