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This luxurious white chicken lasagna soup takes all the cozy comfort of classic lasagna and transforms it into a creamy one-pot wonder. Imagine silky noodles swimming in a velvety broth packed with tender chicken and melty cheese for a soup that hugs you from the inside out. My family fell in love with this recipe during a chilly week and ever since then it has taken center stage on our winter table.
This soup won over my most lasagna-loving kid who now requests it after every snowball fight. You get those golden cheesy edges and hearty chicken pieces in every single spoonful.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: for sautéing and bringing out depth in the aromatics use a good quality extra virgin for extra flavor
- Onion: diced for sweetness and foundational flavor pick a firm and unbruised onion
- Garlic: minced for aroma and warmth fresh cloves always give the brightest flavor
- Dried oregano: for that classic Italian herb note try to use recently purchased dried herbs for full potency
- Dried basil: for lifting freshness make sure it is dried green and aromatic
- Red pepper flakes: optional for a gentle lift of heat use fresh flakes for maximum spiciness
- Low sodium chicken broth: as the soup base allows you to control the seasoning homemade or high-quality boxed broths work best
- Cooked chicken: shredded for protein and heartiness rotisserie chicken or poached chicken both work beautifully
- Lasagna noodles: broken into pieces for lasagna texture use traditional noodles that hold up well
- Heavy cream: for a luxurious creamy mouthfeel look for fresh cream without additives for smoothest results
- Ricotta cheese: adds richness and silkiness whole milk ricotta gives the soup body
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: for melty strings of cheese always shred fresh from a block if possible for best melt
- Grated Parmesan cheese: layers sharpness and depth grate fresh for best flavor
- Salt and pepper: to taste essential seasonings adjust both as needed
- Fresh parsley or basil: chopped as garnish adds a pop of freshness use vibrant green herbs
- Extra cheese for topping: if desired an extra finishing layer of delight
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Start by heating olive oil in a large heavy soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook stirring frequently for about five minutes until the onion is translucent and softened. Add the minced garlic dried oregano dried basil and red pepper flakes and continue to stir for another full minute to release the herbs’ flavors and fragrance
- Build the Broth and Add Chicken:
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot savor the sizzle then add the shredded cooked chicken. Increase the heat and bring everything to a gentle boil so the chicken infuses the broth with flavor.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Break the lasagna noodles into small pieces for easy scooping and add them directly into the bubbling broth. Stir gently and let the soup simmer uncovered for ten to twelve minutes until the pasta is just al dente and pleasingly chewy without being mushy
- Make It Creamy and Cheesy:
- Reduce the heat to very low. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream followed by dollops of ricotta cheese. Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese while stirring constantly. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the soup is silky and homogeneous
- Final Seasoning and Serving:
- Taste your soup and season with salt and pepper until the flavors pop just to your liking. Ladle piping hot soup into bowls and shower each with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of cheese for a cozy finish
Nothing compares to the fluffy ricotta melting into each bowl as I watched my little niece sneak spoonfuls before dinner. It feels like we carry on my aunty’s kitchen magic with every pot we make for Sunday supper.
Storage Tips
Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you anticipate leftovers cook the noodles separately and add them per serving so they do not soak up too much broth. Reheat gently on the stove stirring well so the cheese reincorporates smoothly.
Ingredient Substitutions
To make this vegetarian swap shredded cooked chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a hearty green such as spinach. For a lighter version use half and half instead of heavy cream and consider low fat ricotta. Gluten-free lasagna noodles work well just watch their cook time closely.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this soup with a simple green salad or garlicky bread to soak up the creamy broth. For a festive presentation garnish with fresh basil and an extra drizzle of olive oil. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of ricotta for extra indulgence.
Cultural Context and Inspiration
Classic white lasagna often brings comforting celebrations around the table. Transforming it into a soup delivers those nostalgic flavors in a much shorter cooking time. Every time I make it I am reminded of holidays at my aunt’s house where cook time was measured in laughter more than minutes.
Seasonal Adaptations
Add spinach or kale in winter for extra nutrients. Stir in roasted zucchini or bell pepper when summer gardens are full. Swap the chicken for turkey after holiday feasts.
Success Stories
My friends made this recipe as a meal train dish and the family called just to ask for the recipe. One neighbor told me she brought it to a potluck and there was not a drop left to take home.
Freezer Meal Conversion
You can freeze this soup without the pasta to prevent the noodles from absorbing too much broth and breaking down. Portion the soup into containers leaving space for expansion. When ready to serve thaw and heat then add freshly boiled noodles.
This soup is sure to be a regular cozy favorite in your kitchen. Serve hot and enjoy every cheesy spoonful on a chilly night.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Simply shred and add it when directed for cooked chicken in the instructions.
- → How can I make this meal vegetarian?
Swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or kale for a flavorful vegetarian version.
- → Do the noodles get mushy if reheated?
Noodles can soften more as they sit. To avoid this, freeze the soup base without noodles and add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
- → Is it possible to use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute lasagna noodles with other pasta shapes like fusilli or penne if desired.
- → How should I garnish for extra flavor?
Top with chopped fresh parsley or basil, extra shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of cracked black pepper for added zest.