Ever crave lasagna but don’t want to spend two hours assembling, baking, and cleaning up afterward? Yeah, me too. That’s where White Chicken Lasagna Soup swoops in like a culinary superhero. Imagine all the creamy, cheesy goodness of a classic lasagna—but in a bowl of warm, comforting soup. Perfect for weeknights, cozy weekends, or those times when you just want to eat your feelings in the form of pasta and cheese.
I stumbled upon this gem during a rainy evening when I wanted lasagna but was too lazy for the real deal. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much, but the flavors blew me away. Tender chicken, rich garlic-infused broth, creamy ricotta, and pasta cooked just right—it’s basically lasagna without the oven drama. Now, I make it regularly and even my picky eaters give it a thumbs-up.
Why You’ll Love White Chicken Lasagna Soup
All the Comfort Without the Effort
Let’s be real: lasagna is amazing, but it’s a commitment. This soup gives you all the comfort, richness, and heartiness without spending hours in the kitchen. You can throw everything into a pot or crockpot, and voilà, dinner is practically done.
Crockpot or Stovetop Friendly
Personally, I’m a crockpot advocate—I love setting it in the morning and coming home to a house smelling like heaven. But if you prefer stovetop cooking, that works too. Either way, the flavors develop beautifully.
Customizable for Your Taste
Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes. Want it extra creamy? Throw in more ricotta. Dietary preferences? Swap chicken for turkey, use gluten-free pasta, or skip dairy. This soup adapts to your life, not the other way around.
Ingredients That Make This Soup Shine
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfectly creamy, cheesy, chicken-packed soup:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – thighs give extra flavor
- 4 cups chicken broth – homemade or store-bought
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 8 oz uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Why These Ingredients Work
The chicken provides protein and a hearty base, while the broth creates that soothing soup feel. Ricotta and mozzarella give creaminess and cheesy richness without feeling too heavy. Lasagna noodles mimic the pasta layer experience in a classic lasagna. Finally, basil, oregano, and garlic pack the Italian flavor punch.
Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect Soup
1. Prep Your Ingredients
Dice your onion, mince garlic, and break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces. Prepping ahead is a lifesaver and ensures smooth cooking.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil or butter. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. This builds a flavor base that elevates the soup beyond “just chicken and noodles.”
3. Cook the Chicken
Add chicken to the pot and sear for a few minutes on each side. Then pour in chicken broth, sprinkle in basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, and season with salt and pepper. Let it simmer for 15-20 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. This ensures every spoonful has tender, flavorful chicken.
5. Add the Pasta
Toss in broken lasagna noodles. Cook until al dente (usually about 10 minutes). FYI, if using a crockpot, add noodles 30 minutes before serving to prevent mush.
6. Creamy Finish
Stir in ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella. The cheeses melt into the broth, creating a luxuriously creamy texture reminiscent of baked lasagna.
7. Taste and Adjust
Taste your soup and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed. Remember, soup flavors develop further if it sits a bit before serving.
8. Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley or basil for freshness and a pop of color. Serve with garlic bread or a light salad for a full meal experience.
Tips for the Best White Chicken Lasagna Soup
1. Chicken Choice
- Thighs: Juicy, forgiving if slightly overcooked
- Breasts: Lean, but watch cooking time to avoid dryness
IMO, thighs are my favorite for richer flavor and tenderness.
2. Cheese Tips
- Ricotta: Adds creamy texture
- Mozzarella: Melts into cheesy strings in every bite
- Parmesan: Boosts savory umami flavor
Pro tip: don’t skip Parmesan—it elevates the soup from good to amazing.
3. Adjusting Thickness
- For thicker soup: Reduce broth slightly
- For thinner soup: Add more broth or a splash of milk
4. Spices & Flavor Boost
- Fresh herbs like basil and parsley brighten the dish
- Optional red pepper flakes for a gentle kick
Crockpot vs Stovetop
Crockpot Method
- Add all ingredients except cheese and pasta
- Cook on low 6-7 hours or high 3-4 hours
- Add pasta and cheese 30 minutes before serving
Stovetop Method
- Follow steps above
- Simmer broth and chicken for 20 minutes
- Add pasta and cheeses last
Crockpot is perfect for busy days, stovetop gives quicker results and more control.
Variations to Customize Your Soup
- Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños
- Vegetable Boost: Toss in spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrients
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or skip pasta entirely
- Extra Cheesy: Stir in cream cheese or more mozzarella for indulgence
This soup adapts to your cravings, diet, and pantry availability—which is a win in my book.
Health Benefits
- High in protein: Chicken keeps you full and satisfied
- Bone broth benefits: Rich in minerals and collagen
- Vegetable additions: Adds fiber and vitamins
- Comfort food without guilt: Creamy without being overly heavy
FYI, if you skip some cheese or use low-fat versions, this soup stays light but still comforting.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 3 days
- Freezer: Keep cheese separate for best results; freeze up to 2 months
- Reheat: Stove or microwave, stirring occasionally
Pro tip: Soup often tastes better the next day because flavors meld beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic bread: Perfect for dipping
- Fresh salad: Balances richness
- Toppings: Extra Parmesan, fresh basil, or even a drizzle of olive oil
Honestly, even alone, this soup feels like a full lasagna experience—without the hassle of a pan to clean afterward.
FAQs About White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Q: Can I use leftover chicken?
A: Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
A: Yes! Use non-dairy cheeses and milk alternatives.
Q: Can I add more vegetables?
A: Sure! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers work beautifully.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, but leave pasta out if possible. Add fresh pasta when reheating.
Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Soup
- Hands-off cooking option via crockpot
- Customizable flavors and textures
- Comforting, cheesy, and hearty
- Loved by family and guests alike
I make this soup at least once a month, and it’s always a hit. Even people who usually avoid creamy soups end up sneaking seconds.
Conclusion
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort dish. It delivers all the creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled goodness of lasagna in a warm, cozy bowl of soup. Perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing someone without sweating over an oven.
So, grab your pot, chicken, and cheese, and give yourself a warm, cheesy hug in a bowl. You’ll find yourself making it over and over, and honestly, I won’t judge if you eat it straight from the pot. 🙂