Name: Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings

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When the weeknight scramble hits and you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug, this best chicken lasagna soup is your answer. There’s something magical about transforming the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna into a soul-warming soup that comes together in under an hour. The tender chunks of chicken swimming in a creamy, herb-infused broth alongside pasta and melted cheese creates pure comfort food bliss. This recipe delivers all the cozy satisfaction of lasagna without the lengthy prep time, making it perfect for busy families who still want that homemade taste. You’ll discover how simple ingredients can create extraordinary weeknight magic, plus learn my favorite tricks for achieving the perfect creamy consistency every time.

Why Best Chicken Lasagna Soup Matters for Your Kitchen

This best chicken lasagna soup represents everything we love about comfort cooking – it’s approachable, forgiving, and delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Unlike traditional lasagna that requires layering and lengthy baking times, this soup version gives you all those beloved Italian flavors in a fraction of the time. It’s the kind of recipe that transforms a regular Tuesday into something special, offering that same satisfying richness that makes lasagna a family favorite.

Behind the Recipe

This soup was born from one of those “what’s for dinner?” moments when I had leftover ricotta cheese and a craving for something creamy and comforting. I realized that all the elements I loved about lasagna could work beautifully in soup form – the tender pasta, rich tomato flavors, creamy cheese, and hearty protein all swimming together in one satisfying bowl.

For more comforting soup inspiration, you’ll love our one pot lasagna soup and hearty cheddar garlic herb potato soup. If you’re looking for more creamy pasta dishes, check out this One Pot Italian Wedding Soup Recipe and this amazing Best Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe for additional weeknight dinner inspiration.

Ingredients

Everything You Need for the Perfect Bowl
2.5 tbsp butter (the foundation for our flavor base – use real butter for that rich, creamy start) 1 large onion, finely diced (sweet onions work beautifully here) 4 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic makes all the difference) 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning (or make your own blend with basil, oregano, and thyme) 1 tsp salt (kosher salt preferred for better flavor distribution) 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground adds more punch) 1/4 tsp red chili flakes (optional, but adds a lovely warmth) 4 cups chicken broth (use low-sodium for better control over saltiness) 1 lb boneless chicken (thighs or breasts work great – cut into 1-inch chunks) 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (adds concentrated tomato flavor) 2 cups pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini hold the sauce beautifully) 1 cup half-and-half (creates that signature creamy texture) 2 tbsp cornstarch (our secret to the perfect thickness) 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped (adds color and nutrition) 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (gives depth and a hint of smokiness) Ricotta cheese for serving (creamy dollops of heaven) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (never use pre-grated for the best flavor) Mozzarella cheese, shredded (the stretchy, melty goodness)

Ingredient Spotlight

The sun-dried tomatoes are what elevate this soup from good to extraordinary – they provide concentrated umami that mimics the rich tomato flavors in traditional lasagna sauce. The cornstarch and half-and-half combination creates that luxurious, creamy base without the risk of curdling that you’d get with heavy cream. Fresh spinach adds not just nutrition but that pop of color that makes each bowl look as good as it tastes.

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes (20% faster than traditional lasagna prep)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 generous bowls
Difficulty: Easy (perfect for weeknight cooking)

Instructions

Step by step cooking process showing the best chicken lasagna soup being prepared from start to finish — Follow these simple steps for soup perfection

Build Your Flavor Base
Melt the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. My grandmother always said “if you can smell the onions getting sweet, you’re on the right track.” Add the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook for just 1 minute – you want the garlic fragrant but not browned.
Add the Liquid Gold
Pour in the chicken broth, add the chicken chunks and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble away for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through and tender. The sun-dried tomatoes will release their concentrated flavors into the broth.
Cook the Pasta Separately
While your soup simmers, cook the pasta in a separate pot of well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This prevents the pasta from getting mushy in the soup – a trick that keeps every bite perfect.
Shred and Thicken
Remove the cooked chicken pieces and shred them using two forks. In a small bowl, whisk the half-and-half with cornstarch until completely smooth – no lumps allowed! This mixture is your ticket to creamy perfection.
Bring It All Together
Add the cornstarch mixture to the simmering broth and cook for 1-2 minutes until it thickens beautifully. Stir in the smoked paprika, shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and fresh spinach. Cook for just 1-2 more minutes until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
Serve with Love
Ladle into bowls and top each serving with generous dollops of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a handful of mozzarella. Watch as the cheeses melt into the hot soup, creating that authentic lasagna experience in every spoonful.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Best Chicken Lasagna Soup

Don’t Skip the Cornstarch Slurry: Always whisk cornstarch with cold liquid before adding to hot soup to prevent lumping. This creates that silky, restaurant-quality thickness.
Cook Pasta Separately: This prevents mushy pasta and gives you better control over texture. You can even make the pasta ahead of time.
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor: While breasts work fine, thighs stay more tender and add richer flavor to the broth.
Add Spinach at the Very End: Fresh spinach wilts quickly and maintains its vibrant color when added in the final minutes.
Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed. Every palate is different!

Recipe Variations & Substitutions for Best Chicken Lasagna Soup

Busy Cook’s Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken and add it in the last 5 minutes just to heat through. This cuts your cooking time in half!

Kid-Friendly Version: Skip the red chili flakes and use mild Italian seasoning. Add extra mozzarella cheese because kids love the stretchy, cheesy goodness.

Vegetarian Twist: Replace chicken with white beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for substance.

Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free.

Leftover & Reuse Ideas

This best chicken lasagna soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or half-and-half to restore the creamy consistency. Transform leftovers into a casserole by pouring the soup over cooked pasta in a baking dish, topping with extra cheese, and baking until bubbly. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months – just remember to add fresh cheese toppings when serving.

Pairing Ideas

Serve this comforting soup with crusty garlic bread for dipping, or alongside a simple Caesar salad for a complete meal. A glass of sparkling water with lemon makes a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy flavors. For a cozy evening, pair with warm dinner rolls and a crisp green salad with Italian vinaigrette.

Serving Suggestions

Present this soup in deep bowls to showcase all the beautiful ingredients. Create a “cheese bar” by offering small bowls of ricotta, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan so everyone can customize their bowl. A sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of good olive oil adds an elegant finishing touch. For family dinners, serve family-style with plenty of warm bread for a truly comforting experience.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (approximately): 420 calories, 28g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 18g fat, 3g fiber. This soup provides a good balance of protein from the chicken and cheese, complex carbohydrates from the pasta, and vitamins from the spinach and tomatoes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Pasta: Remember, the pasta will continue cooking slightly in the hot soup, so err on the side of al dente. Adding Dairy Too Quickly: Always temper your half-and-half mixture and add it gradually to prevent curdling. Skipping the Shredding Step: Taking time to properly shred the chicken ensures every bite has tender, well-distributed protein. Not Tasting as You Go: Seasoning builds layers of flavor – taste and adjust throughout the cooking process for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Tips

Store cooled soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, do so gently over medium-low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of broth if needed to restore consistency. For meal prep, consider storing the soup base separately from the pasta and combining when ready to serve. This prevents the pasta from absorbing too much liquid and becoming mushy.

Is best chicken lasagna soup kid-friendly?: Absolutely! Kids love the creamy, cheesy flavors and familiar pasta shapes. You can adjust the spice level by omitting the red chili flakes and adding extra mozzarella cheese for maximum kid appeal.
Can I make best chicken lasagna soup ahead of time?: Yes! The soup base can be made up to 2 days ahead. Cook and store the pasta separately, then combine when reheating. This prevents the pasta from becoming overcooked and mushy.
What’s the best pasta shape for chicken lasagna soup?: Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully and are easy to eat with a spoon. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti which can be messy in soup form.
Can I freeze best chicken lasagna soup?: The soup base freezes well for up to 3 months, but it’s best to add fresh pasta and cheese when reheating. Dairy-based soups can sometimes separate when frozen, so you may need to whisk in a splash of fresh half-and-half when reheating.
How do I prevent the soup from curdling?: The key is tempering your dairy and using cornstarch as a stabilizer. Always whisk the cornstarch with cold half-and-half before adding to the hot soup, and add it gradually while stirring constantly.

Conclusion

A steaming bowl of best chicken lasagna soup topped with melted cheeses and fresh herbs, served with crusty bread — The perfect bowl of comfort – creamy, cheesy, and absolutely satisfying

This best chicken lasagna soup proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its creamy base, tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that irresistible trio of cheeses, it delivers all the satisfaction of traditional lasagna in a fraction of the time. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or looking for a cozy weekend meal, this soup hits all the right notes. The beauty lies in its simplicity and the way humble ingredients transform into something truly special.

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Servings:

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Author: Unknown Author