If you’ve ever dreamed of a cozy, comforting bowl that captures the heart of classic lasagna but with a twist, this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is sure to become your go-to comfort food. Imagine all the rich, creamy flavors of traditional white lasagna transformed into a warm, hearty soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s loaded with tender ground chicken, fresh broccoli, vibrant baby spinach, and a velvety parmesan-infused broth that’s both soothing and incredibly satisfying. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want something nourishing and delicious, this soup brings the joy of lasagna into a bowl you’ll want to savor every spoonful of.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this White Lasagna Soup Recipe, the ingredients are simple yet incredibly essential. Each component plays a vital role—from the aromatics that build flavor to the veggies that add freshness and texture, plus the noodles that give it that classic lasagna feel in soup form.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: The perfect base to gently soften your onions and garlic, adding richness without overwhelming the flavors.
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced small): This will bring sweetness and depth as it cooks down to a tender, translucent stage.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Just enough garlic to give the broth a warm, aromatic lift without being overpowering.
- 1 lb lean ground chicken: A lean protein that keeps the soup light but filling, perfectly absorbing Italian seasoning.
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: This blend is the soul of the dish, layering in herbaceous and slightly spicy notes.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle kick that awakens your taste buds without stealing the spotlight.
- ½ tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the creamy broth and savory chicken.
- Black pepper (to taste): Adds a fresh, sharp bite that rounds out each spoonful perfectly.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: The secret to that luscious, thickened broth that feels indulgent in every bite.
- 3 cups chicken broth: The heart of the soup that carries all those flavors and keeps it warm and comforting.
- 1 ½ cups milk (2% ultra-filtered recommended): Brings the creamy texture that makes this soup feel like a dreamy lasagna in liquid form.
- 8 dry sheets of lasagna noodles (broken into 1-inch chunks): These are the star that turns the soup into a lasagna experience, providing chewy, tender texture.
- 3 cups small broccoli florets: Adds a vibrant pop of color and wholesome crunch amidst the creamy soup base.
- ⅔ cup finely grated parmesan cheese: Infuses every spoonful with a salty, nutty richness that completes this cozy bowl.
- 2 big handfuls baby spinach: Wilts down into the broth, adding freshness and a boost of nutrients without overpowering flavors.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Start by warming your olive oil in a pot over medium heat to create the perfect base. Add the diced onion and cook it gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it turns translucent and soft. This step is key to developing the subtle sweetness that mellows the soup’s flavor. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant. Let those aromatic flavors build up; it’s the foundation of your soup’s irresistible scent and taste.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Chicken with Seasoning
Make a bit of space in your pot and add the lean ground chicken, sprinkling in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes if you like a little heat, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. As the chicken cooks, crumble and mix everything so the spices fully infuse the meat. Aim to cook until the chicken is no longer pink—this creates a flavorful, meaty base that will hold the soup together beautifully.
Step 3: Create a Thickened Broth Base
Now stir in the flour, cooking it for 2 to 3 minutes while stirring occasionally to eliminate any raw flour taste and create a light roux. The flour helps thicken your broth, giving the soup a creamy, silky texture reminiscent of traditional lasagna sauce. Don’t rush this step because a smooth base is essential to achieve that luscious consistency.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then cover the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once you see bubbles, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a low simmer. This gentle heat prevents the milk from curdling and lets all the flavors meld together beautifully, forming the heart of your White Lasagna Soup Recipe’s comfort factor.
Step 5: Cook Noodles and Vegetables
Stir in broken lasagna noodles and broccoli florets, cover the pot again, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles cook evenly and reach al dente perfection. The broccoli adds just the right amount of texture and vibrancy to the creamy soup, creating a well-rounded dish that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Spinach
Finally, turn off the heat and stir in the finely grated parmesan cheese alongside the baby spinach. The spinach will wilt gently from the residual heat, adding freshness and a pop of green. Let the soup rest covered for about 5 minutes—this final step deepens the flavors and ensures every bite is rich, creamy, and perfectly balanced.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and even a few red pepper flakes can elevate your bowl, adding layers of flavor and a little extra kick if you fancy. Don’t be shy about garnishing generously—it makes the presentation inviting and the taste even better.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad for a lighter meal. The bread is perfect for dipping into that creamy broth, while the salad adds a refreshing crispness to balance the richness of the soup.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in rustic mugs or deep bowls to give it that warm, homey feel. You might even layer it with extra parmesan on top under a broiler for a minute to give a slightly bubbly cheese crust. For an elegant touch, add fresh basil leaves or a drizzle of olive oil right before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Lasagna Soup Recipe tastes just as good—or even better—the next day. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup for up to 2 months, but keep in mind the noodles might soften further upon thawing. To best preserve texture, consider freezing the broth and cooked chicken separately from the noodles and vegetables, adding fresh noodles when reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the dairy from curdling. If it seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Absolutely! Ground turkey, beef, or even Italian sausage can be substituted for ground chicken depending on your flavor preference and dietary needs. Just adjust the seasoning slightly if using a more flavorful meat like sausage.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, swap the milk with any unsweetened plant-based milk like almond or oat milk and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain the cheesy richness.
Is it necessary to use broken lasagna noodles?
While broken lasagna noodles give the soup a true lasagna texture, you could use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would all complement the flavors wonderfully and add more nutrition and texture.
How spicy is this soup?
The soup itself has a mild warmth from the Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. You can easily control the spice level by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about turning a classic comfort food like lasagna into a warm, inviting bowl of soup that’s easy to make and full of flavor. I hope you’ll give this White Lasagna Soup Recipe a try soon—it’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the cozy feelings of lasagna without the fuss. Trust me, once you taste it, this soup will become a favorite, perfect for sharing with family and friends during any season.
PrintWhite Lasagna Soup Recipe
This comforting White Lasagna Soup combines the creamy richness of classic lasagna with the ease of a hearty soup. Featuring lean ground chicken, tender broccoli, and spinach in a flavorful Italian-seasoned broth, it’s a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced small
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lb lean ground chicken
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1½ cups 2% ultra-filtered milk
Vegetables and Cheese
- 8 dry sheets of lasagna noodles, broken into 1-inch chunks
- 3 cups small broccoli florets
- ⅔ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
- 2 big handfuls baby spinach
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Add olive oil to your pot and heat to medium heat to prepare the base for sautéing.
- Sauté Onions: Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are translucent and soft, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant to infuse the oil and onions with flavor.
- Cook Ground Chicken: Make space in the pot and add ground chicken, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook and crumble the chicken until it’s mostly cooked through with minimal pink remaining, allowing the spices to blend well.
- Add Flour: Stir in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the flour is no longer white, which helps thicken the soup base.
- Add Broth and Milk: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then cover the pot and bring to a gentle boil. Once bubbling starts, lower to medium-low heat to avoid curdling milk.
- Add Noodles and Broccoli: Stir in broken lasagna noodles and broccoli florets, cover again, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until noodles are al dente and broccoli is tender.
- Finish with Cheese and Spinach: Turn off the heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese and baby spinach until the spinach wilts fully, enriching the soup’s flavor and texture.
- Rest Soup: Cover and let the soup rest for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with extra grated parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and additional red pepper flakes if desired. Enjoy your hearty and delicious White Lasagna Soup!
Notes
- Use 2% ultra-filtered milk for creaminess without being too heavy, but whole milk can be substituted for richer taste.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted or omitted for less heat.
- Breaking lasagna noodles into chunks helps them cook evenly and mimic traditional lasagna bites.
- Maintain a low simmer once milk is added to prevent curdling.
- Leftover soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be gently reheated on the stovetop.