Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is a cozy, creamy dish that takes the classic lasagna flavors and transforms them into a comforting soup. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, this recipe boasts a rich and velvety texture thanks to the combination of parmesan cheese and heavy cream. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare in your slow cooker, making it an ideal choice for busy lifestyles.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while the flavors develop in the slow cooker.
• Flavorful Comfort: The blend of spices, chicken, and creamy elements creates a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well, making it great for leftovers or meal prep for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow Cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Chef’s Knife: Essential for chopping vegetables quickly and efficiently.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like cream and cornstarch without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures a smooth mixture when combining heavy cream and cornstarch.

Ingredients

This delicious twist on traditional lasagna uses parmesan cheese and heavy cream to yield a white appearance and velvety texture.

• 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 sundried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 8 oz. broken lasagna noodles (cooked separately and drained)
• shredded parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for serving

How to Make Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Step 1: 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 everything together.

Step 2: Add Chicken and Sundried Tomatoes

Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker. Sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes over the top.

Step 3: Cook Until Tender

Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Step 4: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Shred them using two forks and return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.

Step 5: Mix Cream and Cornstarch

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the slow cooker and stir well to combine.

Step 6: Final Cooking Phase

Cover again and continue cooking on high for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 7: Cook Lasagna Noodles

Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 8: Add Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.

Step 9: Combine with Noodles

Just before serving, add the cooked lasagna noodles to the slow cooker and stir gently to incorporate.

Step 10: Serve

Serve the Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup hot, topped with shredded Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Serving Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup can elevate your dining experience. This creamy, flavorful soup pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its taste and texture.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
• Basil Leaves: Add some torn basil leaves for an aromatic touch.

Pair with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth.
• Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks offer a delightful crunch alongside the soup.

Add a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad complements the rich flavors of the soup perfectly.
• Mixed Greens: A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.

Cheese Options

• Extra Parmesan: Offer additional shredded Parmesan cheese at the table for those who love that cheesy flavor.
• Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella can be added just before serving for extra creaminess.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Creating a perfect bowl of Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup requires some attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out delicious every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs bring vibrant flavors that dried ingredients can’t match.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to suit your personal preference.
• Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding for maximum flavor.
• Whisk Cornstarch Smoothly: Mix cornstarch with heavy cream until completely smooth to avoid lumps in your soup.
• Add Spinach Last: Stir in spinach towards the end of cooking to retain its bright green color and nutrients.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the soup hot right after adding noodles and spinach.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Completing your meal with side dishes can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options to consider when serving Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup.

1. Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce topped with Caesar dressing balances out the richness of the soup.
3. Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze add a refreshing touch.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy side that pairs well with any soup.
5. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms make for a delightful finger food alongside your meal.
6. Herbed Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs makes a great addition, soaking up delicious flavors from the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making slow cooker white lasagna soup can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season your soup can lead to bland flavors. Always taste as you go and adjust the salt and spices according to your preference.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Monitor cooking times closely and ensure the chicken is just cooked through before shredding.
• Not using enough liquid: If you skimp on the chicken stock, your soup may end up too thick. Stick to the recommended amount of stock for a perfect consistency.
• Neglecting to wilt the spinach: Adding fresh spinach at the beginning will cause it to become overly mushy. Add it closer to serving time for a vibrant color and texture.
• Forgetting about noodle preparation: Cook the lasagna noodles separately; adding uncooked noodles directly into the slow cooker can result in an undesirable texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing it in the container.

Freezing Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium heat. Stir frequently until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace chicken with chickpeas or additional vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.

How do I add more flavor to Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup?

Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or thyme, or add a splash of lemon juice just before serving for brightness.

Can I use low-fat cream in Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup?

Yes, but keep in mind that low-fat cream may alter the richness and creaminess of your soup slightly.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup?

This soup pairs well with garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is a comforting meal that’s both creamy and satisfying. Its versatility allows for various customization options such as different proteins or additional vegetables. Try making this delicious dish today; it’s bound to become a family favorite!