White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the perfect example of how comfort food can be transformed into something easier, faster, and just as satisfying. Inspired by classic white chicken lasagna, this soup delivers all the flavors people crave—tender chicken, creamy sauce, Italian herbs, pasta, and melted cheese—in a warm, cozy bowl.
Traditional lasagna is delicious, but it requires time, planning, and multiple steps. You need to boil noodles, prepare sauces, layer everything carefully, bake it, and then wait before serving. White Chicken Lasagna Soup removes all that stress while keeping the heart of the dish intact. It is rich, comforting, and filling, yet surprisingly simple to prepare.
This soup has become incredibly popular in American kitchens, especially during fall and winter. Families love it for weeknight dinners, home cooks rely on it for meal prep, and food bloggers adore it because it combines nostalgia with convenience. Whether you are feeding a hungry family or just looking for something warm and satisfying, this soup delivers every single time.
Why White Chicken Lasagna Soup Is So Popular
There are many reasons why this soup has become a favorite comfort food:
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It tastes like lasagna without the effort
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It is creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying
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It is a complete meal in one pot
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It reheats well and works for meal prep
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It is family-friendly and customizable
Unlike light brothy soups, White Chicken Lasagna Soup feels like a full dinner. The combination of protein, pasta, and dairy makes it hearty enough to keep you full for hours.
The Inspiration Behind the Recipe
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is inspired by white lasagna, a variation of traditional lasagna that uses a creamy sauce instead of tomato sauce. White lasagna often includes chicken, béchamel or cream sauce, mozzarella, Parmesan, and herbs.
Home cooks began transforming this dish into soup form as one-pot meals became more popular. Busy schedules, smaller kitchens, and the desire for quicker comfort food led to the creation of this creamy soup. It keeps the flavors of white lasagna while offering the ease of soup.
Ingredients for White Chicken Lasagna Soup
This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients, but each one plays an important role.
Main Ingredients
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2 tablespoons olive oil
Used to sauté the aromatics and build flavor. -
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Adds sweetness and depth to the soup base. -
4 cloves garlic, minced
Essential for rich, savory flavor. -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme. -
½ teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon dried oregano
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¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Adds gentle heat without overpowering the soup.
Protein
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2½ cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
You can use:
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Rotisserie chicken (fast and flavorful)
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Boiled or baked chicken breast
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Leftover roasted chicken
Chicken thighs will give a richer taste, while chicken breast keeps it lighter.
Pasta
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8 to 10 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-size pieces
Lasagna noodles are ideal because they:
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Hold the creamy sauce well
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Create a hearty, lasagna-like texture
Substitutes include mafalda pasta, bowtie pasta, or broken fettuccine.
Liquids
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5 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Forms the base of the soup. -
1½ cups heavy cream
Creates the rich, creamy texture.
Creamy & Cheesy Ingredients
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6 oz cream cheese, softened
Gives the soup a silky, luxurious body. -
1½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Adds umami and depth. -
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional but highly recommended for extra creaminess.
Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)
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2 cups fresh spinach
Adds color and nutrition. -
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Brings light acidity to balance the cream.
Seasoning & Garnish
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
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Optional lemon zest for brightness
Step-by-Step Instructions (Very Detailed)
Step 1: Build the Flavor Base
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent browning.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not let it burn.
Stir in Italian seasoning, dried basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cooking the spices in oil releases their aroma and deepens the flavor.
Step 2: Add the Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly to the pot. Stir frequently so the pasta does not stick together.
Simmer for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender but not mushy. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid, so avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Stir in the cooked chicken. Let the soup simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so the chicken warms through and absorbs the flavors.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat. Add the cream cheese in small pieces, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. The soup should now look rich, thick, and creamy.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Add the Parmesan cheese and mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until melted. Keep the heat low—do not boil, as boiling can cause the cheese to separate.
Step 7: Finish the Soup
Add spinach and cherry tomatoes. Cook just until the spinach wilts.
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Finish with fresh parsley or basil and optional lemon zest.
How to Control Soup Thickness
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If the soup is too thick:
Add warm chicken broth or milk, a little at a time. -
If the soup is too thin:
Simmer uncovered for 5–10 minutes or add extra Parmesan cheese.
Flavor Variations
Healthier Version
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Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
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Reduce cheese slightly
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Add extra vegetables
Spicy Version
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Add extra red pepper flakes
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Use pepper jack cheese
Vegetarian Version
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Replace chicken with mushrooms and white beans
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Use vegetable broth
Low-Carb Version
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Skip pasta
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Add cauliflower florets or zucchini
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken as it sits.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove. Add broth or milk to loosen the texture.
Freezing
Freeze the soup without pasta for best results. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
White Chicken Lasagna Soup pairs perfectly with:
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Garlic bread or breadsticks
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Crusty artisan bread
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Caesar salad
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Roasted vegetables
It works beautifully as a main course for lunch or dinner.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Boiling the soup after adding dairy
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Using pre-shredded cheese (it doesn’t melt well)
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Overcooking the pasta
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Forgetting to adjust seasoning at the end
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
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Calories: 460
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Protein: 30g
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Fat: 26g
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Carbohydrates: 32g
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Calcium: High
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Sodium: Moderate (depends on broth used)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, it saves time and adds flavor.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook everything except dairy and pasta on low for 6 hours, then add cream, cheese, and pasta at the end.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Yes. Simply skip the red pepper flakes.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the soup will be less rich.
Why This Recipe Works So Well
White Chicken Lasagna Soup succeeds because it balances richness with comfort. The creamy base, tender chicken, and pasta create a satisfying texture, while herbs and cheese add depth. It feels indulgent without being overwhelming, making it a recipe people return to again and again.
Final Conclusion
White Chicken Lasagna Soup is everything comfort food should be—warm, creamy, filling, and deeply satisfying. It brings together the flavors of classic white chicken lasagna in an easy, one-pot soup that fits perfectly into busy modern life.
Whether you are cooking for family, preparing meals ahead of time, or simply craving a cozy dinner, this soup delivers on every level. Once you make it, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
