Description

This Best Chicken Lasagna Soup is a rich and comforting dish that combines all the flavors of classic chicken lasagna in a warm, hearty soup. Featuring tender chunks of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta in a creamy Italian-spiced broth, this recipe is topped with dollops of ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses to create a delightful lasagna-like experience in every bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup:

2.5 tbsp unsalted butter (such as Kerrygold)
1 onion, finely diced into 1/4-inch pieces
4 cloves garlic, minced
2.5 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red chili flakes
4 cups chicken broth (Swanson Less Sodium recommended)
1 lb chicken breast or thigh, cut into 1-inch bite-sized chunks
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, julienne cut
2 cups pasta (such as rotini or penne)
1 cup half-and-half
2 tbsp cornstarch
1 cup fresh spinach
1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Cheese Garnish:

Ricotta cheese (for dolloping)
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Mozzarella cheese, shredded (preferably Galbani whole milk mozzarella)

Instructions

Build the Aromatic Base: Melt 2.5 tablespoons of butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and foaming, add the finely diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and begins to brown, enhancing its sweetness and flavor. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, creating a layered and complex aromatic foundation for the soup.
Simmer the Chicken and Build the Broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth, then add the bite-sized raw chicken pieces and julienned sun-dried tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. During this time, the sun-dried tomatoes will soften and infuse the broth with deep, concentrated flavor without overpowering it.
Cook the Pasta Separately: While the chicken simmers, bring a separate large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups of your chosen pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set aside. Cooking pasta separately ensures it remains firm and does not become mushy from soaking in the soup broth.
Shred the Chicken and Create the Cream Base: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot with a slotted spoon and place it on a plate to cool slightly. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup half-and-half and 2 tablespoons cornstarch until completely smooth and lump-free. This mixture will thicken the soup without making it too heavy, adding a creamy texture.
Thicken and Finish the Soup: Slowly pour the half-and-half and cornstarch slurry into the simmering broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the soup thickens slightly. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika to add subtle smokiness. Then add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and fresh spinach. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts slightly.
Serve with Creamy Cheese Garnish: Ladle the finished soup into serving bowls. Add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top of each bowl, sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan, and finish with shredded mozzarella. Adding the cheese at serving time ensures it creates creamy pockets without fully melting, providing a pleasing contrast in texture and flavor reminiscent of classic lasagna.

Notes

Cooking pasta separately helps maintain its texture and prevents it from absorbing too much broth.
Using oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes and julienning them enhances their texture and flavor in the soup.
The cornstarch slurry is key for thickening the soup to a creamy consistency without heaviness.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s fully cooked (165°F recommended).
Adding cheese as a garnish rather than melting it in preserves its creamy texture and adds a contrasting temperature element.
Use fresh spinach for best wilted texture and vibrant color.
Adjust red chili flakes to taste for desired heat level.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: chicken lasagna soup, creamy chicken soup, Italian chicken soup, lasagna-inspired soup, comfort food, easy dinner soup