Quick White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Quick White Lasagna Soup is a comforting and creamy soup inspired by the flavors of traditional white lasagna. It combines tender chicken, pasta, spinach, and a rich cheese blend in a flavorful broth thickened with a smooth liaison. Ready in just 35 minutes, this soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal that delivers all the classic Italian taste in a warm bowl.
- Author: Elias
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Soup Base
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter (preferably Kerrygold)
- 1 onion, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/8 tsp chili flakes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (such as Swanson)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
- 2 cups campanelle or fusilli pasta
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
Thickener (Liaison)
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tbsp cornstarch, whisked with half-and-half until smooth
Garnishes
- Ricotta cheese (for creamy texture)
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Mozzarella cheese (whole milk, such as Galbani), shredded
- Prepare Mise en Place and Start the Aromatics: Dice the onion into 1/2-inch pieces, mince the garlic, and chop the sun-dried tomatoes into 1/4-inch pieces. Cut the chicken breast into 1-inch chunks. In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter until it foams. Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent. This step builds the flavor foundation for the soup.
- Build the Flavor Base with Aromatics and Spices: Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes to the softened onions. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. This process blooms the spices, releasing their essential oils for deeper flavor. Don’t skip this crucial step for layered taste.
- Simmer the Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the chicken chunks and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. While the chicken simmers, boil the pasta in a separate pot with salted water according to package instructions (using campanelle or fusilli is recommended for best texture).
- Remove Chicken and Create the Cream Liaison: When the chicken is fully cooked, carefully remove it from the soup with a slotted spoon and set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth with no lumps. Pour this liaison into the simmering broth, stirring constantly. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the soup thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon without becoming gummy.
- Combine All Components and Finish with Greens: Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and return it to the pot. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the soup along with the fresh spinach and nutritional yeast. Stir gently for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve with Cheese Blend: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese in the center, then sprinkle grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella around it. The warm soup will soften the cheeses, creating a creamy, luxurious finish.
Notes
- Using campanelle or fusilli pasta helps the creamy sauce cling better for a more satisfying texture.
- Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- The liaison (half-and-half and cornstarch mixture) thickens the soup gently without making it gummy.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if preferred.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken, or use firm tofu.
- Adjust chili flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of simmering fresh chicken breasts.
Keywords: white lasagna soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian soup recipe, easy dinner soup, weeknight meal