Hearty Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe

This Creamiest Chicken Lasagna Soup is a dreamy, cozy twist on the classic Italian dish — with all the rich flavors of lasagna in a warm, ultra-creamy bowl of soup. Think tender shredded chicken, melty cheese, broken lasagna noodles, and a silky tomato-cream broth infused with garlic and herbs.

It’s the perfect one-pot comfort meal for cold nights, easy enough for weeknight dinners, and guaranteed to be a family favorite. No layering, no baking — just one spoonful of cheesy, hearty goodness after another.

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this recipe has a job to do — flavor, texture, richness — and together, they create a soup that tastes like lasagna but feels even more indulgent.

Chicken

• Cooked shredded chicken: A great use for rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken.

• Tip: You can also poach chicken breasts right in the broth for extra flavor.

Aromatics

• Yellow onion: Sautéed for a sweet-savory flavor base.

• Garlic: Essential in any lasagna recipe.

• Olive oil or butter: To sauté the aromatics and bring richness.

Tomato Base

• Tomato paste: Adds depth and umami.

• Crushed tomatoes or tomato puree: A smooth, hearty tomato flavor.

• Chicken broth: Makes up the soup base and keeps everything light yet flavorful.

Lasagna Noodles

• Regular lasagna sheets: Broken into pieces so they mimic wide, rustic pasta in each bite.

• Optional swap: Mafalda, bowties, or gluten-free pasta.

Cream Element

• Heavy cream: Makes the soup luscious and rich.

• Cream cheese: Adds body and tang — it melts right in for extra silkiness.

Cheese

• Mozzarella: Melts into gooey ribbons.

• Parmesan: Salty, nutty finish.

• Ricotta (optional): Swirled in at the end for that classic lasagna feel.

Seasonings

• Italian seasoning: A must for that herby flavor.

• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a little warmth.

• Salt & black pepper: Always season to taste.

Add-ins

• Fresh spinach (optional): Adds color and a slight bitterness to balance the richness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté Aromatics

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil or 2 tbsp butter over medium heat.

Add:

• 1 diced yellow onion

• Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Then add:

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Build the Tomato Base

Stir in:

• 2 tbsp tomato paste

• Cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Add:

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.

3. Add the Noodles

Break 8–10 lasagna noodles into bite-size pieces. Add to the soup and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until al dente.

Note: You can also cook noodles separately if prepping in advance.

4. Add Chicken & Cream

Once noodles are cooked, stir in:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed

Simmer gently until the cream cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy, about 3–4 minutes.

5. Stir in Cheese & Greens

Lower heat and add:

• 1½ cups shredded mozzarella

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)

Stir until spinach wilts and cheese is melted through. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

6. Serve & Top

Ladle soup into bowls and top with:

• A dollop of ricotta cheese (optional)

• More shredded mozzarella or Parmesan

• Fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness

Serve with garlic bread, grilled cheese, or a simple green salad.

Tips, Variations & Substitutions

• No cream cheese? Add extra mozzarella or stir in a spoonful of ricotta at the end.

• Dairy-free option: Use oat cream or coconut cream and skip the cheese toppings.

• Want a lighter version? Use whole milk or half-and-half, and reduce cheese.

• Boost flavor: Add a splash of white wine before the tomato step or a bay leaf during simmering.

• Make it gluten-free: Use GF pasta and check your broth label.

Serving Ideas & Occasions

This soup is perfect for:

• Cold-weather dinners – Cozy and filling.

• Easy weeknight meals – All-in-one comfort food.

• Family gatherings – Serve with crusty bread and salad.

• Meal prep – Makes great leftovers for lunch or freezer meals.

Pair it with:

• Garlic knots or focaccia

• Caesar or arugula salad

• A glass of dry white wine or lemon sparkling water

Nutritional & Health Notes

This is a rich and satisfying soup, perfect for a filling dinner. It contains:

• Lean protein from chicken

• Carbohydrates from pasta

• Fat from cream and cheese

To lighten:

• Use less cream and cheese

• Add extra veggies like mushrooms or zucchini

• Use low-sodium broth and lean chicken breast

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: ~550–600

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbs: 40–45g

FAQs

Q1: Can I use raw chicken in this recipe?

A1: Yes! Add raw chicken breasts after the tomato step and simmer for 20–25 minutes, then shred and return to the pot.

Q2: Can I freeze creamy chicken lasagna soup?

A2: It’s best fresh. Creamy soups can separate when frozen. If freezing, do it before adding cream and cheese. Reheat and finish with cream/cheese before serving.

Q3: What kind of pasta can I use instead of lasagna noodles?

A3: Try bowties, rotini, mafalda, or even penne. Choose pasta with texture that holds onto sauce.

Q4: Can I make this in the slow cooker?

A4: Yes. Add everything except noodles, cream, cheese, and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low 6–7 hours, stir in cooked pasta, cream, and cheese at the end.

Q5: How do I reheat this soup?

A5: Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to loosen the soup. Stir often to prevent cheese from sticking.

Q6: Is there a low-carb version?

A6: Skip the pasta and add zucchini ribbons, cabbage strips, or cauliflower rice.

Q7: Can I make this spicy?

A7: Definitely! Use chili flakes, spicy marinara, or even a diced jalapeño sautéed with the onion.

Print