There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm soup that tastes like your favorite lasagna. This Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe blends tender chicken, rich creaminess, and hearty noodles in a way that makes every spoonful feel like a cozy hug. Trust me, it’s worth making on any day you want that classic lasagna flavor without the fuss.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This soup quickly became one of my go-to comfort foods because it brings together everything I adore about lasagna but in a quicker, easier format. It’s creamy, packed with flavor, and so satisfying—perfect for when you want something fuss-free but feel like treating yourself.
- Rich and Creamy: The cream cheese and Parmesan melt together beautifully, creating a velvety, comforting broth.
- Hearty and Filling: Tender shredded chicken and lasagna noodles make this a meal that sticks with you.
- Fresh Veggie Goodness: Carrots, celery, onions, and spinach add layers of flavor and a nutritional boost.
- Simple & Versatile: You can easily adapt it with what you have on hand or tweak the veggies to your liking.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe plays a part in re-creating that classic lasagna experience without baking the layers. The combination of aromatics, cream cheese, and Parmesan create a rich broth while the shreddable chicken and noodles create heartiness without heaviness.
- Unsalted butter: For sautéing, it adds a gentle richness without overpowering the flavors.
- Onion: Provides a sweet and savory base—make sure to dice it fine for even cooking.
- Carrots: They bring a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- Celery stalks: Adds depth and that classic soup flavor foundation.
- Garlic: A must for that cozy, aromatic hit; don’t rush this step.
- Italian seasoning & dried basil: Essential for capturing that distinctly Italian flavor profile.
- Salt & black pepper: Season carefully; chicken broth can sometimes add saltiness so taste as you go.
- Ground nutmeg: A secret addition that brings subtle warmth and rounds out the creaminess.
- All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the soup to a luscious texture.
- Chicken broth: Adds body and savory depth—use a good-quality one for the best flavor.
- Water: To balance out the broth concentration and control the soup’s thickness.
- Chicken breasts: Cooked tender and shredded for bite-sized protein pieces throughout.
- Whole milk: Lightens the soup and adds moisture without heaviness.
- Cream cheese: The key to that velvety, creamy body—softened for easy melting.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, salty finish and creamy melt.
- Baby spinach: A fresh, mild green that wilts perfectly and keeps things bright.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces to mimic lasagna layers in spoonable form.
Make It Your Way
I often like to tweak this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. You can easily swap out spinach for kale or even add mushrooms for a twist. Feel free to add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you want a little heat—I've done it, and it brings a fun kick.
- Mushroom Lover’s Twist: I once added sliced cremini mushrooms sautéed along with the onions and carrots—gave an earthy layer that was delicious.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap cream cheese for a non-dairy creamy alternative and use chicken broth without added dairy; still great but lighter.
- More Veggies: Bell peppers or zucchini diced small are great additions if you want extra color and texture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and noodles, and it’ll still come together beautifully.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Base Ingredients
Start by melting your butter in a large pot over medium heat. When it’s nicely melted, toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. I usually give them 3-4 minutes to soften up—don’t rush here; you want the veggies tender but not brown so the soup stays bright and fresh. Then add minced garlic and sauté an extra minute until fragrant. Keep stirring so garlic doesn’t burn — burnt garlic can turn bitter.
Step 2: Season and Thicken
Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of that nutmeg. The nutmeg is subtle but adds warmth you might not expect—trust me on this one! Whisk in the flour slowly so it coats the veggies and thicken the base evenly. This part transforms the broth into a luscious, creamy texture that’s key for the soup.
Step 3: Add Chicken and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stirring well to combine. Bring it to a boil, then gently add the chicken breasts. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pot. Let the chicken cook through, about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s no longer pink inside and tender enough to shred. I usually remove it to a bowl and let it cool slightly before shredding to avoid burning my fingers.
Step 4: Prepare the Noodles Separately
While the chicken simmers, cook your broken lasagna noodles in a separate pot according to package directions until al dente. I recommend cooking a few extra noodles if you like your soup a bit pasta-heavy—sometimes I throw in a couple more while serving!
Step 5: Add Creamy Goodness and Greens
Once your chicken is shredded and noodles cooked, bring the soup back to a gentle simmer. Stir in milk and softened cream cheese—give it 3 to 5 minutes to fully melt and mingle, stirring occasionally. This step is what makes the broth irresistibly creamy. Then fold in Parmesan, fresh baby spinach, and the shredded chicken. The spinach wilts quickly, and the Parmesan melts into a rich finish.
Step 6: Serve & Garnish
Remove the soup from heat and ladle into bowls, adding your cooked lasagna noodles right before serving so they don’t get mushy. I love topping mine with fresh herbs like basil or parsley and a few shavings of Parmesan to make it feel extra special.
Top Tip
From my experience, a few small details really elevate this Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe from good to unforgettable. These have saved me time and extra steps in the kitchen more than once.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Add them just before serving. They soak up liquid quickly and become mushy if left sitting for too long in the soup.
- Softened Cream Cheese is Key: Take it out of the fridge early or gently microwave it to ensure it melts smooth and evenly instead of clumping.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: It’s easier and you get those nice little tender pieces that integrate perfectly throughout the soup.
- Season In Layers: Taste your broth after simmering the chicken, then adjust salt and pepper again once everything’s combined for balanced flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a big fan of fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley when serving this soup. A few shavings of good-quality Parmesan on top add a lovely salty punch and a bit of texture that makes each bite sing. If you like a little heat, crushed red pepper flakes are my go-to addition at the table.
Side Dishes
For sides, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. I also like serving warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for dipping and soaking up all that creamy broth.
Creative Ways to Present
When I’ve made this for special occasions, I’ve served it in shallow bowls topped with a swirl of pesto and microgreens for color. Another fun idea is to layer it in clear mugs or bread bowls to showcase all the textures—kids love this presentation!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I keep the noodles separate until reheating because they soak up too much liquid and get soggy otherwise.
Freezing
I’ve frozen the soup base (without noodles) in portioned containers. When thawed, it reheats beautifully on the stove—just add freshly cooked noodles after warming for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Avoid boiling once milk and cream cheese are added to prevent curdling. Once warm, add your noodles and stir through before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using leftover cooked chicken saves time and works perfectly. Just add it in the last few minutes of simmering to heat through without drying out.
You can substitute with crème fraîche, mascarpone, or a good quality full-fat Greek yogurt stirred in at the end. Each will add creaminess but with a slightly different tang, so adjust seasoning to taste.
Yes! Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and leave out the chicken or add hearty mushrooms and beans for protein. You can also use vegan cream cheese to keep it creamy.
Cook noodles separately according to package directions, then add them to individual bowls when serving to keep them al dente and prevent sogginess. Do not add raw noodles directly to the soup and store.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe has earned a sweet spot in my heart and my kitchen rotation because it nails that perfect balance of creamy comfort and fresh flavor. It’s easier than lasagna but still lets you enjoy all the layers of taste you love. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become your new favorite cozy meal too.
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Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is a creamy, comforting soup packed with tender chicken breasts, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, and Parmesan. This cozy dish combines all the flavors of a classic white lasagna in a hearty soup form, perfect for a warming meal.
Ingredients
Sautéed Vegetables and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 2 medium carrots (peeled and diced)
- 1 cup celery stalks (chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Base and Chicken
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
Dairy and Greens
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 oz baby spinach
Pasta
- 6 oz lasagna noodles (broken)
Instructions
- Cook Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk in the flour until fully combined with the vegetables.
- Add Liquids and Chicken: Pour in chicken broth and water, stir and bring to a boil. Add the chicken breasts, reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for about 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Remove chicken breasts from the pot and let them cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook Noodles: In a separate pot, cook broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt Dairy Ingredients: Return soup base to a simmer. Add milk and cream cheese, stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until cream cheese melts completely.
- Combine and Finish Soup: Stir in Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and shredded chicken. Cook for another 3 minutes, allowing Parmesan to melt, spinach to wilt slightly, and chicken to reheat. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Ladle soup into bowls, add cooked lasagna noodles to each bowl just before serving, garnish with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute baby spinach with kale if preferred for a different leafy green flavor.
- Adding extra lasagna noodles is fine if you prefer a pasta-heavier soup; simply cook and add more noodles after tasting.
- Use softened cream cheese to ensure it blends smoothly into the soup without lumps.
- For a less rich version, substitute whole milk with 2% milk or a dairy alternative, keeping cream cheese for thickness.
- Fresh herbs like basil or parsley make great garnishes to enhance aroma and presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 417 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 1309 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 96 mg
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