Introduction
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the perfect dish for cozy evenings when you crave a warm, comforting meal. This dish combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the ease of a simple soup, making it both delicious and approachable for home cooks.
With tender chicken, creamy cheese, and hearty noodles all simmered in a savory broth, this recipe takes lasagna to a whole new level. It's an excellent way to bring family and friends together around the table, especially on chilly nights.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Olive oil is essential for sautéing the vegetables, providing a base of flavor. It also adds healthy fats that contribute to the creaminess of the final dish. - 1 medium onion, diced
The onion forms the aromatic foundation of the soup, caramelizing to bring sweetness and depth. It's crucial for enhancing the overall flavor profile. - 3 cloves garlic, minced
Garlic adds a robust layer of flavor, with its aromatic qualities brightening the soup. It balances the richness of the cream and chicken. - 2 carrots, diced
Carrots introduce natural sweetness and color to the soup. They also provide a slight crunch, adding texture to the comforting broth. - 2 ribs celery, diced
Celery complements the carrots and onion, contributing a subtle earthiness and further deepening the flavor of the soup. - 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
Using shredded chicken adds heartiness and protein, making the soup filling. It absorbs the flavors of the broth, ensuring each spoonful is savory. - 6 cups chicken broth
Broth is the soul of the soup, providing the liquid base that ties together all the ingredients. It enhances flavor and contributes to the overall comfort of the dish. - 1 cup heavy cream
Heavy cream transforms this soup into a luxurious, creamy concoction, mimicking the rich texture of traditional lasagna while enriching the overall taste. - 9 lasagna noodles
Lasagna noodles add substance and texture. They should be broken into bite-sized pieces to create a manageable size for soup, soaking up the delicious broth. - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning infuses the soup with classic herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, bringing the flavors of traditional Italian cuisine into your bowl. - 1/2 teaspoon salt
Salt enhances all other flavors in the soup, ensuring a well-balanced taste. It's important to adjust based on your broth's sodium content. - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Black pepper adds a gentle heat and depth to the soup, complementing the creaminess of the broth and chicken. - 1 cup ricotta cheese
Ricotta cheese brings creaminess and a slight sweetness, echoing traditional lasagna layers and enriching the texture of the soup. - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the overall taste of the soup. It's also great for garnishing before serving. - Fresh parsley, for garnish
Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness, brightening the dish and bringing an appealing visual element to your serving bowl.
Directions & Preparation
Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Starting with a hot pot ensures that the vegetables sauté quickly and evenly. This step is important for building the initial flavor of the soup, giving the ingredients a chance to release their natural sugars.
Step 2: Add diced onions, carrots, and celery; sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
Sautéing these aromatics allows their flavors to meld together, creating a rich base for the soup. You’ll know they are ready when the onions are translucent and fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Garlic can burn easily, so cooking it for just a minute will release its aromatic oils without losing its distinct flavor. The moment garlic hits the heat, it enhances the overall aroma of the soup.
Step 4: Add the shredded chicken and pour in the chicken broth; bring to a simmer.
Incorporating the chicken at this point allows it to absorb the flavors of the broth. Bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer ensures that the ingredients meld together harmoniously.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Adding cream at this stage gives the soup its signature richness. Incorporate the seasonings well to distribute their flavors evenly throughout the broth.
Step 6: Break lasagna noodles into pieces and stir them into the soup.
Breaking the noodles creates a soup-friendly size while allowing them to soak up the broth, delivering that comforting lasagna experience. Ensure they are thoroughly submerged to cook evenly.
Step 7: Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
This simmering phase lets the flavors deepen as the noodles soften. Keep an eye on the texture; you want them al dente, as they will continue to cook slightly once removed from the heat.
Step 8: Remove from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until well combined.
Adding ricotta at the end retains its creamy texture without overcooking it. Stirring it in thoroughly ensures that each serving will have that rich, cheesy flavor, reminiscent of a traditional lasagna.
Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Presentation matters! Garnishing with Parmesan and parsley not only enhances the flavor but also elevates the dish visually, making it more appealing and inviting to guests.
Layering Flavors for Depth
The key to any great soup lies in the layers of flavors you build. Starting with the aromatic trio of onions, carrots, and celery, or the mirepoix, lays the groundwork. As you proceed, each ingredient contributes its essence, from the sharpness of garlic to the richness of cream. This harmonious combination creates a complex and satisfying bowl of soup.
Noodle Selection and Texture
Using traditional lasagna noodles is essential for achieving that comfort-food feel in your soup. Breaking them into manageable pieces not only aids in eating but also ensures they soak up the broth beautifully. Be mindful of their cooking time, as you want them tender yet maintaining a slight bite, creating a pleasing contrast to the creamy soup.
Personalizing Your White Chicken Lasagna Soup
One of the joys of cooking at home is the ability to personalize recipes to suit your tastes. Consider adding spinach or kale for a touch of green and added nutrition. You might also experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for a stretchy, gooey texture. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to reflect your preferences, creating a unique signature dish.
FAQs
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
If the soup is too thick, simply add additional chicken broth or water until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Can I use uncooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use uncooked chicken by adding it to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Ensure it cooks through completely before shredding and following the rest of the steps.
What if my soup turns out bland?
If your soup lacks flavor, taste and adjust by adding more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning. A splash of vinegar or lemon juice can also brighten and enhance the flavors.
Is there a way to make this soup spicier?
To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce when adding the cream and seasoning. Adjust to your spice preference.
How can I modify this recipe for fewer servings?
To scale down, simply halve the quantities of all ingredients. Cooking times will remain relatively unchanged, but always check for tenderness of noodles.
What can I do with leftover noodles?
If you have leftover lasagna noodles after making the soup, cook them separately and toss with olive oil and seasonings. They can be served as a side dish or added to salads.
Conclusion
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is an exceptional dish that brings the comfort of lasagna into a simple bowl of soup. It’s a hearty, flavorful meal perfect for any occasion.
By combining familiar ingredients in a new way, you create a dish that delights the senses and warms the heart. Your family and friends will appreciate the effort as they savor each delicious, creamy spoonful.
Recipe Card
Indulgent Pink Champagne Cake for Celebrations
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in the champagne and vanilla extract, mixing gently.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared cake pans.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to wire racks.
- Once cooled, whip the heavy cream with powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
- Place one layer of cake on a serving platter and spread a layer of whipped cream on top.
- Top with the second layer of cake and frost the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream.
- Chill the cake for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
