Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken

If you love classic white chicken lasagna but don’t want to layer noodles and bake a casserole, this White Lasagna Soup is the perfect cozy dinner. It’s rich, creamy, and packed with tender shredded chicken, soft lasagna noodles, fresh spinach, and a flavorful garlic-Parmesan broth.

Every spoonful has everything you love about cheesy white lasagna, transformed into a comforting homemade soup.

This version is especially delicious thanks to the lemon-basil ricotta topping. A spoonful of creamy ricotta, mozzarella, fresh basil, and a little lemon zest melts into the warm soup, creating an irresistible cheesy finish.

This easy white chicken lasagna soup uses rotisserie chicken to simplify the cooking process, and the pasta cooks directly in the broth for convenient one-pot preparation.

Perfect for chilly evenings, busy family dinners, or weekend comfort food, this creamy white lasagna soup is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of homemade lasagna without all the extra work.

Why You’ll Love This White Lasagna Soup

• Incredibly creamy: A garlic-Parmesan broth gives the soup a rich, velvety consistency.
• Easy one-pot recipe: The lasagna noodles cook directly in the soup, making preparation and cleanup easier.
• Tender chicken: Cooked rotisserie chicken adds protein and saves valuable cooking time.
• Three-cheese goodness: Parmesan in the broth and a ricotta-mozzarella topping make every bowl extra satisfying.
• Packed with flavor: Garlic, Italian herbs, fresh spinach, and a hint of lemon create delicious balance.
• Perfect comfort food: Warm, hearty, and wonderful for fall and winter dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust the vegetables, pasta, or cheese to suit your family’s preferences.

What Is White Lasagna Soup?

White lasagna soup is a creamy, soup-style variation of classic white chicken lasagna.

Instead of layering pasta sheets with chicken, cheese, and white sauce in a baking dish, the ingredients are combined in a large soup pot.

Traditional lasagna is often associated with a tomato-based meat sauce, but white lasagna typically features a creamy sauce, chicken, vegetables, and cheeses such as ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan.

This recipe brings those familiar ingredients together in a warm, spoonable dish.

Broken lasagna noodles provide the signature pasta texture, while a garlic-Parmesan cream broth replaces the traditional baked white sauce.

The finished soup is creamy and cheesy, with enough broth to remain comfortably spoonable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This creamy white lasagna soup uses simple ingredients divided into two parts: the soup and the cheesy ricotta topping.

For the White Lasagna Soup

• 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced (about 1/2 cup / 70 g)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
• 6 cups (1.4 liters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 7 ounces (200 g) uncooked regular lasagna noodles, broken into 1–2-inch pieces
• 2 1/2 cups (about 350 g) cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 cups (about 90 g) fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (about 50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste

For the Lemon-Basil Ricotta Topping

• 3/4 cup (about 185 g) whole-milk ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup (about 55 g) shredded low-moisture mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil or parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

Optional for Serving

• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil leaves
• Cracked black pepper
• Warm crusty bread

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

Lasagna Noodles

Regular dried lasagna noodles are ideal because they give the soup its familiar lasagna texture.

Break them into approximately 1–2-inch pieces before cooking.

Avoid making the pieces too small, as they can become difficult to distinguish once cooked.

You can also substitute mafaldine pieces, mafalda corta, bow-tie pasta, or another sturdy pasta shape. Adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Rotisserie Chicken

Using already-cooked rotisserie chicken keeps the recipe convenient.

Shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and remove any skin or bones.

Both white and dark meat work well.

You can also substitute leftover cooked chicken or turkey.

Heavy Cream

Heavy cream gives the broth a rich and satisfying consistency.

Half-and-half may be used for a lighter result, although the soup will be less rich and may need gentler heating.

Parmesan Cheese

Freshly grated Parmesan adds savory depth and helps create a creamy, cheesy flavor.

Finely grated cheese melts more easily than large shreds.

Avoid adding Parmesan while the soup is boiling rapidly, since excessive heat can affect its texture.

Ricotta Cheese

Whole-milk ricotta creates a soft, creamy topping reminiscent of traditional white lasagna.

Mixing it with mozzarella and fresh herbs adds extra flavor and makes the finishing touch especially delicious.

Spinach

Fresh baby spinach adds color and balances the richness of the creamy broth.

If using frozen spinach, thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture before adding it to the soup.

Garlic and Italian Seasoning

Fresh garlic provides the soup’s savory base, while Italian seasoning adds familiar herbal flavor.

The combination complements the chicken, cream, and Parmesan beautifully.

How to Make White Lasagna Soup

This easy recipe comes together in approximately 45 minutes, including preparation. A large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot works best.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by finely dicing the onion and carrot.

Mince the garlic and roughly chop the fresh spinach.

Shred the cooked rotisserie chicken into small, bite-sized pieces.

Break the dried lasagna noodles into roughly 1–2-inch pieces.

Measure the chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and remaining seasonings before starting.

Having everything ready makes the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Place a large 5- to 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add the butter and olive oil.

Once the butter has melted, add the diced onion and carrot.

Cook for approximately 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and the carrot begins to soften.

The vegetables should develop a little sweetness without becoming deeply browned.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Cook for approximately 30–60 seconds, stirring constantly.

The garlic should become fragrant without turning dark.

This creates a savory, aromatic base for the creamy broth.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Soup Base

Sprinkle the flour evenly over the vegetables.

Stir continuously for approximately 1 minute to coat the vegetables and cook the raw flour.

Gradually pour in about 1 cup of chicken broth while whisking or stirring thoroughly.

The mixture will initially look thick.

Continue adding the remaining broth gradually, stirring until the flour is fully incorporated and no noticeable lumps remain.

This light flour base helps the finished broth develop a creamy consistency without becoming overly thick.

Step 5: Cook the Lasagna Noodles

Bring the broth to a gentle boil.

Add the broken lasagna noodles and stir immediately to prevent them from sticking together.

Reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.

Cook uncovered for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the noodle brand and thickness.

Stir every couple of minutes, paying special attention to the bottom of the pot.

The pasta should be nearly tender before you add the remaining ingredients.

If the noodles absorb too much broth, add a little additional warm chicken broth or water.

Step 6: Add the Shredded Chicken

When the noodles are almost cooked, stir in the shredded rotisserie chicken.

Continue simmering for approximately 3–5 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly heated and the pasta is tender.

If the chicken came from the refrigerator, check that the reheated pieces reach 165°F (74°C).

The soup should now contain tender lasagna pieces, flavorful vegetables, and plenty of shredded chicken.

Step 7: Add the Spinach

Stir the chopped baby spinach into the simmering soup.

Cook for approximately 1–2 minutes, until the leaves are wilted.

The spinach should remain bright green and evenly distributed throughout the broth.

Step 8: Make the Broth Rich and Creamy

Reduce the heat to low.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined.

Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese in small portions, stirring gently until it melts.

Avoid vigorous boiling once the cream and cheese have been added.

The broth should develop a smooth, creamy consistency that coats the chicken and noodles.

Taste and add salt as needed.

If the soup seems too thick, stir in a little warm broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 9: Prepare the Lemon-Basil Ricotta Topping

While the noodles cook, combine the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, chopped fresh basil, and lemon zest in a small bowl.

Stir with a fork until evenly mixed.

The mixture should be thick, creamy, and easy to spoon.

The lemon zest adds a subtle freshness without making the topping noticeably sour.

Step 10: Serve with Cheesy Ricotta

Ladle the creamy white lasagna soup into warm serving bowls.

Add a generous spoonful of the lemon-basil ricotta mixture to each bowl.

Let it soften into the warm soup.

Finish with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, or cracked black pepper if desired.

Serve immediately with warm crusty bread or garlic toast.

How to Make the Best Creamy White Lasagna Soup

Use Freshly Grated Parmesan

Freshly grated Parmesan blends more readily into the warm cream broth and provides rich, savory flavor.

Pre-shredded cheeses may contain anti-caking ingredients that affect melting.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

Broken lasagna noodles continue absorbing liquid even after the pot is removed from the heat.

Stop cooking when the pasta is tender and serve the soup soon afterward.

Add Cream Over Low Heat

High heat can negatively affect the texture of cream-based soups.

Keep the heat low when adding heavy cream and Parmesan, and stir gently.

Use a Flavorful Chicken Broth

Because broth is the foundation of this recipe, choosing one you enjoy makes a noticeable difference.

Low-sodium chicken broth lets you control the seasoning.

Keep the Ricotta Topping Separate

Add the ricotta mixture directly to individual bowls instead of stirring it all into the pot.

This gives each serving a creamy, cheesy finishing touch and allows everyone to adjust the amount to their liking.

How to Keep White Lasagna Soup from Getting Too Thick

One of the most common challenges with lasagna soup is the pasta absorbing liquid.

Lasagna noodles contain starch, and they continue taking up broth as the soup rests.

To maintain a creamy, spoonable consistency, avoid overcooking the pasta.

If the soup becomes thick while cooking, add warm chicken broth or water in small amounts.

Leftovers will usually need extra broth when reheated.

For make-ahead preparation, cook the noodles separately and add them to individual bowls just before serving.

This keeps the broth from becoming overly thick during storage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Adding All the Broth Too Quickly

When flour is used to thicken the soup, pouring in all the liquid at once can lead to lumps.

Add the first portion of broth gradually while stirring thoroughly.

2. Letting the Pasta Stick

Lasagna noodles can settle at the bottom or clump together.

Stir regularly while they simmer.

3. Overcooking the Rotisserie Chicken

Since the chicken is already cooked, it only needs enough time to heat thoroughly.

Prolonged simmering can dry it out.

4. Boiling After Adding Parmesan

A rapidly boiling broth can become less smooth after the cheese is added.

Reduce the heat and stir gently.

5. Forgetting to Adjust the Consistency

Soup containing pasta thickens as it stands.

Add more broth when necessary to keep it spoonable.

Delicious Recipe Variations

White Lasagna Soup with Mushrooms

Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms when sautéing the onions and carrots.

Cook until the mushrooms release most of their moisture before continuing with the recipe.

They add extra savory flavor to the creamy broth.

White Lasagna Soup with Italian Sausage

Replace the shredded chicken with 1 pound of Italian sausage.

Brown the sausage thoroughly, draining excess fat if needed, before adding the vegetables.

Continue with the remaining instructions.

White Lasagna Soup with Turkey

Substitute the cooked chicken with leftover shredded turkey.

This makes a convenient way to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into a comforting soup.

White Lasagna Soup Without Spinach

Omit the spinach if preferred.

You can substitute chopped kale, but it will need additional cooking time to become tender.

Extra Cheesy White Lasagna Soup

Add a little extra freshly grated Parmesan when serving, or increase the mozzarella topping according to your preference.

For a cheesier finish, allow the topping to soften in the hot soup before eating.

White Lasagna Soup with Half-and-Half

Replace the heavy cream with the same amount of half-and-half for a lighter broth.

Keep the heat gentle and expect a slightly thinner texture.

What to Serve with White Lasagna Soup

White lasagna soup is hearty enough to serve as a complete meal, but a simple side can make dinner even better.

Garlic bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth.

Crusty sourdough: A thick slice of toasted sourdough adds a satisfying contrast.

Caesar salad: Crisp romaine, Parmesan, and a tangy dressing pair nicely with the rich soup.

Roasted broccoli: A simple roasted vegetable side balances the creaminess.

Homemade breadsticks: Soft, warm breadsticks create a cozy Italian-inspired dinner.

For an easy family meal, serve the soup with garlic bread and a simple green salad.

How to Store White Lasagna Soup

Refrigerator

Transfer the soup to shallow, airtight containers and refrigerate within two hours of cooking.

Store at 40°F (4°C) or below and enjoy within 3–4 days.

The noodles will continue absorbing liquid during storage, so the soup may become thicker.

Keep any unused ricotta topping refrigerated in a separate airtight container.

Reheating

Place leftover soup in a saucepan and add a splash of chicken broth or water.

Reheat thoroughly, stirring frequently, until it reaches 165°F (74°C).

Use gentle heat where practical to help preserve the creamy texture, but always ensure the soup is heated safely throughout.

Add the chilled ricotta topping after reheating.

Freezing

The fully prepared soup is not ideal for freezing because the cream may separate and the lasagna noodles can become overly soft.

For better results, freeze the vegetable, broth, and chicken base before adding the pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan, and spinach.

Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2–3 months for best quality.

Thaw safely in the refrigerator and finish cooking with fresh noodles and dairy ingredients.

Can You Make White Lasagna Soup Ahead of Time?

Yes!

To prepare the soup ahead of time, make the vegetable and broth base in advance.

You can also shred the chicken and prepare the ricotta topping ahead.

Store everything in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.

When ready to serve, bring the soup base to a simmer, cook the lasagna noodles, add the chicken and spinach, and finish with heavy cream and Parmesan.

This helps maintain the best pasta texture and creamy consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is white lasagna soup made of?

White lasagna soup is generally made with chicken, lasagna noodles, chicken broth, garlic, cream or another creamy base, herbs, and cheese. Many versions also include vegetables such as spinach.

Can you make white lasagna soup in one pot?

Yes. This recipe cooks the vegetables, broth, pasta, and chicken in the same pot. The ricotta topping is simply mixed in a separate small bowl.

Can I use rotisserie chicken in white lasagna soup?

Absolutely. Cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds delicious flavor. Stir it into the soup near the end of the pasta cooking time.

What cheese is best for white lasagna soup?

Parmesan, ricotta, and mozzarella are excellent choices. Parmesan adds savory flavor to the broth, while ricotta and mozzarella create the classic cheesy lasagna finish.

Can I use oven-ready lasagna noodles?

Yes, but oven-ready noodles can cook faster than traditional dried lasagna sheets. Follow the package guidance and check their texture frequently.

Why is my white lasagna soup too thick?

The pasta absorbs broth during cooking and storage. Add extra warm broth to adjust the consistency.

Can I make white lasagna soup without cream?

Yes. You can use half-and-half for a lighter result, though the broth will be less rich. A different dairy-free formulation would be needed for a fully dairy-free version.

Can I make this soup gluten-free?

Replace the regular lasagna noodles with suitable gluten-free pasta and substitute a gluten-free thickener for the all-purpose flour. Check all packaged ingredients for dietary compatibility.

Does white lasagna soup freeze well?

The fully assembled soup may change texture after freezing. For best quality, freeze the soup base before adding pasta and dairy, then finish the recipe fresh.

How do I prevent the cheese from becoming grainy?

Use finely grated Parmesan, reduce the heat before adding it, and stir gently. Avoid prolonged vigorous boiling after incorporating the cheese.

Can I make this soup spicy?

Yes. Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add a small pinch of cayenne pepper.

What’s the difference between lasagna soup and white lasagna soup?

Classic lasagna soup is often tomato-based and may contain ground beef or Italian sausage. White lasagna soup typically features a creamier, lighter-colored broth with chicken and cheese.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken is everything you want in a comforting homemade dinner.

The tender lasagna noodles, shredded chicken, flavorful garlic-Parmesan broth, and fresh spinach come together beautifully in one pot.

A spoonful of lemon-basil ricotta adds the perfect creamy finishing touch, giving every bowl the familiar cheesy goodness of white lasagna.

Whether you’re preparing a quick family meal or looking for a cozy soup to enjoy on a chilly evening, this easy white lasagna soup is a delicious recipe to keep on your dinner menu.

Serve it hot, add plenty of cheesy topping, and enjoy homemade comfort food by the spoonful!