Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is a comforting and creamy dish that brings a delightful twist to traditional lasagna. This soup is perfect for cozy family dinners, special occasions, or meal prep for the week ahead. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s a standout dish that will impress everyone at your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just toss the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of chicken stock, heavy cream, and sundried tomatoes creates a depth of flavor that is hard to resist.
• Comforting Texture: The velvety soup base combined with tender chicken and spinach makes every spoonful satisfying.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for lunch or dinner, and can easily be adapted for different dietary preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, ensure you have the right tools on hand. These will help streamline your process and enhance your cooking experience.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Cutting board & knife: Essential for preparing fresh ingredients quickly and safely.
• Mixing bowl & whisk: Useful for combining ingredients smoothly, especially when mixing the cream and cornstarch.

Ingredients

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

For the 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

For the Protein

• 2-3 boneless (skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound)

For Flavor Enhancements

• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 Tbsp. cornstarch

For Freshness

• 4 cups fresh spinach

For Serving

• 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: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a slow cooker, combine the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.

Step 2: Add Chicken Stock

Pour in the chicken stock and stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Add the boneless chicken breasts to the slow cooker.

Step 4: Sprinkle Sundried Tomatoes

Sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes over the top of the chicken.

Step 5: Cook

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

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker. Using two forks, shred them into bite-sized pieces before returning them to the pot.

Step 7: Mix Cream with 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 8: Final Cooking Stage

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

Step 9: Prepare Lasagna Noodles

Meanwhile, cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Drain them well once done.

Step 10: Add Fresh Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach until it wilts down into the soup.

Step 11: Incorporate Noodles

Just before serving, add the cooked lasagna noodles to the slow cooker. Stir gently to incorporate everything evenly.

Step 12: Serve

Serve your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup hot, topped with shredded parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for garnish. Enjoy!

How to Serve Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Serving Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup can transform a cozy meal into a delightful experience. Here are some creative ways to present this dish that will impress your family and guests alike.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Fresh Parsley: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the soup for a pop of color and freshness.
• Shredded Parmesan: Add an extra layer of flavor by topping each bowl with freshly shredded Parmesan cheese.

Pair with Crunchy Bread

• Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks on the side for dipping, adding a crunchy contrast to the creamy soup.
• Crusty French Bread: A slice of toasted French bread enhances the overall experience and is perfect for soaking up the broth.

Create a Salad Bar

• Caesar Salad: Offer a classic Caesar salad with crisp romaine, croutons, and Caesar dressing as a refreshing side option.
• Caprese Salad: A light Caprese salad featuring fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil can complement the rich flavors of the soup beautifully.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

To ensure your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and herbs to enhance the flavors in your soup.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste your soup before serving; you may want to add more salt or Italian seasoning based on your preference.
• Shred Chicken Properly: Let the chicken cool slightly before shredding to prevent burns. This allows for easier handling.
• Cook Noodles Separately: Cooking lasagna noodles separately prevents them from becoming mushy in the soup.
• Don’t Skip the Cream: The heavy cream adds richness; don’t substitute it unless necessary for dietary restrictions.
• Store Leftovers Correctly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Complementing your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup with delicious side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Knots: These buttery, herb-infused knots are perfect for dipping into your soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and vinaigrette offers a refreshing balance to the creamy soup.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a healthy and colorful side that pairs well with any creamy dish.
4. Cheesy Risotto: Creamy risotto infused with cheese enhances the comfort food vibe of your meal.
5. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil creates a fresh appetizer that complements the soup’s flavors.
6. Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory stuffed mushrooms filled with spinach and cheese make for an elegant side dish that guests will love.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes you should avoid.

• Ignoring the Cooking Time: Cooking for too long can lead to mushy ingredients. Always check your slow cooker settings and adjust as needed.
• Not Shredding the Chicken Properly: If you don’t shred the chicken well, it may not distribute evenly throughout the soup. Use two forks to shred thoroughly before returning it to the pot.
• Skipping the Cornstarch Mixture: This step is crucial for achieving a creamy texture. Whisk cornstarch with heavy cream until smooth before adding it to the soup.
• Overloading on Spinach: While spinach is healthy, adding too much can make the soup overly thick. Stick to about 4 cups for the right balance.
• Using Uncooked Noodles: Adding uncooked lasagna noodles directly to the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking. Cook them separately as directed on the package.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

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

Reheating Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish and heat, covered, for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through until warm.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I customize this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup?

Yes! You can add vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

What type of cheese works best in Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup?

Parmesan cheese is traditional, but feel free to experiment with mozzarella or ricotta for added creaminess.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can replace chicken with chickpeas or white beans and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! Chicken can easily be substituted with turkey or lamb based on your preference.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is a comforting dish that offers a delightful twist on classic lasagna. Its creamy texture and rich flavors make it perfect for any occasion. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients—it’s versatile enough to suit everyone’s tastes!

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