This Chicken Lasagna Soup is a warm and comforting dish, packed with tender chicken, noodles, and rich tomato sauce. It’s like lasagna but in a bowl, perfect for chilly days!
I love how easy it is to make this soup! Just toss everything in one pot and let it bubble away. Plus, the gooey cheese on top makes every bite a cozy hug! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is perfect for sautéing the onion and garlic. If you don’t have olive oil, feel free to use vegetable or canola oil instead. They work just fine!
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor. Yellow onions are my go-to, but you could swap in a shallot for a milder taste.
Chicken Broth: Chicken broth gives the soup its rich base. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-sodium broth is great, or you can use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Diced Tomatoes: While optional, they enhance the soup’s flavor. If tomatoes aren’t your thing, just use extra chicken broth.
Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a favorite of mine for ease. If you’re cooking from scratch, poached or grilled chicken works too!
Lasagna Noodles: Regular lasagna noodles give the authentic taste, but egg noodles can save you time! Gluten-free pasta is also a good alternative.
Ricotta Cheese: This adds creaminess. If you prefer something lighter, cottage cheese is a nice substitute. You can also use cream cheese for a richer taste.
How Do I Make the Soup Creamy?
The secret to a creamy texture in Chicken Lasagna Soup is in how you mix the ricotta cheese. Here’s how to do it:
- After cooking the noodles and adding the chicken and spinach, take the pot off the heat. This prevents the ricotta from cooking too much.
- Add the ricotta cheese in small dollops. Stir gently until it melts and blends into the broth, creating a creamy consistency.
- If you want an extra layer of creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving!
Remember, stirring slowly helps keep the soup smooth without breaking up the noodles too much.
How to Make Chicken Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional for a more tomato-forward flavor)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 ounces lasagna noodles or broken wide egg noodles (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
For the Creamy Topping:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Lasagna Soup takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes to cook, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Sauté until the onion becomes soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until you smell that delicious garlic aroma.
2. Create the Soup Base:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot, and add the diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Stir in the dried basil, oregano, red pepper flakes (if you want a kick), and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil of excitement!
3. Add the Noodles:
Once boiling, add the lasagna noodles or broken egg noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let it cook until the noodles are nice and tender, which will take about 8-10 minutes.
4. Mix in the Chicken and Spinach:
Stir in the shredded chicken and chopped spinach, cooking just until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes. This will add a pop of color and nutrition!
5. Make it Creamy:
Take the pot off the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese. Mix until it’s melted and the soup is deliciously creamy.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the warm soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. If you like, add a dollop of extra ricotta or sour cream for even more creaminess. Garnish with chopped parsley and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Serve this cozy Chicken Lasagna Soup warm with toasted garlic bread or your favorite crusty bread on the side. Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Can I Use Store-Bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor to the soup. Just shred the chicken and mix it in!
How Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra substance.
Can I Freeze Leftover Soup?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers! Just let the soup cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat the Soup?
The best way to reheat Chicken Lasagna Soup is on the stovetop over low heat. Stir occasionally to warm it evenly. If the soup thickens in the fridge, just add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
