Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes: **Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup**! This dish honestly feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Picture this: a chilly evening, the smell of sautéed onions and garlic wafting through the air, and the delightful sight of bubbling soup on the stove. It takes me back to cozy family dinners where we’d all gather around the table, slurping up this creamy goodness and sharing laughter. What could be better?
The beauty of this recipe lies in how effortlessly it transforms the classic flavors of lasagna into a warm soup. I love how creamy it turns out—each spoonful packs a punch of flavor with the right touch of richness, thanks to the heavy cream and cheeses. Plus, it’s all done in just one pot, which means fewer dishes to wash after an indulgent meal—win-win!
What’s in Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup?
Now let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to whip up this delicious soup:
Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon is enough to kickstart the flavor when sautéing your onions. I always opt for a good quality extra virgin olive oil.
Onion: A medium-sized onion, diced, adds sweetness and depth to the soup.
Garlic: Two cloves of minced garlic bring that aromatic punch. You can never have too much garlic in my book!
Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs is what gives the soup that classic Italian flavor. A teaspoon does the trick!
Red Pepper Flakes: If you want a bit of heat, I recommend adding half a teaspoon of these bad boys, but it’s totally optional!
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The star of the show, one pound of chicken keeps this dish hearty and satisfying.
Chicken Broth: Four cups of chicken broth serve as the comforting base for your soup. I usually go for low-sodium to keep things healthier.
Diced Tomatoes: A 14.5 oz can of undrained diced tomatoes adds a nice acidity and brightness. Don’t forget to include that juice!
Lasagna Noodles: About a cup of uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces, is what really transforms this soup into a lasagna experience.
Fresh Spinach (or Kale): I love using two cups of fresh spinach for that pop of color and health benefits, but kale works too if you prefer.
Heavy Cream: Oh yes, one cup of heavy cream is essential for that rich, creamy texture you crave.
Ricotta Cheese: A cup of this cheesy goodness adds a lovely creaminess that balances everything out.
Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup of grated Parmesan brings a nutty flavor and delicious richness.
Salt and Pepper: Just a bit to taste will really enhance all those flavors.
Fresh Parsley: Use chopped parsley for a fresh garnish and a little touch of color on top!
Is Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup Good for You?
Absolutely! While we’re indulging in the creaminess of this soup, there are also some health benefits you might appreciate:
Spinach: Loaded with vitamins A, C, and K, fresh spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s great for your bones and skin!
Chicken: Lean protein from the chicken breasts helps keep you full without weighing you down.
Tomatoes: They are a great source of antioxidants and provide a dose of vitamin C.
Of course, balance is key, so if you’re looking for a lighter version of this soup, you can always replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk. I promise, it’ll still taste fantastic!
Ingredients List
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
– 1 cup uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
– 2 cups fresh spinach (or kale)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
*Serves: About 4 generous portions*
How to Make Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup?
Ready to dive in? Here’s how to make this creamy delight:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss those diced onions in and sauté until they’re softened, around 4-5 minutes.
2. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
3. Add in the chicken breasts along with the chicken broth and undrained diced tomatoes. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return that delicious shredded chicken to the pot.
5. Now, toss in those broken lasagna noodles and let the soup simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach, heavy cream, ricotta cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix it all until well combined and heated through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley. Delicious!
Delicious Variations and Tips
Want to switch things up? Here’s a few ideas for variation:
– **Veggie Lovers:** Replace some of the chicken with mushrooms or zucchini for a heartier veggie option.
– **Cheesy Goodness:** Throw in some mozzarella cheese for an even cheesier experience. You can never have too much cheese, right?
– **Herbaceous Bonus:** Fresh basil or thyme can add an amazing flavor twist.
Now, don’t forget, this soup freezes beautifully! Just portion into airtight containers and store them, so you’ve got cozy meal options ready to go for those “I don’t want to cook” days.
I can’t wait for you to try this creamy white chicken lasagna soup! It’s comfort food at its finest, and I promise it’ll quickly become a family favorite just like it is in mine. After you give it a whirl, drop me a note and let me know how it turns out! Happy cooking!
