Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is a delightful and comforting dish that reimagines traditional lasagna in a warm, soupy form. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, from cozy family dinners to potlucks and gatherings with friends. The combination of creamy textures and savory flavors makes it an irresistible choice. Plus, it’s easy to prepare in a slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of chicken, sundried tomatoes, and spices creates a hearty flavor that everyone will love.
• Creamy Texture: Heavy cream adds a velvety richness that makes this soup feel indulgent.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta types to make it your own.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This soup stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it great for leftovers.

Tools and Preparation

To create this Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that simplify the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Allows for easy cooking and blending of flavors over time without constant supervision.
• Chef’s knife: Ensures precise chopping of vegetables for even cooking.
• Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining ingredients like cream and cornstarch smoothly.

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 the Flavor Boost

• 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes (chopped)

For Creaminess

• 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: Prepare the Vegetables

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

Step 2: Add Chicken Stock

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

Step 3: Add Chicken Breasts

Place the chicken breasts into the slow cooker on top of the vegetable mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Sundried Tomatoes

Sprinkle the chopped sundried tomatoes over the chicken breasts.

Step 5: 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 6: Shred Chicken

Remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the slow cooker.

Step 7: Make it Creamy

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 all ingredients.

Step 8: Final Cooking Phase

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

Step 9: Cook Lasagna Noodles

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

Step 10: Add Fresh Spinach

Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted into the soup mixture.

Step 11: Combine Noodles with Soup

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

Step 12: Serve Hot

Serve your 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 and comforting dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for added freshness and color.
• Basil: Add torn basil leaves for a fragrant touch that complements the Italian seasoning.

Accompany with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm garlic bread on the side for a delightful crunch.
• Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks pair wonderfully for dipping in the soup.

Offer a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp contrast to the creamy soup.
• Mixed Greens: Lightly dressed mixed greens add freshness and balance to the meal.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality chicken stock enhance flavor dramatically.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; you might want to adjust salt or pepper based on preference.
• Cook Noodles Separately: Prevents noodles from becoming too mushy when cooking in the slow cooker.
• Add Spinach Last: Stir in fresh spinach just before serving for vibrant color and nutrition.
• Thicken If Needed: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating leftovers, do so slowly to maintain texture and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

Pairing your Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup with complementary sides can enhance its richness. Here are some great options.

1. Garlic Parmesan Roasted Vegetables: Toss seasonal vegetables with garlic and parmesan, then roast until golden.
2. Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze provide a refreshing contrast.
3. Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic and cheese create a comforting side.
4. Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and olive oil adds a crunchy texture.
5. Antipasto Platter: A mix of olives, cheeses, and sliced vegetables offers variety and excitement on the table.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins complement the soup’s savory flavors perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup, it’s easy to overlook some details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning your ingredients can lead to bland soup. Always ensure you add the right amount of salt and spices for flavor.
• Overcooking the chicken: Cooking the chicken for too long can make it dry. Monitor the cooking time closely, especially if using the high setting.
• Not shredding the chicken properly: If the chicken isn’t shredded well, it can result in large chunks in your soup. Use two forks to shred thoroughly before returning it to the pot.
• Ignoring the noodles: Adding uncooked noodles directly to the slow cooker may result in mushy pasta. Always cook and drain them separately before adding.
• Neglecting fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach adds a burst of nutrition and flavor. Avoid skipping this ingredient or using wilted greens.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake in a covered dish until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through. Start with 1-2 minutes on high, then check for warmth.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I customize my Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup?

You can add vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Feel free to experiment with different cheese varieties as well!

Can I use other proteins in this soup?

Absolutely! Chicken is popular, but you can also use turkey or lamb for different flavors.

What sides pair well with Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup?

A fresh salad or garlic bread complements this soup beautifully, adding crunch and texture.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To create a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with beans or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker White Lasagna Soup is not only creamy and delicious but also incredibly versatile. Its customizable nature allows you to adjust ingredients based on your preferences, making it perfect for any occasion. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy it is to prepare!

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