There's something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl on a chilly day, and this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe fits the bill perfectly. It beautifully blends creamy richness with cozy, familiar lasagna flavors — but in a hearty, slurpable form that feels like a hug from the inside out.
Jump to:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
When I first made this soup, it instantly became a staple for those busy weeknights when I crave something soothing but don’t have time for complicated lasagna layers. The flavors come together effortlessly, and the creamy broth, tender chicken, and tender noodles create such a luscious combo you’ll want seconds.
- Comfort in a bowl: It captures the essence of a classic white lasagna without the fuss.
- Hands-off cooking: Once the ingredients are in the pot, you can relax while it simmers.
- Customizable: Whether you want it more veggie-forward or extra cheesy, it adapts easily.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters love the familiar, creamy flavors.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The veggies lay the flavor foundation, the chicken brings protein and heartiness, and the cheeses melt in for that rich, creamy texture we all crave. Plus, lasagna noodles add just the right amount of comforting chewiness.
- Unsalted butter: Perfect for sautéing veggies without adding too much salt early in the process.
- Onion, carrots, celery: The classic soffritto base that builds a flavorful and aromatic broth.
- Garlic: Provides that essential warmth and depth of flavor.
- Italian seasoning & dried basil: These herbs give the soup that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Flour: Helps thicken the soup into a creamy, velvety consistency.
- Chicken broth & water: The liquid base that carries all the flavors.
- Chicken breasts: Tender protein that soaks up the soup’s deliciousness.
- Whole milk & cream cheese: Adds luscious creaminess without overpowering the other flavors.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty and sharp, it layers in more classic Italian flavor.
- Baby spinach: A fresh pop of green that wilts beautifully into the hot soup.
- Lasagna noodles: The star noodle here—broken into bite-sized pieces, they’re spoon-friendly and hearty.
Make It Your Way
I love how flexible this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is. Sometimes I swap the spinach for kale or add a splash of cream at the end for extra richness. You can also boost the spice level with some crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Use rotisserie chicken: When I’m really pressed for time, shredded rotisserie chicken works beautifully and cuts down simmering time.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth with mushrooms for an earthy, satisfying twist.
- Gluten-free option: Swap out regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta or rice noodles — they hold up well in the soup.
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Saute Veggies until Soft and Fragrant
Start by melting butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery — this trio is the backbone of the soup’s flavor. I like to let them cook gently for 3-4 minutes until they’re tender but not browned, then add the minced garlic for a minute more until it releases its wonderful aroma. This smells so good at this point, I always find myself sneaking a taste or two of the broth.
Step 2: Add Seasonings and Flour to Build the Base
Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, pepper, and just a pinch of nutmeg—nutmeg adds a subtle warmth that lifts the creaminess. Stir in the flour and whisk well so there are no lumps. This step thickens the soup and gives it body, so don’t skip it! Cook the flour mixture for about a minute to remove the raw taste.
Step 3: Add Broth, Chicken, and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and water, stir everything together, and bring to a boil. Lower the heat to a simmer and nestle your chicken breasts into the pot. Cover and let it go for 15 minutes or so until the chicken is cooked through. This is the perfect time to prep anything else or just take a breather.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Cook the Noodles
Carefully remove the chicken breasts and set them aside to cool slightly. In the meantime, break up those lasagna noodles and cook them in a separate pot according to the package directions—al dente is key here because they’ll soak up some of the soup and soften more. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, shred it into bite-sized pieces. I like using two forks for this step—it’s quick and gives nice, rustic chunks.
Step 5: Add Cream Cheese, Milk, and Cheese – The Magic Moment
Bring the soup back to a simmer and stir in the milk and softened cream cheese. This part requires a little patience as you stir gently until the cream cheese has fully melted and the soup becomes luscious and velvety. This blend is what truly sets this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe apart. Follow up with your Parmesan, baby spinach, and shredded chicken. Stir well until the spinach has just wilted and the cheese is melted.
Step 6: Serve and Add Noodles Last
Finally, ladle the soup into bowls and add the cooked lasagna noodles right before serving to prevent them from getting mushy. A sprinkle of fresh herbs or some shaved Parmesan on top sends it over the edge. Trust me, your family or guests will ask for this recipe on repeat.
Top Tip
Over the years making this White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe, I’ve learned a few things that really take it from good to fantastic. These tips helped me avoid common pitfalls and ensure every bowl is creamy, rich, and perfectly balanced.
- Don't overcook the noodles: Adding them just before serving keeps them from absorbing too much liquid and turning mushy.
- Use softened cream cheese: This helps it blend smoothly without clumps—pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds if needed.
- Season gradually: I taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end because broth and cheeses can vary in saltiness.
- Give the soup a gentle whisk: When adding flour, whisk constantly to avoid lumps and ensure a silky broth.
How to Serve White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
I keep my garnishes simple but fresh—some chopped basil or parsley adds a bright pop of color and freshness. A few shavings of Parmesan on top enhance the cheesy notes wonderfully. Sometimes a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes wakes it right up.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread. Roasted vegetables work well too, especially when you want to round out the meal with extra greens.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, I’ve served this soup in mini white ramekins with a tiny basil leaf on top and a Parmesan crisp on the side—it always impresses without extra effort. You could even layer a small lasagna noodle on top as a “lid” for a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Chicken Lasagna Soup stores beautifully in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually keep the noodles separate if I can to preserve their texture, adding them fresh when reheating.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup before, and it holds up nicely. Just cool it completely, then freeze without noodles. When thawed and reheated, add freshly cooked noodles back in for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of milk or broth if the soup has thickened too much. Then add your noodles just before serving to keep everything perfect.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is an excellent timesaver. Just add it to the soup near the end to warm through and avoid overcooking.
If you don’t have cream cheese on hand, Greek yogurt or mascarpone cheese are good substitutes that will still add creaminess, though the flavor will be slightly different. Add them toward the end of cooking.
Yes! To make a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
To keep noodles from getting mushy, reheat the soup and noodles separately. Heat the soup on the stove over low heat, then add freshly cooked or reheated noodles just before serving.
Final Thoughts
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those comforting classics that I keep coming back to again and again. It’s just so satisfying and feels like a little celebration of lasagna—but quicker, easier, and totally cozy. I hope it finds a spot in your regular rotation like it did in mine, becoming that go-to meal you rave about to friends and family.
Print
White Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A comforting and creamy White Lasagna Soup with tender chicken breasts, sautéed vegetables, cream cheese, Parmesan, and spinach, featuring the classic flavors of white lasagna in a cozy soup form.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 medium chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Vegetables and Pasta
- 3 oz baby spinach
- 6 oz lasagna noodles
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion, peeled and diced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Season and thicken: Stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Whisk in flour until fully combined to form a roux.
- Add liquids and cook chicken: Pour in chicken broth and water, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, then add the chicken breasts. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 15 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred chicken: Remove cooked chicken from the pot and allow it to cool enough to handle. Shred into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- Cook noodles: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook broken lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add dairy and simmer: Return soup base to a simmer. Stir in whole milk and softened cream cheese. Cook while stirring occasionally for 3-5 minutes until cream cheese is melted and soup is creamy.
- Finish soup: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and shredded chicken. Cook for an additional 3 minutes until Parmesan melts, spinach wilts slightly, and chicken is heated through. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Remove soup from heat. Place cooked lasagna noodles into serving bowls and ladle hot soup over them. Garnish with fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- This soup can be made with spinach or kale as the leafy green.
- Adding extra lasagna noodles makes the soup more pasta-heavy if preferred.
- Using softened cream cheese helps it melt smoothly into the soup.
- Fresh herbs and shaved Parmesan make excellent garnishes to elevate the flavor.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of butter.
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

Leave a Reply