There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of soup, especially when it features the creamy, cheesy goodness of lasagna. White Lasagna Soup is a delightful twist on the traditional Italian dish that combines the elements you love in lasagna—rich flavors, tender pasta, and plenty of cheese—into a cozy soup format. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re simply craving something hearty and satisfying, this soup is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Why We Love This White Lasagna Soup Recipe
What’s not to love about a dish that combines comfort and convenience? This White Lasagna Soup brings all the classic flavors of lasagna without the fuss of layering noodles and baking it in the oven. You will find its versatility and ease of preparation perfect for busy weeknights. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a rich, hearty meal that your whole family will adore.
Another wonderful aspect is its adaptability. You can easily modify the ingredients based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand. From altering the type of cheese used to adding extra vegetables, this recipe is a blank canvas ready to be customized. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some greens for those conscious of their veggie intake.
Most importantly, this White Lasagna Soup is warming and filling, making it the ideal choice when you need a comforting meal. You’ll appreciate the creamy texture and robust flavors that transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen with every bite.
Ingredients for White Lasagna Soup
To prepare your delicious bowl of White Lasagna Soup, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 8 oz Mafalda corta pasta (or any small pasta)
- 1 cup half-and-half (or heavy cream)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella
How to Make White Lasagna Soup
Creating your White Lasagna Soup is a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with aromatic scents. Here’s how to do it, step by step:
- Sauté Aromatics: Begin by melting the unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced yellow onion and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onion becomes softened and lightly golden. Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes. Allow this mixture to cook for an additional minute to unlock the flavors.
- Simmer Chicken: Now, pour in the chicken broth, carefully adding the raw chicken breasts and the chopped sun-dried tomatoes if you’re using them. Bring this to a simmer then cover the pot. Let the mixture cook on medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Cook Pasta: While the soup simmers away, take a separate pot to cook your pasta. Boil the small pasta of your choice until it’s just al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, carefully remove it from the pot. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return it to the soup pot.
- Cream It Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and the cornstarch to create a slurry. Gently stir this mixture into the soup and cook everything for an additional 2 to 3 minutes or until the soup slightly thickens.
- Add Greens and Pasta: Now it’s time to introduce those beautiful greens. Stir in the fresh spinach along with the cooked pasta. Allow the soup to simmer just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Finish & Serve: Once the soup is ready, ladle it into serving bowls. Top each bowl with a scoop of creamy ricotta and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella. Your delicious White Lasagna Soup is now ready to be enjoyed!
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup
Serving your White Lasagna Soup is as delightful as making it. Since it’s a complete meal in itself, you’re already on target for a satisfying dish that can warm you up from the inside out. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of crusty bread or even garlic bread pairs excellently with this soup. The hearty bread is perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth.
- Fresh Herbs: To enhance the presentation and flavor, consider garnishing each bowl with freshly chopped parsley or basil. This will add a burst of color and freshness to your soup.
- Cheese Lovers Delight: If you’re a cheese enthusiast, don’t hold back. You can add an extra sprinkling of mozzarella or Parmesan on top, even broiling for a moment to achieve a cheesy crust for added texture.
- Side Salad: For those lighter meal options, you can serve the soup alongside a fresh side salad. A simple mix of greens with a light vinaigrette will complement the richness of the soup perfectly.
Expert Tips for the Perfect White Lasagna Soup
To ensure that your White Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Broth Matters: Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of your soup. Always taste before adding extra salt.
- Cooking Pasta Separately: Cooking your pasta separately helps prevent it from becoming mushy, especially if you have leftovers that you’ll store. You can add it to the soup as needed.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Make sure to whisk your cornstarch thoroughly to avoid clumps. This step is essential for achieving a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adapt the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cream cheese, Gouda, or even a sharp cheddar can offer exciting flavors and textures.
- Customizable Ingredients: Don’t hesitate to introduce more vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even carrots. You can sneak in extra nutrients and flavors according to your preference.
How to Store White Lasagna Soup
If you find yourself with leftovers—a great problem to have!—storing your White Lasagna Soup properly is key to keeping it fresh.
- Cool Down: Allow the soup to cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container. This will prevent condensation from creating excess moisture.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store your soup in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
- Freezing: If you want to keep this soup for longer, consider freezing it. However, it’s best to store the pasta separately to maintain the texture. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
- Reheating: When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to return the soup to its original creamy consistency.
Variation of White Lasagna Soup
White Lasagna Soup can be versatile, and you can try various adaptations to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Here are some enjoyable variations:
- Vegetarian Version: For a meatless option, substitute the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms and other seasonal veggies. Use vegetable broth for a lighter alternative.
- Protein Swaps: You can replace the chicken with cooked ground turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal. Shrimp also makes a fantastic addition, providing a unique flavor profile.
- Creamy Vegan Soup: For a dairy-free version, replace half-and-half with coconut milk or any plant-based cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese for a cheesy flavor that aligns with vegan diets.
- Extra Spices: If you love spices, add herbs like thyme or oregano for an extra depth of flavor. This can elevate the soup and give it a unique twist.
FAQ about White Lasagna Soup
How can I make White Lasagna Soup gluten-free?
To pave a gluten-free path, simply use gluten-free pasta in place of standard small pasta. Also, check the labels of your spatula’s ingredients to ensure they’re compliant.
Is White Lasagna Soup healthy?
This soup can be a nutritious choice, especially with the inclusion of chicken and fresh spinach. You can keep it healthier by opting for low-fat dairy options or increasing the vegetable content.
Can I make White Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare this soup in advance. Just remember to store the pasta separately to ensure it remains intact and doesn’t become mushy during storage.
What cheese can I substitute in White Lasagna Soup?
Feel free to swap out cheeses based on your preference. Cream cheese or Gruyère can bring a new flavor dimension while maintaining the creamy texture.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños can elevate the heat level. Adjust to your spice tolerance for the perfect kick.
White Lasagna Soup
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Sheet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 small Yellow Onion diced
- 3 cloves Garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt adjust to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes optional, for heat
- 6 cups Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 0.25 cup Chopped Sun-Dried Tomatoes optional
- 8 oz Mafalda Corta Pasta or any small pasta
- 1 cup Half-and-Half or heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
- 3 cups Fresh Spinach
- 0.5 cup Ricotta Cheese
- 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese or shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute.
- Stir in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Simmer on medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- While the soup simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it. Return the shredded chicken to the soup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together half-and-half and cornstarch. Stir this mixture into the soup and cook for another 2-3 minutes to thicken.
- Add the fresh spinach and cooked pasta, stirring until the spinach wilts.
- Serve the soup hot, topped with ricotta and Parmesan cheese.
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