This is the kind of soup that makes people cancel plans. Creamy, cheesy, loaded with tender chicken and lasagna noodles, it tastes like your favorite white lasagna decided to become a cozy blanket. No roux, no fuss—just one pot, big flavors, and a smug feeling that you hacked comfort food.
Serve it to impress guests or crush a weeknight dinner when you want restaurant vibes without the bill. Warning: leftovers vanish mysteriously.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All the flavors of white chicken lasagna in a faster, easier soup format—no layered drama, just spoonable perfection.
- One pot, minimal cleanup. You’re done before your brain realizes you cooked.
- Ultra-creamy without being heavy. Chicken broth + cream + Parmesan = silky, not stodgy.
- Flexible. Use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, gluten-free noodles, or whatever greens are bossing your fridge.
- Freezer-friendly base. Make the soup, freeze it, and add noodles/cream fresh for best texture.
Shopping List – Ingredients
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Unsalted butter – 2 tablespoons
- Yellow onion – 1 medium, diced
- Garlic – 4–5 cloves, minced
- Carrots – 2 medium, peeled and diced (optional but great)
- Celery – 2 ribs, diced
- Mushrooms – 8 ounces, sliced (cremini or button)
- Italian seasoning – 2 teaspoons
- Crushed red pepper flakes – 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to heat tolerance)
- Kosher salt and black pepper – to taste
- Chicken broth – 6 cups (low-sodium preferred)
- Cooked shredded chicken – 3 cups (rotisserie works great)
- Lasagna noodles – 8–10 sheets, broken into 2-inch pieces (or mafalda/campanelle)
- Heavy cream – 1 cup (or half-and-half for lighter)
- Cream cheese – 4 ounces, softened
- Baby spinach – 4 cups, roughly chopped
- Parmesan – 3/4 cup, freshly grated, plus more for serving
- Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (brightens everything)
- Fresh parsley – 1/4 cup, chopped
- Optional boosts: white wine (1/3 cup for deglazing), nutmeg (a pinch), ricotta dollops for serving
The Method – Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery.
Cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in mushrooms and cook another 4–5 minutes until lightly browned.
- Season like you mean it. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
If using white wine, splash it in now and simmer 2 minutes to reduce.
- Add broth and chicken. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in shredded chicken.
- Noodle time. Break lasagna noodles into chunky pieces and add to the pot. Reduce to a lively simmer and cook 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick.
Aim for al dente—they’ll soften further.
- Make it creamy. In a small bowl, whisk softened cream cheese with a ladle of hot broth until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup along with heavy cream. Simmer 2–3 minutes; do not boil.
- Finish with greens and cheese. Stir in spinach until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.
Remove from heat and whisk in Parmesan until silky. Add lemon juice and adjust salt/pepper to taste.
- Garnish and serve. Ladle into bowls and top with extra Parmesan, parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you’re feeling luxurious, add a dollop of ricotta right in the center.
Chef’s kiss.
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for 3–4 days. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid; add a splash of broth or water when reheating.
- Freezer: Best strategy: freeze the soup without noodles and cream for up to 3 months. Reheat, then add fresh noodles and dairy right before serving.
- Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low.
Avoid boiling after adding cream to prevent separation, FYI.
Why This is Good for You
- Protein-packed: Chicken supplies high-quality protein to keep you full and help with recovery after workouts.
- Veggie power: Spinach, carrots, celery, and mushrooms add fiber, potassium, iron, and antioxidants—quietly doing the heavy lifting while the cheese gets the applause.
- Satisfying fats: A measured amount of dairy creates satiety, so you’re not rummaging for snacks 30 minutes later.
- Balanced bowl: Carbs from noodles + protein + fats + micronutrients equals a legit, balanced meal. Your future self approves.
What Not to Do
- Don’t overcook the noodles. Mushy pasta turns your soup into regret. Pull them at al dente.
- Don’t boil after adding dairy. High heat can cause curdling.
Keep it to a gentle simmer.
- Don’t skip the lemon. That tiny hit of acid wakes up the creaminess and keeps flavors bright.
- Don’t dump cold cream cheese straight in. Soften and temper with hot broth first to make it smooth.
- Don’t forget salt control. Use low-sodium broth and season gradually—Parmesan adds salt too.
Variations You Can Try
- Garlic-Parmesan Alfredo Twist: Skip mushrooms, add 1 extra clove of garlic and a pinch of nutmeg; finish with more Parmesan for a sauce-like vibe.
- Pesto Spin: Stir 2 tablespoons basil pesto in at the end. Fresh, herbaceous, and dangerously addictive.
- Tuscan Sun: Add sun-dried tomatoes and swap spinach for kale. Use a splash of the tomato oil for extra flavor.
- Smoky Rotisserie: Use smoked paprika (1 teaspoon) and rotisserie chicken thighs.
The depth is unreal.
- Lighter Lift: Use half-and-half instead of cream and scale back Parmesan to 1/2 cup. Still creamy, a bit lighter.
- Gluten-Free: Use GF lasagna noodles and check broth labels.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for cannellini beans and use veggie broth. Add extra mushrooms for umami.
FAQ
Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely.
Shredded turkey works perfectly and absorbs the creamy broth like a champ.
What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
Use mafalda, bowties, broken fettuccine, or even egg noodles. Shape isn’t sacred; texture is.
How do I make it thicker?
Reduce the broth by 1 cup or simmer a few extra minutes before adding dairy. You can also stir in an extra ounce of cream cheese.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep the heat at a gentle simmer after adding cream and tempered cream cheese.
Avoid boiling, and add lemon juice at the very end.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes. Add everything except noodles, dairy, spinach, and Parmesan; cook on low 4–6 hours. Stir in noodles for the last 20–30 minutes, then add dairy, spinach, and cheese just before serving.
Is there a way to meal prep this?
Cook the base (broth, chicken, veg, seasonings) and refrigerate or freeze.
Cook noodles separately and store; combine with cream and Parmesan when reheating for best texture.
What if it gets too thick after storing?
Add a splash of broth or water when reheating until it reaches your happy place. Adjust salt afterward.
Can I make it spicy?
For sure. Increase red pepper flakes or add a drizzle of Calabrian chili oil on top.
Proceed like a hero.
My Take
This soup is a cheat code: all the drama of white chicken lasagna without the architecture. It’s rich but not heavy, weeknight-easy but weekend-impressive, and flexible enough to meet you where your pantry is. The lemon-parm finish is the secret handshake—don’t skip it.
IMO, this is the kind of recipe you keep on standby for cozy cravings and “I need a win” days. Serve with crusty bread, a green salad, and zero apologies.
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