Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with a twist on a classic favorite – White Chicken Lasagna Soup. This delightful soup takes all the flavors of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a comforting, creamy bowl of goodness. With tender chicken, fragrant herbs, and a luxurious blend of cheeses, each spoonful is a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul. Whether you’re seeking a cozy meal on a chilly evening or looking to impress guests with a gourmet soup, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire. Join us as we explore the ingredients, techniques, and variations that make this White Chicken Lasagna Soup an absolute must-try.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions:
- Saute Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add Broth and Seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Cook Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Prepare Cheeses: In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Finish Soup: Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheese mixture until melted and incorporated into the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the White Chicken Lasagna Soup into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!
Cook Notes:
- For added depth of flavor, you can use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts and brown them before adding the onion and garlic.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) during the last few minutes of cooking to thicken the broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this soup. Add extra vegetables such as diced carrots, celery, and bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Meat Lover’s Variation: Add cooked and crumbled Italian sausage or ground turkey to the soup along with the chicken for a heartier option.
- Seafood Twist: Substitute cubed cooked shrimp or lump crab meat for the chicken to create a seafood lasagna soup variation.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions:
- Keto-Friendly: Replace the lasagna noodles with spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles to reduce the carbohydrate content. Use a keto-friendly thickener such as xanthan gum instead of flour to thicken the soup, if desired. Be mindful of the carb content in heavy cream and adjust portion sizes accordingly.
- Low-Carb Option: Reduce the amount of lasagna noodles used in the soup and increase the proportion of chicken and vegetables. Use a blend of almond flour and grated Parmesan cheese as a topping instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts? A: Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the last few minutes of cooking to heat through.
Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time and freeze it? A: While this soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, it may not freeze well due to the dairy content. The texture of the soup may change upon thawing and reheating.
Q: Can I customize the herbs and spices in this soup? A: Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less of the dried basil, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes to customize the flavor profile of the soup.
Elevate your soup game with our White Chicken Lasagna Soup, a luxurious blend of flavors and textures that’s sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Whether you’re craving comfort on a cold winter’s day or looking to impress guests with a gourmet soup, this recipe delivers on both flavor and simplicity. With its creamy broth, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs, each spoonful is a delightful experience for the senses.
So, gather your ingredients and prepare to savor the comforting embrace of our White Chicken Lasagna Soup. Whether enjoyed as a cozy meal for one or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, this soup is guaranteed to warm your heart and nourish your soul with its irresistible flavors!
