Bringing Autumn Comfort to Your Table: White Chicken Lasagna Soup
As the leaves paint the landscape with shades of amber and gold, and a refreshing crispness fills the air, my culinary inclinations lean towards warm, comforting dishes. These are the meals that not only satisfy the palate but also foster togetherness, inviting families to gather around the table, sharing stories and laughter over a steaming bowl of deliciousness. One such recipe that embodies these sentiments is the White Chicken Lasagna Soup. It’s a dish that combines the creamy, hearty goodness of lasagna with the soul-warming qualities of soup, creating a culinary experience that is both familiar and exciting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Family-Friendly Comfort
The White Chicken Lasagna Soup is the epitome of comfort food. Its creamy texture and savory flavors create a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for family dinners, this dish not only nourishes the body but also the spirit, bringing smiles and warmth with every spoonful. It’s a dish that transcends age and preferences, making it a favorite for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
Easy Ingredients
Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or fridge, there’s no need for a special trip to the store. This accessibility makes the dish not only delicious but also convenient, perfect for those busy weeknights when you want to whip up something special with minimal fuss. Ingredients like chicken breast, lasagna sheets, and vegetables are staples in many households, ensuring that you can create this delightful dish without any hassle.
One-Pot Wonder
In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is key. This soup is a one-pot wonder, meaning less time spent on cleanup and more time enjoying the meal. Cooking in one pot also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both rich and harmonious. The beauty of a one-pot meal is not just in its simplicity but also in the depth of flavor that develops when ingredients are cooked together, making every spoonful a symphony of taste.
Customizable
Every family has their unique preferences, and this recipe accommodates them all. Whether you prefer your soup extra cheesy, loaded with veggies, or spiced to perfection, this dish is easily adaptable. It’s a canvas upon which you can paint your culinary masterpiece, ensuring it suits your family’s tastes. Add in your favorite vegetables or herbs, swap the chicken for turkey or tofu, and adjust the seasonings to create a dish that is uniquely yours.
Great for Leftovers
One of the joys of cooking is enjoying a dish even better the next day. The flavors in this soup deepen over time, making it an excellent make-ahead meal. Whether you’re planning for a busy week or just want a satisfying lunch option, this soup is a perfect choice. The creamy base thickens slightly as it sits, creating a luscious texture that clings beautifully to the pasta and vegetables.
The Recipe
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (halved lengthwise)
- Kinder’s seasoning (or any all-purpose chicken seasoning), to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Soup Base:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 carrots, diced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6–7 garlic cloves, minced
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
Seasonings:
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp herbs de Provence
- ½ tsp black pepper
Add-Ins:
- 3 cups chopped broccoli
- 10 lasagna sheets, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 5 oz grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cook the Chicken
Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with Kinder’s or your preferred chicken seasoning. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside. Once cooled slightly, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces, ready to be added back into the soup later.Sauté the Vegetables
Using the same pot, add 4 tbsp butter. Stir in the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened, ensuring the vegetables are well-coated in the butter for maximum flavor development. The aroma that fills your kitchen at this stage sets the stage for the comforting meal to come.Build the Base
Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, releasing its aromatic oils into the mixture. Stir in ⅓ cup flour, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste and to create a roux that will thicken the soup. This step is crucial as the roux provides the creamy consistency that makes this dish so indulgent.Add the Liquids
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, about 1½ cups at a time, stirring constantly to keep the base smooth. Once fully incorporated, stir in the heavy cream, mixing until the soup base is rich and creamy. The combination of broth and cream creates a luxurious texture that coats the pasta and chicken perfectly.Season and Simmer
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, herbs de Provence, and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen. The gentle simmering helps to develop the flavors, integrating the spices and herbs into the creamy base.Add Pasta and Broccoli
Stir in the chopped broccoli and broken lasagna noodles. Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, absorbing the soup’s flavors. The broccoli adds a pop of color and a nutritional boost, while the pasta transforms the soup into a hearty meal.Finish the Soup
Chop the cooked chicken and return it to the pot. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed, ensuring the soup is perfectly balanced. The cheese adds a nutty, savory depth that enhances the overall richness of the soup.Serve
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy, perhaps with a side of crusty bread for dipping. The final presentation is as inviting as the aromas that have filled your kitchen, promising a meal that satisfies both the eyes and the palate.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To craft this comforting soup, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools: – Large Soup Pot or Dutch Oven: Ideal for cooking everything in one place, allowing flavors to meld beautifully. – Sharp Knife: For dicing vegetables and chopping chicken, ensuring precision and ease. – Cutting Board: To prep all your ingredients efficiently. – Whisk: To ensure a smooth and creamy soup base, free of lumps. – Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and sautéing, providing control and ease during cooking.
These tools not only make the cooking process smoother but also enhance your ability to create a dish that is both beautiful and delicious.
The Benefits of Each Ingredient
Every component of this White Chicken Lasagna Soup contributes to its deliciousness: – Chicken Breasts: Serve as a lean protein source, making the soup hearty and satisfying. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the soup, ensuring that every bite is tender and flavorful. – Seasonings (Kinder’s, garlic powder, onion powder, herbs de Provence): Infuse the soup with depth and complexity, elevating each bite. These seasonings add layers of flavor that complement the creamy base and enhance the natural sweetness of the vegetables. – Butter and Olive Oil: Create a rich base for cooking, enhancing flavors and adding a silky texture. The combination of butter and oil ensures that the vegetables and chicken are cooked to perfection, developing a rich, deep flavor. – Onion, Celery, and Carrots: Known as the holy trinity of flavor, these vegetables provide sweetness and depth. They form the foundation of the soup, creating a savory base that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth. – Garlic: Adds a savory note and a warming aroma, enhancing the dish’s overall profile. Garlic’s natural sweetness and depth complement the other flavors, making the soup aromatic and inviting. – Flour: Acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup its creamy texture. The roux created with flour and butter ensures that the soup is hearty and satisfying, coating the pasta and chicken perfectly. – Chicken Broth and Heavy Cream: Form the soup’s luxurious base, with the broth adding depth and the cream providing richness. This combination creates a soup that is both light and rich, making it a perfect comfort food. – Broccoli: Adds a healthy dose of nutrients and a delightful color contrast, making the soup as visually appealing as it is delicious. The broccoli’s tender texture and slight sweetness balance the richness of the soup. – Lasagna Sheets and Parmesan Cheese: Capture the essence of lasagna, making the soup comforting and cheesy, reminiscent of the classic Italian dish. The pasta absorbs the flavors of the broth, while the cheese adds a savory depth that completes the dish.
What to Serve With This Dish
While the White Chicken Lasagna Soup is a meal in itself, complementing it with some sides can enhance the dining experience: – Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping and soaking up the creamy broth, adding a delightful textural contrast. The bread’s crunchy exterior and soft interior make it an ideal companion for this rich soup. – Side Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup, offering a refreshing counterpoint. The fresh greens and bright dressing provide a palate-cleansing contrast to the creamy soup. – Garlic Bread: For garlic lovers, this pairing adds an extra layer of flavor, enhancing the soup’s savory notes. The garlic bread’s bold flavors complement the soup, creating a harmonious balance.
These sides not only complement the flavors of the soup but also provide a well-rounded meal that satisfies every craving.
Storage & Leftover Tips
If you have leftovers (consider yourself lucky!), here’s how to store them effectively: – Refrigerate: Store the soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time, making it taste even better. – Reheat Gently: Warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a splash of broth or cream if it becomes too thick. Reheating gently ensures that the soup retains its creamy texture and rich flavor. – Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, do so before adding the lasagna noodles. This prevents them from becoming mushy. Reheat and add cooked noodles when ready to enjoy. Freezing in individual portions can make for quick and easy meals later on.
Cooking is more than just preparing food; it’s about creating moments and memories. The White Chicken Lasagna Soup is more than a recipe—it’s a tradition in the making, a dish that can be passed down and shared with loved ones. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner or enjoying it as leftovers, this soup is bound to make any meal feel special and comforting. Remember, the best recipes are those shared with love and enjoyed in good company. Happy cooking!
White Chicken Lasagna Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season the chicken breasts generously with Kinder’s or your preferred chicken seasoning.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
- Remove from pot and set aside.
- To the same pot, add 4 tbsp butter.
- Stir in diced onion, celery, and carrots.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in ⅓ cup flour, cooking for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw taste.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, about 1½ cups at a time, stirring to keep the base smooth.
- Stir in heavy cream and mix until fully combined.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, herbs de Provence, and black pepper.
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Stir in chopped broccoli and broken lasagna noodles.
- Simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Chop the cooked chicken and return it to the pot.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Ladle hot soup into bowls.
- Top with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!