If you are craving a comforting, rich, and nourishing meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then this Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the savory goodness of tender chicken, the earthiness of mushrooms, the bright freshness of spinach, and the creamy indulgence of ricotta and Parmesan, this soup captures all the best flavors of a classic white lasagna but in a cozy, slurpable form. It’s perfect for cooler nights or anytime you want a meal that’s both satisfying and soul-soothing without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Inside a white pot with two handles, there is a single layer of cooked sliced mushrooms mixed with onions. The mushrooms are light brown with some darker edges, soft-looking and coated with a slight oily or moist texture. The onions are translucent and mixed evenly among the mushrooms. The pot sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe plays a crucial role, whether it’s enhancing the flavor, adding texture, or brightening the dish. With simple, everyday staples, you’ll have everything ready to create a bowl of pure happiness.

  • Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps soften the onions for a flavorful base.
  • Yellow onion: Brings natural sweetness and depth to the soup’s aroma and taste.
  • Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors of every ingredient.
  • Cremini or button mushrooms: Introduce a tender, earthy bite that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Garlic: Gives a fragrant kick and warmth to the soup without overpowering it.
  • Unsalted chicken stock or broth: The foundation for the soup’s rich, savory flavor.
  • Water: Balances the stock and ensures a lighter broth texture.
  • Fresh thyme: Adds herbal notes that uplift the overall flavor profile beautifully.
  • Bay leaf: Gently infuses the broth with subtle complexity.
  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Provides tender protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
  • Dry lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they give a satisfying pasta element perfect for soup.
  • Baby spinach: Adds brilliant color and a mild, nutritious bite that brightens the dish.
  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers sharp, nutty richness to the creamy broth.
  • Whole milk: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes each spoonful unforgettable.
  • Ricotta: Serve dolloped on top for extra creaminess and a mild tang that ties everything together.
  • Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth and spice.

How to Make Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Aromatics

Start by warming a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat, then add diced onions. Cooking them until translucent, about five minutes, sets a sweet and tender base without any harsh bites. Next, toss in the sliced mushrooms with half a teaspoon of salt. As they cook, they’ll release beautiful umami-rich juices, which should evaporate to concentrate the flavor. This slow, gentle cooking builds a layered depth that forms the heart of the soup. Finally, create a little well in the pan, add minced garlic, and cook just until fragrant. Garlic adds that comforting warmth that ties the aromatics together perfectly.

Step 2: Add the Liquids, Herbs, and Chicken

Pour in the unsalted chicken stock and water, then add fresh thyme sprigs and a bay leaf, along with the remaining salt. Crank the heat up to bring the mix to a rolling boil. Add your chicken pieces, then reduce the heat to medium-low so it simmers gently. This attention to temperature ensures the chicken cooks tenderly, soaking in the aromatic broth without seizing up. After about 10 to 15 minutes, the chicken will be cooked through and easy to shred, a key step that melts protein throughout the soup in every bite.

Step 3: Add the Noodles and Spinach, Shred the Chicken

Bring the soup back to a lively simmer and break the lasagna noodles into manageable pieces directly over the pot. Stir them in along with fresh baby spinach. The noodles soften and cook al dente while the spinach wilts, adding burst of green freshness and a lovely textural contrast. Meanwhile, shred the cooled chicken into bite-sized pieces so it can be folded back in easily, ensuring every spoonful is packed with tender meat.

Step 4: Finish with Milk, Parmesan, and Ricotta

With the noodles tender and spinach wilted, remove the thyme stems and bay leaf, then add the shredded Parmesan and whole milk. Return the soup to a gentle simmer to let the cheese melt smoothly into the broth, transforming it into the signature creamy base. Give it a taste and add salt or freshly ground black pepper as needed. Serve piping hot with generous dollops of ricotta cheese on top, letting the creamy dollops slowly melt into each bowl. This final touch makes every spoonful irresistibly rich and comforting.

How to Serve Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe

A white round pot with two handles filled with a creamy soup, showing three main layers: large yellowish pasta pieces with wavy edges on top, mixed with light green spinach leaves, and shredded pieces of cooked chicken scattered throughout a white creamy broth with tiny bubbles and bits of herbs or spices visible. The pot sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light casting gentle shadows around the edges. The soup looks warm and inviting with a mix of smooth and textured elements photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe, don’t skip the garnishes! Fresh ricotta dolloped on top adds an extra creamy tang that balances the savory broth. Sprinkle some extra freshly ground black pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little zing. Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or a bit more thyme can make the presentation pop and add a lovely fresh aroma just before serving.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a star dish and pairs beautifully with simple sides. Crusty garlic bread or warm focaccia with a bit of butter is perfect for soaking up the delightful broth. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette acts as a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the soup. Plus, if you want a little something extra, roasted veggies or a small cheese plate can complement the meal without competing with the soup’s layered flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, serve the Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe in shallow bowls with a generous ricotta swirl and a sprinkle of Parmesan. You can even serve it in bread bowls for a charming rustic feel that’s sure to impress your guests. For family dinners, ladle it into deep soup mugs for easy holding and add a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a homey touch that invites everyone to dig in with a smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and often there will be), simply transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. This soup keeps beautifully for up to five days, giving you a ready-to-go, nutritious meal anytime you catch that soup craving again. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making each reheated bowl even more delicious.

Freezing

While the creamy texture of the soup is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Freeze the soup in portioned containers but be sure to leave some room at the top as it will expand. When thawed, the spinach may be a bit softer and the dairy can separate slightly, so gently stir and reheat slowly over low heat, adding a splash of milk to bring back the creamy consistency.

Reheating

Reheat your Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If microwaving, heat in short bursts and stir in between. Adding a splash of milk or broth while reheating will revive the luscious creaminess and ensure the soup tastes just as wonderful as when freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of lasagna noodles?

Absolutely! While broken lasagna noodles give that authentic feel, you can swap in small pasta shapes like rotini or penne if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so the pasta remains al dente without becoming mushy.

Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?

Yes. Simply replace the chicken with a plant-based protein or additional mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock. Adding white beans can also boost the protein content and keep the soup hearty and satisfying.

Can I substitute low-fat milk or cream for whole milk?

Whole milk contributes to the rich, creamy texture of this soup, but you can use low-fat milk to lighten it up. Heavy cream will make it even richer, so adjust based on your preference and dietary needs.

How do I store the soup if I want to prepare it in advance for a dinner party?

You can make the soup up to two days ahead. Store it in the refrigerator without the ricotta dolloped on top. Reheat gently before serving and add fresh ricotta just before serving to keep its creamy texture fresh and appealing.

What’s the best way to shred the cooked chicken?

The easiest method is using two forks to pull the meat apart into bite-sized shreds. This allows the chicken to mix evenly into the soup and soak up the delicious broth in every morsel.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe will become one of your go-to comfort dishes. It’s easy to prepare, offers incredible layers of flavor and texture, and feels like a cozy, nourishing meal that can warm your body and soul. Whether for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, don’t hesitate to give it a try—you’ll be amazed how a bowl of soup can feel as indulgent as your favorite lasagna.

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Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe

Creamy White Lasagna Soup with Chicken, Spinach, and Ricotta Recipe


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4.1 from 5 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 50 mins
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Creamy White Lasagna Soup is an easy and comforting dish that combines the flavors of classic lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. Made with tender chicken, mushrooms, fresh spinach, lasagna noodles, and a rich Parmesan and ricotta cheese finish, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal any day of the week.


Ingredients

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 16 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 quart unsalted chicken stock or broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 5 sprigs fresh thyme, or 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 8 ounces dry lasagna noodles
  • 10 ounces baby spinach
  • 2 cups whole milk

Cheeses

  • 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Ricotta, to serve

Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons salt, divided, plus more to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste


Instructions

  1. Cook the aromatics: Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes, being careful not to brown them too much.
  2. Add mushrooms: Stir in the sliced mushrooms and sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook until mushrooms release their liquid and most of it evaporates, about 10 minutes.
  3. Sauté garlic: Clear a space in the middle of the pan and add minced garlic. Cook for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, then stir it into the mushrooms and onions.
  4. Add liquids and herbs: Pour in the chicken stock, water, add thyme sprigs or dried thyme, bay leaf, and the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil.
  5. Cook chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the boiling soup. Let it return to a rapid simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and cook until chicken is cooked through and can be shredded easily, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  6. Prepare noodles and spinach: Bring the soup back to a rapid simmer. Break the dry lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces directly over the pot and add them along with baby spinach. Stir occasionally and cook until noodles are al dente and spinach is wilted, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  7. Shred chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred it into small pieces using two forks.
  8. Finish the soup: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Remove thyme stems and bay leaf. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and whole milk. Return to a simmer, then adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  9. Serve: Remove from heat and ladle the soup into bowls. Top with a dollop or two of ricotta cheese and freshly ground black pepper for serving.
  10. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Notes

  • Breaking the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces before adding to the soup helps to mimic the layered pasta texture of lasagna in a soup form.
  • You can substitute chicken thighs with breasts for leaner meat, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
  • The ricotta cheese added at serving time adds creamy richness and can be omitted if desired.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
  • Make sure not to overcook the noodles; they should remain slightly firm to avoid turning mushy in the soup.
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 40 mins
  • Category: Soup
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

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