If you are craving all the comforting, rich flavors of Italian lasagna but want something a little quicker and spoon-friendly, then you absolutely must try this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe. It’s a luscious, creamy soup that captures every beautiful bite of classic white lasagna – from tender chicken and fragrant garlic to melty cheese and delicate noodles – all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings and is effortlessly delicious, turning your slow cooker into a magic pot of comfort and delight.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe combines simple, fresh ingredients that work in harmony to create an irresistibly creamy and flavorful broth. Each component plays a crucial role, from the aromatic garlic and tender chicken to the bright spinach and savory sun-dried tomatoes, ensuring every spoonful is packed with delicious layers.
- White onion, diced: Provides a sweet and savory base flavor that mellows as it cooks.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Adds aromatic depth and that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Italian seasoning (2 tsp.): A blend that brings herbal warmth and complexity.
- Salt (1 tsp.): Enhances all the flavors in the soup beautifully.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp.): Adds subtle heat to balance the creamy textures.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 tsp., optional): For those who love a gentle kick of spice.
- Chicken stock (6 cups): The soup’s heart, adding a rich, savory liquid foundation.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts (2-3, about 1 pound): Tender protein that shreds perfectly for that lasagna feel.
- Sun-dried tomatoes (1/2 cup, chopped): Offer a tart sweetness that brightens every bite.
- Fresh spinach (4 cups): Brings vibrant color and a nutrient-rich boost.
- Cooked lasagna noodles (8 oz., broken): Adds familiar texture and satisfyingly soft pasta pieces.
- Cornstarch (2 Tbsp.): Thickens the soup to that perfect creamy consistency.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Gives the soup luscious richness and a silky finish.
- Shredded Parmesan cheese: Melts beautifully on top to add that classic Italian cheesy touch when serving.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a fresh pop of vibrant green and mild herbal notes.
How to Make Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the base
Start by layering the flavors in your slow cooker. Combine the diced white onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This combination ensures the soup begins with a beautiful savory and aromatic foundation that will permeate every bite.
Step 2: Add stock, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes
Pour in the chicken stock, stirring gently to mix everything together. Nestle the raw chicken breasts right on top, then sprinkle over the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Since the chicken will cook slowly in this flavorful broth, it absorbs all those rich and tangy notes perfectly.
Step 3: Slow cook until tender
Cover the slow cooker and let everything cook low and slow for 6-8 hours, or if you’re short on time, on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken will turn incredibly tender, ready to shred easily, while the broth thickens with time, melding all those vibrant tastes.
Step 4: Shred the chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts and shred them finely using two forks. This step is where the soup starts to look and feel more like classic lasagna, with tender strands of chicken floating in the rich broth.
Step 5: Prepare the creamy thickener
Whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch separately until smooth. Pour this luscious mixture back into the slow cooker, stirring gently to combine with the broth and shredded chicken. This makes the soup luxuriously creamy without being too heavy.
Step 6: Finish cooking and prepare noodles
Replace the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken perfectly. Meanwhile, boil the lasagna noodles following package instructions, then drain and break them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 7: Add spinach and noodles
Stir fresh spinach into the hot soup just until wilted, adding vibrant color and a boost of freshness. Then fold in the broken lasagna noodles carefully so they soak up some of that creamy broth without falling apart.
Step 8: Serve and enjoy!
Ladle the soup into deep bowls, topping each serving with generous shredded Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve this hearty, cheesy, and comforting Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe hot for a soul-satisfying meal.
How to Serve Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your soup experience, garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of chopped parsley. These simple touches add bursts of salty, nutty flavor and a fresh herbal aroma that complements the creamy soup perfectly.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the soup. Warm, buttery bread is ideal for dipping, while a fresh salad adds a refreshing contrast that keeps the meal feeling light and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the soup in small bread bowls or mini crock pots at gatherings. Another idea is to sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of good olive oil on top for added texture and richness. It’s a fabulous way to impress friends or family with this cozy dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe, transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3-4 days, allowing you to savor the flavors again without a fuss.
Freezing
This soup freezes wonderfully. Cool it completely before pouring into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months, keeping in mind that fresh spinach and pasta may soften slightly upon thawing but will still taste fantastic.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash of chicken stock or water to loosen it back to your preferred consistency and heat until steaming.
FAQs
Can I use turkey or another protein instead of chicken?
Absolutely! Turkey breast works very well and delivers a similar texture and mild flavor. You could also experiment with shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
Do I have to use fresh spinach?
Fresh spinach is best for this recipe because it wilts quickly and adds bright color and freshness. However, frozen spinach can substitute in a pinch; just thaw and drain it well before adding.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt it for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function for aromatics, then pressure cooking the chicken and liquids for about 12 minutes, followed by quick release. Add cream and noodles after cooking and simmer to thicken.
What’s the purpose of the cornstarch in this recipe?
Cornstarch acts as a thickening agent, giving the soup that lovely creamy, velvety texture that mimics classic lasagna sauce without heaviness.
Can I use pre-cooked lasagna noodles?
You sure can! Just add them towards the end of cooking so they warm through without mushiness. This can save some time and keep the noodle texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe is pure, comforting joy in a bowl. It offers all the indulgent flavors of traditional white lasagna with the ease of slow cooking and a silky, creamy texture that makes every spoonful feel like a hug. If you want to impress your family or cozy up on cooler nights, this recipe is a wonderful choice to keep in your dinner rotation. Give it a try and watch how this flavorful soup becomes one of your new favorites!
Print
Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- 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 meal that combines the rich flavors of Italian seasoning, tender chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy broth thickened with heavy cream and cornstarch. Featuring cooked lasagna noodles, this soup brings all the delicious elements of classic white lasagna into a warm, cozy bowl perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 2–3 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 8 oz cooked lasagna noodles (broken)
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- 1 cup heavy cream
For Serving
- Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 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) directly in the slow cooker bowl.
- Add liquids and chicken: Pour in the chicken stock and stir all the ingredients to combine. Place the chicken breasts on top and sprinkle the chopped sun-dried tomatoes evenly over the mixture.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Make the thickener: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to incorporate it into the soup base.
- Finish cooking: Cover and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to allow the soup to thicken.
- Cook noodles: While the soup is finishing, cook the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add spinach and noodles: Stir the fresh spinach into the soup until it wilts, then gently fold in the cooked lasagna noodles to combine evenly.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful white lasagna soup.
Notes
- Use cooked or leftover lasagna noodles to speed up preparation time.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken stock with vegetable broth and omit the chicken.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the level of heat.
- Adding the cream and cornstarch mixture at the end helps achieve a creamy, velvety soup texture without curdling.
- Leftover soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
