White Chicken Lasagna Soup
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the delicious essence of traditional lasagna with the heartwarming qualities of a soup. This recipe is perfect for chilly evenings when you crave something warm and cozy. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll discover how easy it is to create this hearty meal that is not only delicious but also healthy and family-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are countless reasons to fall in love with White Chicken Lasagna Soup. Firstly, it’s easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. Additionally, this meal is loaded with nutritious ingredients, including chicken, vegetables, and spinach, ensuring that your family gets a wholesome dinner. With its creamy texture and satisfying flavors, it’s a delightful twist on the classic lasagna that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it versatile and adaptable to various tastes.
Ingredients
To create this scrumptious White Chicken Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 lasagna sheets (broken into pieces) or 2 cups small pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
These ingredients come together to create a rich and flavorful soup that’s sure to satisfy any appetite.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating White Chicken Lasagna Soup is simple with these easy-to-follow steps:
Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and sauté the diced onions, chopped carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant. The aroma of sautéing garlic and onions will fill your kitchen, enticing everyone nearby.
Add Chicken: Next, add the chicken breasts along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Simmer and Shred: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Stir in the softened cream cheese and Italian seasoning until well mixed. This step will provide the creamy texture that makes your soup irresistible.
Add Pasta and Spinach: Throw in the broken lasagna pieces or small pasta along with the fresh spinach. Cook until the pasta is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Finish with Parmesan: Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese before serving. This adds an extra layer of flavor and creaminess that elevates the dish.
With these steps, you’ll have a warming bowl of White Chicken Lasagna Soup ready in no time!
Tips & Tricks
- Stay Cozy with Leftovers: This soup reheats well, so you can enjoy it for lunch the next day or freeze it for later.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add in other vegetables you love, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrients and flavor.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables for some heat.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for additional flavors.
- Cheese Variations: Mix and match your cheeses; mozzarella can also work well in this recipe for a different texture.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This White Chicken Lasagna Soup pairs beautifully with crusty garlic bread or a fresh side salad. If you’re looking to keep it light, a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette is ideal. For a heartier meal, consider adding some warm breadsticks or a side of roasted vegetables.
Nutritional Information
Chicken is a great source of lean protein. Each serving of White Chicken Lasagna Soup offers a balanced meal packed with nutrients. A typical serving contains approximately 400 calories, 25 grams of protein, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of fat, making it an excellent option for those seeking to maintain a healthy diet without sacrificing flavor.
Storing Tips & Variations
Storing Tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the soup for up to 2 months, but remember that the texture of the pasta may change upon reheating.
Variations: For a gluten-free version, substitute the lasagna sheets for gluten-free pasta. You can also use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep time or swap out the chicken for turkey or a vegetarian protein like chickpeas for a different twist.
Conclusion
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a vibrant and cozy dish that is sure to impress your family and friends. With its delightful combination of flavors and easy preparation method, it’s a recipe worth adding to your weekly dinner rotation. So gather your ingredients, and give this comforting soup a try — you won’t be disappointed!
FAQs
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?
- Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker! Sauté the vegetables first, then add everything except the pasta and cheese. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add the pasta and cheese during the last 30 minutes.
Is it possible to make this vegetarian?
- Absolutely! Skip the chicken and use vegetable broth along with your favorite combination of beans and vegetables to keep it hearty.
Can I substitute the cream cheese?
- Yes, you can use a plant-based cream cheese for a dairy-free option or a ‘cashew cream’ for a lighter and nutty flavor.
How can I make it spicier?
- To add some heat, consider including jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce when sautéing the vegetables.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- The best way to reheat White Chicken Lasagna Soup is on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth to loosen it up if it thickens in the fridge.
Enjoy the rich flavors of White Chicken Lasagna Soup that bring warmth and comfort with every spoonful!
PrintWhite Chicken Lasagna Soup
A comforting and flavorful soup that combines the essence of traditional lasagna with heartwarming qualities, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 lasagna sheets (broken into pieces) or 2 cups small pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, drizzle some olive oil and sauté the diced onions, chopped carrots, sliced celery, and minced garlic until soft and fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts along with the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked. Shred the chicken using two forks.
- Stir in the softened cream cheese and Italian seasoning until well mixed.
- Add the broken lasagna pieces or small pasta along with the fresh spinach and cook until the pasta is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
This soup reheats well and can be frozen for later. Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg