White lasagna soup is the creamy, garlicky twist on the beloved comfort dish that brings all the cozy vibes of traditional lasagna—minus the layering and baking. Instead of tomato-based sauce, this version features a luscious parmesan cream broth, tender pasta, savory chicken or turkey, and melty cheeses swirled in every bite.
It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, ideal for cold nights, busy weekdays, or when you’re simply craving a bowl of rich, hearty goodness. And the best part? It comes together in just one pot with minimal fuss but maximum flavor.
Ingredients Overview
White lasagna soup borrows from the classic white lasagna (think: béchamel, spinach, and cheese) and transforms it into a spoonable dish. Here’s what you’ll need:
Protein
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Shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or ground chicken work beautifully.
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Adds lean protein and a comforting base.
Aromatics
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Yellow onion, garlic, and optional leeks or shallots for a sweet and savory base.
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Sautéed in butter or olive oil until soft and fragrant.
Broth + Cream Base
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Chicken broth builds the foundation of the soup.
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Heavy cream (or half-and-half) adds richness and smooth texture.
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Optional: a roux made from butter and flour to thicken the broth, mimicking béchamel.
Cheese
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Parmesan for saltiness and depth.
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Mozzarella for creamy melt.
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Ricotta or cream cheese stirred in for luscious body.
Pasta
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Lasagna noodles broken into pieces, or substitute with mafaldine, bowtie, or rotini.
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Cooked directly in the soup or separately to prevent overcooking.
Veggies (Optional but Recommended)
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Spinach adds color and nutrition.
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Mushrooms or zucchini can bulk it up without extra meat.
Seasonings
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Italian seasoning, thyme, nutmeg, and a touch of crushed red pepper for balance and warmth.
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Salt and black pepper, to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics
In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over medium heat:
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Melt 2 tbsp butter or heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
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Add:
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1 small diced onion
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2–3 cloves minced garlic
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Optional: 1 chopped leek or shallot
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Sauté for 3–5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Add Chicken and Season
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Stir in:
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2 cups cooked, shredded chicken or turkey
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt and ¼ tsp pepper
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Pinch of nutmeg and red pepper flakes (optional)
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Sauté for another 2–3 minutes to warm through and infuse flavor.
3. Add Broth and Simmer
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Pour in:
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5 cups chicken broth
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Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes to let flavors meld.
Optional: Stir in 1 tbsp flour or cornstarch slurry at this point for a thicker base.
4. Add Pasta
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Add 8 oz broken lasagna noodles (or other pasta).
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Simmer 8–10 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
For best results in meal prep or freezing, cook pasta separately.
5. Add Dairy and Cheese
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Stir in:
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½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
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½ cup ricotta or 4 oz cream cheese (room temp)
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated parmesan
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Stir gently until melted and creamy.
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Taste and adjust seasoning. Add more broth if it thickens too much.
6. Finish with Spinach
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Stir in:
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2 cups fresh spinach or baby kale
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Let wilt for 1–2 minutes.
Ladle into bowls and top with more parmesan and cracked black pepper.
Tips, Variations & Substitutions
Tips for Success
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Use room temperature dairy to avoid curdling.
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Cook pasta separately if planning for leftovers—then combine when reheating.
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Add broth gradually if the soup thickens too much.
Flavor Variations
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White Mushroom Lasagna Soup: Sauté mushrooms with the onions for a vegetarian version.
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Spicy Chicken Alfredo Soup: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
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Turkey & Kale Version: Use leftover turkey and hearty greens.
Substitutions
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Dairy-Free: Use oat milk or cashew cream + dairy-free cheese.
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Gluten-Free: Choose gluten-free pasta and thickener.
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Low-Carb: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or shredded cabbage.
Serving Ideas & Occasions
White lasagna soup is perfect for:
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Family dinners – Comforting and filling
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Make-ahead lunches – Heats up beautifully
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Cold-weather gatherings – Crowd-pleasing and hearty
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Holiday leftover makeovers – Use leftover turkey or chicken
Pair with:
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Garlic knots or crusty bread
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Roasted Brussels sprouts or Caesar salad
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A glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon
Nutritional & Health Notes
This soup delivers:
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Lean protein from chicken or turkey
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Calcium from cheese and cream
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Fiber and iron from spinach
To lighten:
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Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
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Add more broth and reduce cheese
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Skip the roux and go for a thinner, brothier version
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Make the base and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cook pasta separately and add when reheating to avoid soggy noodles.
Q2: Can I freeze white lasagna soup?
Yes, but freeze without the pasta. Dairy may slightly separate upon thawing—stir well when reheating.
Q3: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. It’s a huge time-saver and adds tons of flavor.
Q4: What pasta works best?
Broken lasagna noodles give the classic vibe, but rotini, bowtie, or mafaldine work just as well and are easier to eat.
Q5: How can I thicken the soup?
Make a simple roux with 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp flour before adding the broth, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
Q6: Is it spicy?
Only if you add red pepper flakes. The base is mild and family-friendly.
Q7: What cheese should I avoid?
Avoid pre-shredded cheeses, which can be gritty when melted. Shred fresh mozzarella and parmesan for the smoothest texture.
PrintCreamy Crockpot White Lasagna Soup
Creamy, garlicky white lasagna soup filled with shredded chicken, tender noodles, parmesan cream broth, and melty cheese. Cozy, comforting, and ready in one pot.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
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1 tbsp olive oil or 2 tbsp butter
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1 small onion, diced
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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2 cups shredded cooked chicken or turkey
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper
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Pinch of nutmeg and red pepper flakes (optional)
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5 cups chicken broth
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8 oz broken lasagna noodles
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup ricotta or 4 oz cream cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella
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½ cup grated parmesan
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2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
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Sauté onion and garlic in butter until soft.
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Add chicken, seasonings, and stir.
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Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
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Add pasta and cook 8–10 mins until tender.
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Stir in cream, ricotta, mozzarella, and parmesan. Simmer until melted.
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Add spinach and cook until wilted. Adjust seasoning and serve hot.
Notes
Cook pasta separately if storing or freezing. Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Garnish with extra parmesan and black pepper.
