White Lasagna Soup Recipe
If you’re craving all the comforting vibes of lasagna but want something quicker and more soul-hugging, this White Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine creamy, cheesy goodness swirling with tender chicken, spinach, and those classic Italian flavors—all packed into a cozy bowl. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to weeknight dinner. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll find yourself making it over and over again!
Why This Recipe Works
- Comfort Meets Convenience: It captures all the rich, cheesy layers of lasagna but cooks in under 40 minutes.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The savory sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach add bursts of flavor and color to the creamy broth.
- Flexible for Your Pantry: Uses common ingredients and can easily adapt if you want to swap pasta or dairy options.
- Expertly Layered Texture: Tender shredded chicken, al dente noodles, and creamy cheese toppings deliver the perfect bite every single time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this White Lasagna Soup Recipe truly comes from how the ingredients come together to create layers of flavor and texture, just like the classic dish but in a comforting soup. Plus, a few thoughtful choices make this recipe both easy and delicious.

- Unsalted butter: Adds a rich base flavor and helps soften the onions without overpowering the dish.
- Onion: Gives sweetness and depth, finely chopped for even cooking.
- Garlic: Brings that unmistakable Italian aroma and flavor punch.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that instantly layers familiar herbs like oregano and basil, making the soup aromatic.
- Salt, pepper, and red chili flakes: Balanced seasoning to enhance flavor without too much heat—the chili flakes add a slight kick.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The soup’s soul; low sodium lets you control saltiness as you go.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Shreds easily and adds hearty protein.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Concentrated tomato flavor that gives color and tangy sweetness.
- Dry short pasta or broken lasagna noodles: They soak up the broth and create the lasagna feel in soup form.
- Half-and-half: Adds creaminess and richness without being too heavy.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the broth slightly to give it that luxurious texture.
- Fresh spinach: Pops of green freshness that balance the richness.
- Ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese: Garnishes that bring cheesy layers and the perfect finishing touch.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love making this White Lasagna Soup Recipe my own depending on what’s in the fridge or how much time I have. It’s crazy versatile, so don’t hesitate to experiment with the basics to suit your cravings.
- Vegetarian Version: I’ve swapped chicken for zucchini and mushrooms once, and it turned out just as cozy and comforting.
- Spice it Up: If you like heat, I add extra chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle but warming kick.
- Different Pasta: I often toss in little shells or orzo if I don’t have broken lasagna noodles on hand—still delicious!
- Dairy-Free Swap: Using coconut milk instead of half-and-half works great if you want a dairy-free option without losing creaminess.
Step-by-Step: How I Make White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Build Your Flavor Base
Start by melting the unsalted butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in your finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges just begin to brown—about 3 to 4 minutes. That slight caramelization adds sweetness and complexity. Then stir in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook everything together for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. This step is crucial because it wakes up the spices and creates a flavorful foundation for the soup.
Step 2: Simmer the Chicken and Tomatoes
Add the chicken broth to your pot and nestle in the boneless skinless chicken breasts along with the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Turn the heat up to medium-high and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Pop a lid on and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 12 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and reaches 165°F on a meat thermometer. This cooking method ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, soaking up the fragrant broth flavors.
Step 3: Cook Your Pasta Separately
While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta in a large pot of salted water until just al dente according to package directions. I always cook the pasta separately because that way it doesn’t absorb too much broth and turn mushy. Drain and set aside.
Step 4: Shred Chicken and Thicken the Broth
Once your chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks—it’s so satisfying to see the tender pieces come apart effortlessly. Next, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth, then stir this mixture into the soup. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to let the broth thicken slightly and become creamy. This is a simple trick I learned that makes the soup feel indulgent without being heavy.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Toss the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and roughly chopped fresh spinach into the pot. Stir gently and let everything heat through. The spinach wilts perfectly and adds a fresh, inviting pop of color. Taste the soup and adjust the salt, pepper, or seasoning if you need to. Then get ready to scoop yourself a big bowlful!
Pro Tips for Making White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Onion: Keep stirring as you cook the onion until it’s just golden for the best sweetness without bitterness.
- Separate Pasta for Texture: Cooking and storing the pasta separately keeps the noodles from turning mushy when reheating leftovers.
- Use Fresh Spinach Last: Add it just at the end so it stays vibrant and doesn’t wilt too much.
- Check Seasoning After Thickening: Sometimes thickening dulls the flavor, so a quick taste test and adjustment post-thickening makes all the difference.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup Recipe

Garnishes
I always top my bowls with a generous dollop of ricotta and a sprinkle of Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. The cheeses melt beautifully into the hot soup and give it that classic lasagna finish that melts in your mouth. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh basil leaves or a small drizzle of good olive oil takes it to the next level.
Side Dishes
This soup stands strong on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for brightness. Warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette is perfect for dipping—trust me, you’ll want to soak up every last drop.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serving the soup in mini bread bowls is a fun and festive twist. It makes dinner feel extra cozy and gives guests a little edible surprise! I’ve also layered the soup into mason jars for take-along lunches that reheat beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover White Lasagna Soup keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. I always store the pasta separately from the soup to keep noodles firm and prevent them from soaking up too much broth.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup a few times and had great success. Just freeze the soup without the pasta mixed in, then thaw in the fridge overnight. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating to keep it fresh and perfect.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the soup gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally so it heats evenly. Then add cooked pasta or freshly cook pasta separately and combine just before serving. This keeps texture just right and flavors fresh.
FAQs
-
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Absolutely! Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that cuts down on cooking time. Just add the shredded chicken toward the end when you stir in the pasta and spinach—skip the step of simmering raw chicken in the broth.
-
What type of pasta works best for White Lasagna Soup Recipe?
I recommend short pasta shapes like broken lasagna noodles, small shells, or even penne. They hold up well in soup and pair perfectly with the creamy broth. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, which can get mushy quickly.
-
Can I make this soup vegan or dairy-free?
Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap half-and-half with coconut milk or any plant-based cream, and substitute the cheeses with vegan alternatives or nutritional yeast for flavor. Replace the chicken with hearty veggies or tofu to keep it filling.
-
How do I thicken the broth without cornstarch?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of all-purpose flour, whisked into the half-and-half before adding to the soup. Alternatively, reducing the broth slightly by simmering longer can also thicken the soup naturally.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup Recipe is one of those meals I wholeheartedly recommend to friends because it’s just so comforting, easy, and downright tasty. Whether you’re new to soup making or a seasoned cook looking for a fresh twist, you’ll appreciate how this recipe balances bold Italian flavors with creamy comfort. I hope you love making it as much as I do—it’s honestly become a staple in my kitchen when I want something warm and satisfying in a flash.
Print
White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Easy White Lasagna Soup offers all the comforting flavors of classic white lasagna in a warm, creamy soup form. With tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a blend of cheeses, this soup is perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that’s quick to prepare and full of Italian-inspired taste.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
Pasta
- 2 cups dry, short pasta or broken lasagna noodles
Thickener & Add-ins
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
Garnish
- Ricotta cheese (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (to taste)
Instructions
- Melt Butter and Cook Onion: Melt the butter in a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until it just starts to brown, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook the mixture for 1 minute to release the aromas without burning the garlic.
- Add Broth, Chicken, and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth. Add the uncooked chicken breasts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.
- Simmer Chicken: Once simmering, cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through, checking with a meat thermometer for 165°F.
- Cook Pasta Separately: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dry pasta or broken lasagna noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the soup and shred it finely with two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot after thickening the soup.
- Thicken the Soup: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup pot and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the soup slightly thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and chopped spinach into the thickened soup. Heat everything through until the spinach wilts and the mixture is hot.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve hot with garnishes of ricotta, Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheeses as desired.
Notes
- Store leftover soup in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. To prevent soggy noodles, store the cooked pasta separately from the soup.
- Reheat gently in the microwave or on low heat on the stove until warmed through.
- Use low-fat or lactose-free dairy options to reduce fat or lactose if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, omit chicken and use vegetable broth instead.
- Adjust the amount of chili flakes to control the soup’s spiciness according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 540 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg


