This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a creamy, cozy twist on two classic comfort foods—chicken alfredo and lasagna! Packed with tender chicken, broken lasagna noodles, rich Parmesan broth, and fresh spinach, this hearty soup brings all the flavors of a traditional white lasagna into a warm, comforting bowl. It’s topped with ricotta cheese for extra creaminess, making it perfect for a family-friendly dinner.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pinch kosher salt
For the Alfredo Soup:
- ½ pound dry lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup diced white onion
- 1 cup thinly sliced carrots
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or substitute with kale)
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- Pat the chicken dry, brush with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt.
- Bake for 22-25 minutes, or until cooked through to 165°F. Let cool, then shred or slice into thin pieces.
Prepare the Alfredo Soup:
- Boil the lasagna noodles according to package instructions, then set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add flour, whisking until dissolved into the butter.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream to form a smooth roux. Add the chicken broth, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the onions and carrots, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened.
- Pour the cream broth over the vegetables. Add the garlic, bringing the soup to a boil.
Combine & Finish:
- Once boiling, stir in the spinach, shredded chicken, and cooked lasagna noodles. Reduce heat to a simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Divide the soup into bowls and top with a spoonful of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess.
Nutrients (Per Serving)
- Calories: 455 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 131mg
- Sodium: 958mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
A Hearty Comfort Food for All Seasons
This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup is not only a winter favorite, perfect for chilly days, but it’s also an ideal dish for any time of the year. The balance of savory chicken, creamy broth, and tender vegetables makes it a meal that will keep you satisfied without feeling too heavy. The rich Parmesan broth enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients, while the lasagna noodles add an extra layer of heartiness to the dish.
By combining the flavors of traditional lasagna with the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce, this soup provides the best of both worlds in one dish. The noodles, chicken, and vegetables soak up the delicious broth, creating a comforting meal that will warm you from the inside out. The ricotta cheese topping is the finishing touch, providing a creamy texture that takes this dish to the next level.
The Chicken: Tender and Flavorful
The chicken in this soup is the star of the dish. Whether you use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, it is essential to cook the chicken perfectly to ensure it stays juicy and flavorful. Roasting the chicken at 400°F allows it to develop a golden, slightly crispy exterior while keeping the meat moist on the inside. Once the chicken is cooked, it is shredded or sliced into thin pieces and added to the soup, allowing it to absorb all the wonderful flavors of the broth.
The shredded chicken adds protein to the soup, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. The natural juices of the chicken infuse the broth with rich flavor, creating a depth of taste that complements the creamy soup base. Chicken thighs, in particular, are a great choice for this recipe as they are more flavorful and tender than chicken breasts.
Creamy Alfredo Soup Base
The Alfredo base for this soup is rich, creamy, and comforting, with a silky texture that coats the lasagna noodles and vegetables. The roux, made with butter and flour, forms the foundation of the soup base, thickening the broth and giving it a smooth consistency. Once the roux is prepared, heavy cream is whisked in to create a luxurious, velvety texture.
The chicken broth adds a savory, flavorful element to the soup, balancing the richness of the cream. This combination creates a smooth, thick broth that perfectly complements the rest of the ingredients. The addition of Parmesan cheese helps to thicken the broth even further, giving it that signature cheesy richness that makes Alfredo sauce so delicious. The soup has just the right amount of creaminess without being too heavy, making it the perfect base for the other ingredients.
The Vegetables: Flavorful and Nutritious
In this soup, the vegetables provide both flavor and texture, complementing the rich, creamy base. The onions and carrots are sautéed to bring out their natural sweetness and soften their texture. These vegetables are then added to the soup, where they absorb the flavors of the broth and become tender.
Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a dose of nutrients to the soup. As the spinach wilts in the hot broth, it becomes tender and infuses the soup with a mild, earthy flavor. You can substitute spinach with other greens like kale if you prefer, but spinach is the perfect choice for this recipe as it wilts quickly and adds a delicate flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
Lasagna Noodles: The Heart of the Soup
One of the defining features of this soup is the use of broken lasagna noodles. Instead of traditional pasta shapes, lasagna noodles are broken into smaller pieces, allowing them to soak up the creamy broth and absorb the flavors of the soup. The texture of the lasagna noodles adds heartiness to the dish, making it feel like a true comfort food.
The noodles are cooked directly in the soup, ensuring they soak up all the delicious flavors while maintaining a perfect al dente texture. As the noodles cook in the broth, they become tender and flavorful, providing a satisfying base for the soup.
Adding Extra Creaminess with Ricotta
While the Alfredo base gives the soup its creamy texture, adding a dollop of ricotta cheese on top elevates the dish even further. Ricotta adds a light, fluffy creaminess that balances the richness of the soup. As the soup is served, the ricotta melts into the broth, making each spoonful extra indulgent.
Ricotta cheese is the perfect finishing touch for this soup, providing an extra layer of richness and creaminess that makes the dish feel like a true indulgence. You can also add more Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy kick if desired.
Customizing Your Soup
One of the great things about this Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup is that it is highly customizable. If you want to add more vegetables, you can include ingredients like bell peppers, zucchini, or peas. You can also add some crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a bit of heat, or use different herbs like basil or thyme to give the soup your own personal touch.
For a lighter version of this soup, you can swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free substitute like coconut milk. You can also use gluten-free lasagna noodles to make the soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with a variety of sides to complete the meal. A side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad would be the perfect accompaniment to this soup. The richness of the soup pairs beautifully with a light, crisp salad, which helps balance the flavors and adds a refreshing contrast.
For a more indulgent pairing, consider serving the soup with cheesy breadsticks or a warm, crusty baguette for dipping. The bread will soak up the creamy broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
Conclusion
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a comforting, creamy, and indulgent dish that combines the best elements of chicken Alfredo and lasagna into one delicious meal. The rich, velvety broth, tender chicken, and hearty lasagna noodles come together to create a satisfying soup that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or as part of a special meal, this soup is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
The combination of fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and ricotta makes the soup not only delicious but also nutrient-packed. With its customizable ingredients and easy-to-make nature, this soup is perfect for meal prepping or making on busy nights when you want something comforting and quick. So, grab your ingredients, whip up this delicious soup, and enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness that comes with every spoonful.