Description
Creamy white lasagna soup brings Italian comfort directly to dinner tables with rich layers of flavor. Hearty cheese, tender noodles, and savory herbs create a comforting bowl that will welcome you home after a long day.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great!)
Noodles and Cheese:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Ricotta cheese (optional)
Soup Base and Seasonings:
- 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1.5 cups half-and-half or heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2.3 cups baby spinach
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- Extra parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatic foundation by gently melting butter and olive oil in a spacious soup pot over medium heat. Sauté onions until they become translucent and softened, releasing their delicate sweetness. Introduce minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a whisper of nutmeg, allowing the spices to bloom and infuse the kitchen with an inviting fragrance.
- Create a silky base by sprinkling flour into the pot, stirring continuously to form a smooth roux. Gradually incorporate chicken broth, whisking methodically to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly thicken.
- Enhance the soup with tender shredded chicken and rustic broken lasagna noodles. Allow the pasta to cook until it reaches a perfect al dente texture, absorbing the rich, savory broth while maintaining a delightful bite.
- Transform the soup into a luxurious creation by reducing the heat and introducing half-and-half. Fold in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until they melt seamlessly into the liquid, creating a velvety, indulgent texture. Season with salt and pepper to elevate the overall flavor profile.
- Add a vibrant touch of freshness by gently incorporating spinach leaves. Let them delicately wilt into the soup, introducing a pop of color and nutritional boost.
- Serve the soup in warm bowls, garnishing with a generous dollop of creamy ricotta. Optional toppings like additional cheese or fresh herbs can be sprinkled for an extra layer of complexity and visual appeal.
Notes
- Choose high-quality chicken for maximum flavor, preferably rotisserie or freshly poached for tender, succulent meat that melts into the soup.
- Control soup thickness by adjusting flour quantity – less flour creates a lighter broth, while more creates a richer, more substantial consistency.
- Swap lasagna noodles with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini ribbons or rice noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prevent dairy separation by adding cheese and cream off direct heat, stirring gently to ensure smooth, creamy texture without curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg