This creamy chicken lasagna soup combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce in a warm, cozy dish. It’s like your favorite lasagna, but in a fun and slurpable soup form!
Who needs forks when you can enjoy lasagna with a spoon? I love topping mine with extra cheese and fresh herbs. It’s a tasty way to warm up on a chilly day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing. If you don’t have it, you can use canola or vegetable oil instead. Both work fine and won’t change the flavor too much.
Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and easy. If you have leftovers or can boil chicken breasts, that’s a perfect substitute as well.
Lasagna Noodles: I like using traditional lasagna noodles, broken into pieces. You can swap them for any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. Just adjust cooking time accordingly!
Whole Milk or Heavy Cream: I often use heavy cream for a richer soup, but you can use evaporated milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk if you’re looking for lighter options.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is lovely, but you can use kale or even frozen spinach in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water if using frozen.
How Can You Make Sure Your Soup Is Creamy Without Curdling?
The trick to keeping your soup creamy is to avoid boiling after adding dairy. Here’s how you can do it right:
- Once you add the milk or cream, reduce the heat to low immediately.
- Stir continuously to help the cheese melt evenly and incorporate well.
- If you notice any bubbling, lower the heat further until it’s just warm.
These steps will help you achieve that luscious, creamy texture without clumps!
How to Make Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk or heavy cream
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious soup takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20-25 minutes to cook. In just under an hour, you’ll have a creamy and comforting bowl of soup ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Base:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add in the diced onion and cook it until it becomes tender and translucent, which will take about 3-4 minutes. This adds a wonderful flavor base!
2. Add the Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until it begins to smell heavenly. Be sure not to burn it!
3. Simmer the Broth:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. This will be the flavorful liquid that makes your soup delightful!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken lasagna noodles to the simmering broth. Let them cook until they are tender—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking together.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Once your noodles are tender, stir in the shredded chicken, chopped spinach, marinara sauce, oregano, basil, and if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Simmer this mixture for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend nicely.
6. Make it Creamy:
Lower the heat to prevent boiling, then stir in the milk or cream along with the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. You want to keep the heat low and stir often until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy. Be cautious not to let it boil after adding the dairy!
7. Season to Taste:
Give your soup a taste and add salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired. This step lets you adjust the flavors just the way you like!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to ladle your delicious soup into bowls! Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve with some toasted crusty bread on the side for dipping. Enjoy your warm, cheesy, and comforting Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Meat in This Soup?
Absolutely! While shredded chicken is traditional, you can use cooked turkey, ground beef, or even sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure any meat you use is fully cooked before adding it to the pot.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, consider freezing the soup—just be aware that the noodles may become softer upon reheating. It’s best to cook the pasta separately and add it just before serving if you plan to freeze it.
What If I Don’t Have Lasagna Noodles?
No worries! You can substitute lasagna noodles with any short pasta like penne, bowties, or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose, as some may need less or more time to cook.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this soup to be vegetarian! Simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead. You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added texture and flavor. A can of white beans would also be a great protein addition!
