If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that effortlessly combines comfort and sophistication, then Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is your next culinary adventure. This recipe offers the rich, creamy goodness of traditional lasagna with a delightful soup twist, making it a cozy favorite that’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easiest Comfort Food: Just set it and forget it—the slow cooker does all the work for you!
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup makes this dish perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily adaptable to whatever you have on hand, making it both budget-friendly and stress-free.
- Creamy and Indulgent: The addition of heavy cream gives this soup a luxurious texture that feels like a big hug in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup comes together with everyday staples that transform into a feast for both the sight and the palate. Each ingredient adds its own flair, ensuring a richly colored soup with layers of flavor.
- White Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the soup base.
- Garlic: Infuses the broth with aromatic richness.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an authentic Italian taste.
- Chicken Stock: Forms the hearty foundation of the soup.
- Chicken Breasts: Cooked to tender perfection and shredded for protein-packed deliciousness.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Introduce a tangy, sweet kick to balance the buttery creaminess.
- Heavy Cream: Provides silky texture and a luscious finish.
- Fresh Spinach: Lends vibrant color and a dose of nutrients.
- Lasagna Noodles: Baked pasta goodness, but in soup!
- Parmesan Cheese & Fresh Parsley: Perfect for garnishing and adding a burst of fresh flavor.
Variations
Feeling creative or need to cater to specific dietary preferences? This Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is fantastically adaptable. Here are some ideas to make it your own.
- Vegetarian Variant: Replace chicken with mushrooms for an earthy depth and use vegetable stock instead of chicken broth.
- Spicy Kick: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some fiery flair.
- Cheesy Goodness: Mix in a variety of cheeses like mozzarella or ricotta to make it extra cheesy.
How to Make Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Prep and Combine
Start by dicing the onion and mincing the garlic. Add these to your slow cooker along with the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Pour in the chicken stock and give everything a good stir to meld the flavors.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts on top of the mixture. Sprinkle chopped sundried tomatoes over the chicken. Cover the slow cooker, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, and let the magic happen.
Step 3: Shred and Thicken
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot. In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream with cornstarch until smooth, then pour into the slow cooker to thicken the soup.
Step 4: Final Touches
Cook the lasagna noodles separately, then drain and set aside. Add fresh spinach to the soup, allowing it to wilt before stirring in the noodles. Serve hot, lavishly topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup
- Cornstarch Smoothie: For a lump-free soup, whisk the cream and cornstarch thoroughly before adding them.
- Spinach Freshness: Add the spinach just before serving to retain its vibrant green color and fresh taste.
- Noodle Perfection: Cook noodles al dente separately to ensure they don’t turn mushy in the soup.
- Cheese Choice: Use high-quality Parmesan for maximum flavor impact in every bite.
How to Serve Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Top your soup with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh freshness. These garnishes elevate the soup’s presentation and add layers of flavor.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup with a side of crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad to complement its hearty flavors. The bread is fantastic for soaking up the creamy broth, while the salad offers a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, ladle the soup into oversized mugs and serve with small, cheesy breadsticks on the side. This playful, casual presentation is sure to delight both family and guests alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will intensify beautifully with time, making it an even better meal the next day.
Freezing
Consider freezing this soup (excluding the pasta) in portion-sized containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and then add freshly cooked noodles upon reheating to maintain the perfect texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat the soup on the stove over low heat until warmed through, being careful not to bring it to a boil, which might compromise the creamy consistency. Stir occasionally for even heating.
FAQs
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Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, using pre-cooked chicken is a quick alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, adding the chicken towards the end to avoid overcooking.
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What if I don’t have lasagna noodles?
No worries! Any short pasta like fusilli or penne can also do the trick. Just adjust their cooking time as needed.
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Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the heavy cream with a coconut cream or a high-quality plant-based cream for a delicious dairy-free version.
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Is it possible to prepare this on the stovetop?
Yes, certainly. Simmer all ingredients, minus the cream and spinach, in a large pot until the chicken is tender. Then follow the recipe as directed for cream and spinach.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup. It’s inviting, versatile, and comforting in every way. Whether it’s a family dinner or a cozy solo night, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Dive into a bowl of this creamy goodness and embrace the warmth it brings to your table.
PrintSlow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Indulge in this creamy and hearty Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, featuring tender shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for a comforting dinner with minimal effort, this soup captures the essence of classic lasagna with a twist, all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Broth and Seasonings
- 1 white onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Liquids and Proteins
- 6 cups chicken stock
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
Vegetables and Add-ins
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
Carbohydrates and Thickeners
- 8 oz. cooked lasagna noodles (broken)
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
Dairy and Garnishes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Shredded Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker: Combine the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) in the slow cooker.
- Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken stock and stir everything together to combine, then add the chicken breasts on top and sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes over the contents.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Make the thickener: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to incorporate.
- Finish cooking: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
- Cook noodles: Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add spinach and noodles: Stir the fresh spinach into the soup until wilted, then add the cooked lasagna noodles and gently stir to combine.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust heat with red pepper flakes according to preference.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with kale or basil for variation.
- This soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg