Last week, while searching through my grandmother’s collection of handwritten recipes, I discovered a brilliant fusion that completely transformed my weeknight dinner routine. White Chicken Lasagna Soup combines all the beloved flavors of classic creamy italian soup with the comfort of traditional lasagna layers, yet requires just one pot and 45 minutes of your time. This chicken pasta soup delivers the rich, satisfying taste of alfredo soup recipes while providing the convenience busy families crave. Furthermore, this comfort soup meals recipe has quickly become my go-to solution for cozy winter dinners, offering warmth and nourishment when cold weather strikes. Additionally, the chicken dinner soup transforms simple ingredients into something truly magical, creating a bowl that tastes like hours of work but fits perfectly into modern schedules. This white lasagna soup proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated to be absolutely delicious.
Ingredients
Creating the perfect White Chicken Lasagna Soup requires carefully selected ingredients that build layers of flavor. Moreover, each component contributes to the creamy, satisfying texture that makes this creamy chicken soup irresistible.
Protein Base:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (thighs add richness)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for browning
Vegetable Foundation:
- 1 large yellow onion, diced fine
- 4 garlic cloves, minced fresh
- 2 medium carrots, chopped small
- 2 celery stalks, diced evenly
Creamy Base:
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade preferred)
- 2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour for thickening
Pasta & Cheese:
- 12 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese, fresh quality
- 1.5 cups mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated fine
Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional heat)
Substitution Options: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, swap lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta, or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for reduced calories.
Timing
This chicken pasta soup recipe balances efficiency with flavor development. Total time investment spans 45 minutes, which proves 35% faster than traditional baked lasagna preparation.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes for chopping vegetables and measuring ingredients
Active Cooking Time: 25 minutes for browning, sautéing, and simmering
Passive Cooking Time: 5 minutes for final thickening and cheese melting
Total Time: 45 minutes from start to finish
Compared to classic lasagna requiring 90 minutes, this comfort soup meals approach cuts cooking time significantly while maintaining authentic flavors. Additionally, cleanup takes just 10 minutes since everything cooks in one large pot.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then brown them for 4-5 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need complete cooking at this stage since it will finish in the soup. Remove chicken to a cutting board and let cool slightly before shredding into bite-sized pieces. This browning step creates the foundational flavor that makes this white lasagna soup exceptional.
Step 2: Build the Vegetable Foundation
Using the same pot with chicken drippings, add diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Next, add minced garlic, carrots, and celery, stirring frequently for another 3 minutes. The vegetables should soften but retain slight texture. This base creates the aromatic foundation that makes alfredo soup recipes so appealing.
Step 3: Create the Roux
Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. This step prevents lumps and creates the thickening agent needed for creamy consistency. The flour should coat the vegetables evenly without browning.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Seasonings
Gradually whisk in chicken broth, ensuring no flour lumps remain. Add Italian seasoning, basil, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low for simmering. This careful liquid incorporation prevents curdling and creates smooth texture.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering broth and cook for 10-12 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb flavors while cooking, making this chicken dinner soup more cohesive than recipes where pasta cooks separately.
Step 6: Add Creamy Elements
Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Whisk gently until cream cheese melts completely and mixture becomes smooth. Return shredded chicken to the pot and simmer for 5 minutes to heat through.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese
Remove pot from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until well distributed. Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. This final step transforms the soup into a true creamy italian soup masterpiece.
Nutritional Information
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup provides substantial nutrition while delivering comfort food satisfaction. Each serving contains approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Protein | 38g |
| Carbohydrates | 31g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
| Calcium | 380mg |
The high protein content supports muscle maintenance and satiety, while calcium from dairy products supports bone health. Additionally, vegetables contribute vitamins A and C plus beneficial fiber. This nutritional profile makes the soup suitable for active families seeking hearty, nourishing meals.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this comfort soup meals recipe into a lighter version without sacrificing flavor. Replace heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk combined with cornstarch for thickening. Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese to reduce calories while maintaining protein content.
Furthermore, increase vegetable content by adding spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and fiber. Use whole wheat lasagna noodles for additional fiber and complex carbohydrates. Additionally, reduce cheese quantities by one-third and add nutritional yeast for maintained flavor depth.
For dairy-free options, coconut milk creates excellent creaminess while cashew cream provides rich texture. These modifications maintain the soul-warming qualities of cozy winter dinners while supporting various dietary needs.
Serving Suggestions
Present this chicken pasta soup with complementary sides that complete the Italian-inspired meal. Serve alongside crusty sourdough bread or garlic breadsticks for satisfying texture contrast. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Additionally, garnish individual bowls with fresh herbs like basil or parsley for color and brightness. Offer extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes at the table for customization. This creamy chicken soup pairs beautifully with Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for adult dinners.
For family meals, consider serving in bread bowls for extra indulgence. The soup also works wonderfully as a starter for larger Italian dinners, followed by lighter main courses.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent common errors that can compromise your white lasagna soup results. Never add dairy products while the soup boils vigorously, as high heat causes curdling and separation. Always reduce heat to low before incorporating cream and cheese.
Additionally, avoid overcooking pasta, which becomes mushy and breaks apart in the soup. Cook noodles just until tender, remembering they’ll continue softening in the hot liquid. Furthermore, don’t skip the flour roux step, which provides essential thickening power for proper consistency.
Another frequent mistake involves adding cold cream cheese directly to hot soup. Always cube cream cheese and let it soften before stirring in gradually. This prevents lumpy texture that’s difficult to smooth out later.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Proper storage maintains the quality of leftover alfredo soup recipes for several days. Cool soup completely before refrigerating in airtight containers for up to 4 days. When reheating, add splash of broth or cream to restore original consistency, since pasta absorbs liquid during storage.
For freezing, store soup base without pasta for up to 3 months. Cook fresh pasta when reheating for better texture. Alternatively, freeze in individual portions for convenient single servings that reheat quickly in microwave.
Never leave soup at room temperature longer than 2 hours for food safety. Reheat thoroughly to 165°F internal temperature before serving leftovers.
Conclusion
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup transforms traditional comfort food into a practical weeknight solution without compromising authentic flavors. The recipe delivers all the satisfaction of classic lasagna in a fraction of the time, making it perfect for busy families craving cozy winter dinners. Moreover, the one-pot preparation simplifies cleanup while building complex layers of taste that rival restaurant-quality creamy italian soup.
Try this recipe tonight and discover how simple ingredients create extraordinary comfort food. Share your variations and results in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe if you love it as much as my family does!
FAQs
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, brown chicken and vegetables first, then transfer everything except dairy to slow cooker. Cook on low 4-6 hours, add pasta in final 30 minutes, then stir in dairy ingredients before serving.
What pasta shapes work best besides lasagna noodles?
Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work excellently since their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on pasta package directions.
How can I make this soup thicker?
Mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch with cold water to create slurry, then stir into simmering soup. Alternatively, blend 1 cup of soup and return to pot for natural thickening.
Can I prep ingredients ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chop vegetables and shred chicken up to 2 days ahead. Store separately in refrigerator until ready to cook. This reduces active cooking time significantly.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Freeze soup base without pasta for best results. Cook fresh pasta when reheating. Dairy-based soups sometimes separate when frozen, so stir well when reheating and add fresh cream if needed.
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