If you’re searching for a heartwarming and rich dish that feels like a warm hug in every spoonful, then the Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. This delightful soup combines tender chunks of chicken, a medley of lasagna cheeses, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a creamy, flavorful broth that captures all the essence of classic lasagna, now transformed into a soothing bowl of goodness. It’s the ultimate comfort food that warms you up from the inside out and comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something special without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe’s magic lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient contributes to the wonderful balance of flavor, texture, and color. From the aromatic garlic and onions to the trio of cheeses, every component plays its part in creating that irresistible lasagna soup taste you’ll crave again and again.
- Butter: Adds a rich base for sautéing and deepens the flavor of the aromatics.
- Onion: Finely diced, it provides sweetness and a mild bite that balances the richness.
- Garlic: Minced for fragrant and savory notes that lift the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that brings classic Mediterranean herbs to the forefront.
- Salt: Enhances every layer of flavor perfectly.
- Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and brightens the palate.
- Red chili flakes: Just a pinch for a gentle kick that wakes up your taste buds.
- Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid body of the soup, rich and savory.
- Chicken: Tender chunks add protein and satisfying texture.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Give a beautifully tangy and slightly sweet burst of flavor.
- Pasta: Classic lasagna-style noodles cooked to just the right tenderness.
- Half-and-half: Creates the creamy consistency without being too heavy.
- Cornstarch: The magic thickener that brings the soup’s texture to perfection.
- Spinach: Fresh greens add color, nutrients, and a hint of earthiness.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky depth that rounds out the flavors.
- Ricotta cheese: Adds creamy dollops of indulgence on top.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated for sharp, salty finishing notes.
- Mozzarella cheese: Shredded for melty richness that ties everything together.
How to Make Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Build the Base
Begin by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onions and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn translucent and give off their natural sweetness. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes, letting these aromatics bloom and fill your kitchen with that irresistible comforting scent. This step lays the flavorful foundation for your soup, warming your soul before the real magic even begins.
Step 2: Simmer the Chicken and Flavorful Broth
Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken chunks along with the sun-dried tomatoes. Bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting the chicken cook through while soaking up all the delicious flavors for about 12 to 15 minutes. This simmer infuses the broth with rich savory notes and allows the chicken to become tender, which is crucial for the comforting texture everyone loves in the Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta Separately
While your broth and chicken are busy cooking, boil the pasta separately according to the package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Cooking the pasta apart prevents it from overcooking and getting mushy in the soup, ensuring you end up with that perfect bite every time.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Thickener
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it into bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until fully combined. This mixture will thicken the soup, giving it that luscious, silky consistency reminiscent of the creamy cheese layers in lasagna.
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and add the half-and-half mixture, cooking for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Stir in the smoked paprika for a subtle smoky essence, then fold in the cooked pasta and fresh spinach. Let the spinach wilt just a bit, taking no more than a couple of minutes. At this stage, your soup embodies everything the Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe promises: creamy, cheesy, packed with hearty ingredients, and fully satisfying.
Step 6: Serve with Classic Cheese Toppings
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each with generous dollops of ricotta cheese, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. These cheeses melt and mingle with the warm soup, delivering that authentic comforting lasagna feel in every bite. Trust me, you’ll find yourself savoring this bowl long after the first spoonful.
How to Serve Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider garnishing your soup with fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red chili flakes on top can add brightness and a little pop of color, making the dish not only taste amazing but look absolutely inviting.
Side Dishes
This soup shines best when paired with simple sides. A crusty baguette or garlic bread soaked in butter and herbs complements the creamy texture perfectly. Alternatively, serve it alongside a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness and add a crisp contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or weeknight treat, try serving the Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe in adorable mini bread bowls or rustic ceramic bowls that hold heat well. Layering some ricotta and mozzarella cheese on top before serving, then quickly broiling for a minute or two, creates a bubbly, cheesy crust that’s irresistible and totally fun to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving. Just be sure to add any cheese toppings fresh before serving again to keep things luscious.
Freezing
Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe freezes well, but to maintain the best texture, freeze the soup without the pasta. Store the soup broth and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook pasta fresh during reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to loosen the consistency. Add fresh cooked pasta and spinach at the end of reheating, then finish with your favorite cheese toppings for a soup that feels freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While traditional lasagna noodles are great, small pasta shapes like rotini or bowtie also work perfectly in this soup. Just adjust cooking times to avoid overcooking.
Is this soup spicy?
This recipe has just a gentle warmth from the red chili flakes and smoked paprika, which balances the creaminess without being overpowering. You can always adjust the spice level according to your taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth and omit the chicken or use a plant-based protein substitute. The cheeses and sun-dried tomatoes ensure plenty of flavor remains.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have ricotta?
From cream cheese to cottage cheese, these can substitute for ricotta in a pinch. Alternatively, extra mozzarella and Parmesan can provide creaminess and richness instead.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Cooking pasta separately and adding it just before serving is key to keeping it tender but firm. If making leftovers, keep pasta refrigerated separately and add fresh pasta when reheating.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting about the Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe that makes any chilly evening feel warm and inviting. It’s a bowl full of love with every bite, blending creamy textures, hearty ingredients, and rich flavors so well that you’ll find yourself coming back for more. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe promises to become a cherished staple on your dinner table. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Best Chicken Lasagna Soup – Cozy Weeknight Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
A creamy and comforting Chicken Lasagna Soup made with tender chicken, pasta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a blend of ricotta, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly nights, delivering all the cozy flavors of lasagna in a bowl.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2.5 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2.5 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.25 tsp red chili flakes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb chicken, cut into 1-inch chunks
- 0.25 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
Pasta & Thickener
- 2 cups pasta (any small shape)
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
Greens & Cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ricotta cheese, for serving
- parmesan cheese, grated, for serving
- mozzarella cheese, shredded, for serving
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Simmer Soup Base: Pour in the chicken broth, add the chicken chunks and sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: While the soup simmers, cook the pasta separately in salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Thickener: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. In a separate bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth.
- Thicken Soup: Stir the cornstarch and half-and-half mixture into the broth and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with the cooked pasta and fresh spinach. Add the smoked paprika and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with dollops of ricotta cheese, grated parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese for a rich, cheesy finish.
Notes
- Use any small pasta shape you prefer, such as elbow macaroni or small shells.
- The soup can be made ahead; store separately from the cheese toppings and heat through before serving.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, increase the cornstarch slightly or cook a bit longer after adding the thickener.
- For a spicier kick, adjust the red chili flakes to taste or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale or Swiss chard if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
