Hey there, let me tell you about this Comforting White Lasagna Soup. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl and perfect for chilly evenings when all you want is a delicious bowl of comfort. I’m not saying I invented the idea of lasagna in soup form, but it’s really a lifesaver for busy nights. I thought it’d be complex, but honestly, it’s quicker than waiting for takeout. Ready to whip up something hearty? Let’s get into it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might wonder why you should even bother making White Lasagna Soup when there’s pizza delivery, right? I get it; we’ve all had those days.
But trust me, this soup is a game changer. Imagine this: creamy, cheesy goodness in a bowl, packed with tender chicken and al dente pasta swirling around.
It’s like a hug in a bowl, especially when the weather’s chilly. Plus, you get to customize it—add extra spinach, or skip the tomatoes if you’re not feeling fancy.
Even better, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up. In less time than you’d wait for your pizza, you could be savoring this delight.
Equipment List
Cooking can sometimes feel like a scavenger hunt, right? You’ve got the perfect recipe, but wait, where’s that fancy pot?
For this white lasagna soup, let’s keep it simple. You’ll need a large pot, ideally one with a sturdy bottom; we don’t want any burnt messes. A good cutting board and sharp knife will help you chop like a pro. Don’t forget a sturdy wooden spoon for stirring; flimsy ones won’t cut it. A measuring cup is super handy for those precise amounts of broth or cream. Finally, grab some bowls for serving, because trust me, you’re gonna want to savor every last drop of this comforting soup. Plus, having an essential cutting board set will elevate your cooking game and ensure you’re always prepared.
And, who knew? I can’t find my favorite pot half the time.
Our Ingredients
When it comes to whipping up a warm, hearty dish like White Lasagna Soup, picking the right ingredients is half the battle. With each item playing a key role in bringing this comforting delight to life, you’ll want to make sure you have everything ready to go before diving into cooking.
This is the kind of soup that wraps around you like a warm blanket on a chilly day, making it a go-to for cozy nights in. So, let’s take a glance at what you’ll need to gather.
Here’s the lineup:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 2 cups small pasta or broken lasagna noodles
- 1 cup half and half or cream
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Ricotta, Parmesan, or shredded mozzarella for garnish
Now, let’s talk a bit about these ingredients. First off, if you’re like me and occasionally forget to double-check your pantry, trust me, it’s worth making sure you have everything before you get started.
The chicken broth, for instance, is a lifesaver that brings a rich flavor to the soup; low sodium is a good choice to keep things balanced. And hey, those sun-dried tomatoes? Totally optional, but they bring a lovely burst of tang, so don’t skip them if you can help it.
And let’s not forget about that creamy half and half or cream – it’s the magic touch that makes this soup feel luxurious. Remember, cooking is meant to be enjoyable; so, if you find you’re missing an ingredient here and there, roll with it!
After all, who wouldn’t love a little improvisation in the kitchen?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making White Lasagna Soup isn’t only quick and simple, but it’s also completely satisfying, just like a warm hug in a bowl. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a deliciously creamy soup that’s sure to impress your family—or at least keep you coming back for more. So, let’s get into it!
1. Start by melting 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted, toss in 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and stir it around until it softens, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
Then, add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting that delightful garlic aroma fill your kitchen.
2. Next, sprinkle in 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning**, 1 teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes**. Stir everything together until well combined and let the spices marry with the onions and garlic for about 1-2 minutes.
This is where the magic starts to happen as those flavors really get to know each other.
3. Pour in 3 cups of low sodium chicken broth** and gently place 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the pot. Bring the mixture to a delightful simmer**.
Allow it to cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (you can always use a food thermometer if you’re unsure)!
4. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot, and let it cool for just a few minutes. This is an excellent time to channel your inner chef and shred the chicken using two forks, or, if you’re feeling fancy, your fingers.
Return that shredded goodness back into the pot along with ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes (if using) and 2 cups of small pasta or broken lasagna noodles. Let it simmer again for about 10-15 minutes, until the pasta is tender.
5. Now comes the fun part. In a small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of half and half or cream with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch until smooth.
Slowly stir this creamy mixture into your soup. You’ll see the mixture thicken nicely, turning this into the rich, velvety dish we’re after.
6. Finally, toss in 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach**** and stir until wilted, which will take just a minute or so.
Watching that vibrant green spinach brighten up the soup is honestly heartwarming.
7. Serve your White Lasagna Soup hot, and sprinkle on some of your choice: a dollop of ricotta, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or a handful of shredded mozzarella for that extra cheesy finish.
And there you have it—a perfect bowl of White Lasagna Soup ready to warm your soul. Just remember, the best part of this dish might just be the leftovers; if you get any! Enjoy!
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Tips & Variations
Ever wonder how you can amp up your White Lasagna Soup or give it a personal twist? I’ve got a few ideas that might make your taste buds sing.
First, try swapping out the spinach for kale—it adds a heartiness that’s hard to resist.
If you want extra creaminess, go for a richer cream or even toss in some cream cheese; it’ll make your soup feel like a warm hug.
Want a bit of zing? Throw in a splash of lemon juice right before serving.
And hey, if you’re a spice lover like me, don’t be shy to crank up those red pepper flakes!
How to Serve?
Serving up a bowl of White Lasagna Soup can feel like a warm embrace on a chilly evening—there’s something about it that just hits the spot.
I love to garnish it with a sprinkle of ricotta or a handful of mozzarella to add that creamy touch. Sometimes, I’ll toss in a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor.
As for the bread, what’s more comforting than dipping a slice of crusty bread into that rich, cheesy goodness? You can even place a bowl of grated Parmesan on the table for those who want to go a little wild.
And don’t forget to grab a cozy blanket while you’re at it—trust me; it’s essential for fully enjoying this soul-warming soup.
Storage & Reheating Guide
When it comes to storing leftovers of this delicious White Lasagna Soup, I’ve learned a few things the hard way. First off, make sure to let it cool down before tossing it into storage containers. I once put hot soup in the fridge, and, well, the mess wasn’t pretty.
I like to divide it into single servings—much easier for reheating later. Just pop it in an airtight container and it’ll last about three to four days.
For longer storage, you can freeze it, but don’t forget to leave out the cheese until you’re ready to serve. Additionally, using a high-end waffle maker can elevate your breakfast experience, making it perfect for a cozy weekend brunch. When you need a bowl, reheat it on the stove or microwave it until it’s nice and hot, stirring occasionally.
Final Thoughts
After you’ve stored those tasty leftovers of White Lasagna Soup, you’ll find yourself thinking about how comforting this dish is overall. Seriously, it warms you up from the inside out.
Isn’t it great when a meal makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a cozy blanket? Every spoonful is creamy goodness, with just enough zing from the spices.
It’s the kind of soup that makes you rethink your “no leftovers” policy. I mean, who wouldn’t want to enjoy this for lunch the next day? You can mix it up; toss in extra veggies or switch the pasta.
The possibilities are endless. So, go ahead, plunge in, and savor each bite. You deserve it.