If you’ve ever wished for a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’re going to adore this White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe. It’s a gentle twist on the classic lasagna flavors, all simmered together in your slow cooker so you can set it and forget it. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how it brought all the rich, creamy goodness of lasagna into a soup form that’s perfect for busy nights or casual dinners. Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll want to make this again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Slow Cooker Convenience: Just toss everything in and let it do the work for hours while you go about your day.
- Creamy and Comforting: The blend of cream, spinach, and tender chicken makes each spoonful feel like a warm hug.
- Lasagna Flavors, Minus the Fuss: All the taste of lasagna without layers or oven time—a serious time saver.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this soup, and I bet yours will too!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe come together beautifully, offering a balance of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors. Each one has a purpose—whether it’s building depth or adding texture, you’ll find they all work in harmony to create something special.
- White onion: Adds a sweet, mellow foundation when slowly cooked.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that wonderful aromatic kick.
- Italian seasoning: A blend that makes every bite taste like classic Italian comfort food.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for a subtle heat and depth.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For when you want a little warming spice.
- Chicken stock: The heart of the soup—the richer, the better.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooked gently in the broth to keep things tender.
- Sundried tomatoes: Adds a touch of sweetness and umami that you wouldn’t expect.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that silky, luscious texture everyone loves.
- Cornstarch: Helps gently thicken the soup without lumps.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh burst of green and nutrition.
- Broken lasagna noodles: Cooked separately so they don’t get mushy, and bring that authentic lasagna feel.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley: Perfect for topping and adding a final fresh, cheesy note.
Variations
I love making this White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe my own by swapping in different veggies or adjusting the heat level depending on the mood. It’s so flexible, and you can tweak it to suit your tastes or dietary needs without losing that comforting lasagna essence.
- Make it spicy: I sometimes add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick that my husband adores.
- Vegetarian twist: Skip the chicken and use mushrooms or zucchini for a veggie-packed version that’s still hearty and flavorful.
- Swap the cream: For a lighter option, I’ve successfully used half-and-half, but keep in mind it’s less rich and creamy.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free noodles or even spiralized zucchini noodles added right before serving for a low-carb take.
How to Make White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Aromatics and Stock
Start by tossing your diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and those optional crushed red pepper flakes into the slow cooker. Pour in your chicken stock, then give everything a good stir. This sets the flavor base, and I always love how the kitchen smells before it even starts cooking.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes
Next, nestle in your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the broth, then sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes on top. Cover your slow cooker and set to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low if I’m leaving it unattended during the day—slow and steady wins the flavor race.
Step 3: Shred Chicken and Make It Creamy
Once the chicken is tender, pull it out to shred with two forks—this is where your soup really starts to come together. In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream with cornstarch until smooth, then pour it into the slow cooker. Give everything a good stir, cover, and cook on high for another 30 minutes to thicken up that delicious broth.
Step 4: Cook Noodles and Finish with Greens
While the soup finishes up, cook your broken lasagna noodles according to the package directions, drain them well, and set aside. Stir your fresh spinach into the soup and let it wilt—this adds a lovely pop of color and freshness. Just before you serve, gently fold in the noodles so they soak up that awesome broth without getting mushy.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon the piping hot soup into bowls and sprinkle on shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This finishing touch adds a burst of flavor and brightens up the dish beautifully. I always catch myself sneaking an extra handful of cheese—it’s that good!
Pro Tips for Making White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Don’t Overcook Your Noodles: Cook the lasagna noodles separately to al dente and add them at the end to prevent mushiness—this is my key for perfect texture.
- Shred Chicken While Warm: Shredding the chicken right out of the slow cooker makes it easier and keeps the fiber tender, which makes for great soup mouthfeel.
- Whisk Cream with Cornstarch First: This helps avoid lumps and ensures your soup thickens up nicely without clumps.
- Adjust Broth Before Serving: Since noodles soak up liquid, keep extra broth or water handy to thin out your soup if it thickens too much as it sits.
How to Serve White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
Garnishes
I’m a firm believer that garnishes elevate any dish, and with this soup, I always go for freshly shredded Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The cheese adds a lovely salty richness while the parsley brings a freshness that balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes, I’ll add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes if we want a little heat.
Side Dishes
This soup is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the broth. A simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables make for nice accompaniments without overwhelming the soup’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special dinner, I’ve served this White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe in mini bread bowls, which adds a fun interactive element. For holiday gatherings, placing caramelized onions or sautéed mushrooms on top as an extra garnish really wows guests. Basically, use your favorite rustic bowls and get creative—presentation makes it even more enjoyable!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the noodles continue to absorb broth, I recommend storing the noodles separately if possible, then combining them when reheating—that way, the soup doesn’t get overly thick or gummy.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this soup without the noodles, which works best. After cooling, freeze in portions and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Then cook fresh noodles to add when serving. Freezing with the cream is fine, but it can sometimes slightly change the texture, so I like to whip it back together with a stir while reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. You might need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up—don’t worry, it still tastes just as delicious. Avoid microwaving straight from frozen to keep the cream from separating.
FAQs
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Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs in this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add a little extra richness and stay juicy during slow cooking. They might also shred even more tenderly, giving your White Lasagna Soup a slightly deeper flavor.
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Can I make this soup without dairy?
Yes, you can swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative like canned coconut milk or cashew cream. Keep in mind the flavor and texture will vary slightly, but it’s still tasty! Use cornstarch or another thickener as usual to maintain creaminess.
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Why do I add the noodles separately?
The noodles cook quickly and tend to soak up the broth, so cooking them separately helps prevent the soup from becoming too thick or mushy. Adding them right before serving maintains the perfect texture for this White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe.
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How can I thicken the soup if it’s too thin?
If the soup is thinner than you’d like, whisk a little more cornstarch with cold water and stir it in over low heat until it thickens. Alternatively, simmer uncovered for a bit to reduce the broth.
Final Thoughts
This White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe quickly became one of my go-to comfort meals—there’s something about its warm, creamy texture and familiar lasagna flavors that just feels like home. I love how it frees up my evening and still makes everyone at the dinner table happy and full. If you want a simple, satisfying soup that doesn’t skimp on flavor, I highly encourage you to give this a try. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep around for years to come!
Print
White Lasagna Soup in Slow Cooker Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, creamy soup form. Featuring tender chicken, sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and broken lasagna noodles, all slow-cooked to perfection and finished with Parmesan cheese, this recipe is perfect for an easy yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 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)
- 6 cups chicken stock
Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Additional Flavorings
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
Cream Mixture
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
Vegetables and Pasta
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz broken lasagna noodles, cooked separately and drained
Garnish
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker Base: In a slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the chicken stock and stir all the ingredients together thoroughly.
- Add Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes: Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker, then sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes evenly over the top to infuse flavor during cooking.
- Slow Cook the Soup: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup inside the slow cooker, mixing it evenly.
- Thicken the Soup: In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream and cornstarch together until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well, then cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to thicken the soup.
- Prepare the Lasagna Noodles: Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to prevent them from soaking too much broth immediately.
- Wilt the Spinach: Stir fresh spinach into the hot soup in the slow cooker, allowing it to wilt naturally from the residual heat and blending color and texture into the dish.
- Combine Noodles and Serve: Just before serving, add the cooked lasagna noodles to the slow cooker and gently stir to incorporate them without breaking them further. Serve the soup hot, garnished with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- The lasagna noodles tend to soak up the broth as the soup sits; if the soup becomes too thick, add additional chicken stock or water to thin it to your desired consistency.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use fresh Parmesan rather than pre-grated for a richer flavor and better melt.
- You can prepare the soup base the night before and refrigerate, then add noodles and spinach just before serving for convenience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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