This Chicken Lasagna Soup is a cozy bowl of comfort! It has tender pieces of chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich tomato broth, topped with gooey cheese. Yum!
It’s like having lasagna without all the layering fuss! I love to pair it with crusty bread—perfect for dipping! Plus, it’s a hit with the whole family. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: A great base for cooking. If you’re out, canola or vegetable oil also works. I prefer olive oil for its flavor!
Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken makes it super easy. If you’re in a pinch, use leftover rotisserie chicken or even canned chicken, but fresh is best!
Noodles: Lasagna noodles give that classic twist, but feel free to swap with egg noodles or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly!
Heavy Cream: It adds richness, but you can use half-and-half or even milk for a lighter version. Coconut milk is a great dairy-free option if you’re avoiding lactose.
Cheeses: Ricotta and mozzarella are the stars, but cottage cheese can substitute for ricotta. If you’re out of mozzarella, any melty cheese will do!
How Do I Make Sure the Noodles Don’t Get Mushy?
To keep your noodles perfectly tender and prevent them from becoming mushy, here are some tips:
- Cook the noodles just until al dente. They’ll continue to soften in the soup.
- Adding the noodles towards the end of cooking allows better control over their texture.
- If making ahead, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them just before serving.
This way, you’ll enjoy that nice bite in every spoonful of soup!
Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles or egg noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Cheese Ingredients:
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnishing:
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes for preparation and around 20 minutes for cooking. In total, you should have this delicious Chicken Lasagna Soup ready in about 35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, which should take about 5 minutes. This will give your soup a lovely base of flavor!
2. Add the Garlic and Spices:
Add the minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, and optional crushed red pepper flakes to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing!
3. Combine the Chicken and Broth:
Next, stir in the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes with their juices, and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil. This is where all the flavors begin to meld!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Add the broken noodles to the pot, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook until the noodles are al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
5. Add Cream and Spinach:
Lower the heat once again and stir in the heavy cream. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes. This adds a nice pop of color and nutrition to your soup!
6. Season Your Soup:
Give the soup a taste and season it with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Adjust the flavors based on your preference!
7. Serve and Garnish:
In individual serving bowls, ladle the soup and top each with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of shredded mozzarella, and a little Parmesan. This makes every bowl extra creamy and cheesy!
8. Final Touches:
Garnish your delicious soup with freshly chopped basil or parsley and a crack of black pepper for added flavor. It’s all about those finishing touches!
9. Enjoy:
Serve hot, alongside crusty bread for dipping. Enjoy your creamy, comforting Chicken Lasagna Soup that’s packed full of flavor and sure to please the whole family!
Bon appétit! 🍲✨
Can I Use Different Types of Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can also use cooked chicken breast, thighs, or even leftover turkey. Just make sure it’s shredded for even distribution in the soup!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk will work just fine. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or a cashew cream substitute; just keep in mind that it might change the flavor slightly!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to help revive the soup’s texture.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the soup, but I recommend cooking the noodles separately and adding them when you’re ready to serve. This way, they won’t absorb too much liquid and become mushy while stored!