Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup with Spinach and Cheese – A Cozy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Introduction

Nothing beats a comforting bowl of soup on a chilly day, and this Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup with Spinach and Cheese is the perfect way to warm up. It takes the flavors of classic lasagna and turns them into a rich, creamy soup that’s hearty yet light enough to enjoy any time of year. With tender chicken pieces, creamy broth, broken lasagna noodles, and the perfect blend of cheeses, this soup offers all the comfort of lasagna in a fraction of the time.

What makes this soup even better is the addition of fresh spinach, which gives it a pop of color and added nutrition. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese provides a rich, indulgent taste that blends beautifully with the garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning. The best part? It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknights or casual family dinners. You can also adjust the ingredients to your taste, adding a bit of crushed red pepper flakes for heat or swapping in your favorite greens. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover the simple steps to make this irresistible creamy white chicken lasagna soup!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Directions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, add the diced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add liquids: Pour in the chicken broth, whole milk, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the noodles: Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender.
5. Mix in cheese and chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let everything cook together for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld.
6. Add spinach and season: Stir in the chopped spinach, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts.
7. Garnish and serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this warm, creamy delight!

How to Prepare

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot to brown the chicken pieces. Browning seals in the juices and enhances the flavor, so don’t skip this step. After cooking the chicken, remove it and use the same pot to sauté the onions and garlic. This allows the flavors to build in one pot without needing multiple dishes.

Next, add the liquids – chicken broth, milk, and cream – which form the base of the soup. Bring it to a simmer and toss in broken lasagna noodles for that lasagna feel. As the noodles cook, return the chicken to the pot and mix in the cheeses and spices. Stirring the cheese allows it to melt smoothly, creating a rich, creamy texture. The final touch is adding spinach for a fresh twist, cooking just until it wilts for the perfect bite.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
   Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just add the shredded chicken when you return the cooked chicken to the pot.
2. Can I substitute spinach with another green?
   Yes! You can use kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula if you prefer a different flavor profile.
3. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
   To make it gluten-free, substitute the lasagna noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
4. How can I store leftovers?
   Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of extra broth if it thickens too much.
5. Can I freeze this soup?
   While it’s possible to freeze the soup, the dairy and noodles may change texture once reheated. If freezing, omit the noodles and dairy, adding them fresh when reheating.

Conclusion

This Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup with Spinach and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food with a unique twist. It transforms the classic lasagna we know and love into a hearty soup that’s just as satisfying. The combination of tender chicken, broken lasagna noodles, creamy broth, and melted cheeses makes every spoonful delicious. Adding spinach brings a healthy touch while balancing the richness of the soup.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade but don’t have time for a full lasagna. It’s also versatile enough for gatherings or cozy nights in. The best part is that it all comes together in just 35 minutes! Try this creamy soup, and it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own, it’s the kind of meal that warms your soul.

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