White Lasagna Soup

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 medium onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)

• 1½ cups short pasta or broken lasagna noodles

• 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 cups fresh spinach

• 1 cup ricotta cheese (for topping)

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

2. Simmer Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

3. Cook Pasta: While the chicken simmers, cook your pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

4. Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

5. Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half and cornstarch until smooth. Stir this mixture into the soup along with the cooked pasta and fresh spinach. Let it simmer for a few more minutes until everything is heated through and the soup thickens slightly.

6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a dollop of ricotta cheese, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, and a handful of shredded mozzarella.

Tips & Variations:

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use cannellini beans or mushrooms for a hearty alternative.

• Spicy Kick: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat level.

• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk with nutritional yeast for creaminess.

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.

Enjoy this soul-soothing soup with a slice of crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.