Your favorite lasagna transformed into a comforting, creamy soup! This White Lasagna Soup is loaded with flavor, hearty chicken, tender pasta, and a luscious broth that will make it an instant family favorite.
Duration
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 459 per serving
Ingredients
For the Soup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust if not using low-sodium broth)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (add more for extra spice)
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (use 4 cups for a thinner soup)
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 300 grams)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, optional)
- 2 cups short dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles (about 120 grams; Mafalda Corta recommended)
- 1 cup half-and-half or cream (higher fat content yields a richer soup)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
For Garnish:
- Ricotta cheese, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
- Heat a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the chopped onions and sauté until they begin to turn golden brown.
2. Build the Flavor
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
3. Add Broth and Chicken
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine.
- Add the uncooked chicken breasts and optional sun-dried tomatoes.
4. Cook the Chicken
- Bring the soup to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of at least 165°F).
5. Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to the package directions. Cook to al dente in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
6. Shred the Chicken
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.
7. Thicken the Soup
- In a small bowl, whisk together the cream and cornstarch until smooth.
- Stir the mixture into the soup pot, followed by the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and chopped spinach.
8. Finish and Serve
- Heat the soup through until slightly thickened.
- Ladle into bowls and garnish with ricotta, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella as desired.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Separate Storage: To avoid soggy noodles, store the soup and pasta separately. Combine them when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat until heated through.
Pro Tips for Success
- Thorough Sautéing: Let the onions brown slightly to develop a deeper flavor in the soup base.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference.
- Richer Broth: For an even creamier soup, use heavy cream instead of half-and-half.
- Pasta Choices: Mafalda Corta is ideal for its lasagna-like texture, but any short pasta works.
- Cornstarch Mixture: Whisk thoroughly to prevent lumps when adding to the soup.
FAQs
1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup base and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and cook fresh pasta or reheat the pre-cooked pasta.
2. Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Skip the step where the chicken is cooked in the broth. Instead, shred or chop your leftover chicken and add it when combining the pasta and spinach.
3. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and replace the chicken with white beans or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
4. How do I make the soup gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and double-check that all other ingredients, such as the broth, are gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
The soup base (without pasta or cream) freezes well for up to 3 months. Add the pasta and cream after reheating to maintain the best texture.