Are you searching for a cozy, comforting, and utterly delicious meal that brings the heartiness of lasagna into a spoon-friendly format? Look no further than this Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup! This innovative recipe deconstructs the beloved Italian classic, transforming layers of pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy cheese, and tender chicken into a vibrant, flavorful soup perfect for any weeknight or special occasion. It’s an ideal way to enjoy all the comforting tastes of lasagna without the extensive layering and baking, making it a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup
To create this delightful Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil: For sautéing aromatics and chicken.
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Cut into 1/2-inch cubes. Thighs offer more flavor and moisture.
- 1 Large Onion: Finely chopped. Provides a sweet aromatic base.
- 3 cloves Garlic: Minced. Essential for that classic Italian flavor.
- 1 Red Bell Pepper: Diced. Adds sweetness and a pop of color.
- 1 (28 ounce) can Crushed Tomatoes: The foundation of our soup’s rich flavor.
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can Diced Tomatoes: For added texture and tangy notes.
- 4 cups Chicken Broth: Low sodium is preferred, allowing you to control the saltiness.
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb.
- 1/2 tsp Dried Basil: Another essential herb for Italian flavor.
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, for a subtle kick.
- 1/2 tsp Salt: Or to taste.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper: Or to taste.
- 6-8 Lasagna Noodles: Broken into 1-2 inch pieces (about 4 ounces). Avoid no-boil noodles as they don’t break down as well.
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream: For richness and body.
- 1/2 cup Fresh Spinach: Roughly chopped. Added at the end for freshness and nutrients.
- For the Ricotta Topping:
- 1 cup Ricotta Cheese: Full-fat is recommended for creamy texture.
- 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Plus more for serving.
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup
This Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup is surprisingly easy to make, delivering a burst of Mediterranean and Italian comfort in every spoonful. It combines tender chicken, a rich tomato broth, and broken lasagna noodles, all finished with a creamy ricotta topping. The preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, with a cooking time of about 30-35 minutes, making it a perfect easy weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside, leaving any drippings in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper to the pot. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Build the Base (Part 1): Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, dried basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cook the Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are al dente and the chicken is cooked through.
- Add Cream and Spinach: Stir in the heavy cream and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Prepare Ricotta Topping: While the soup is simmering, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped fresh parsley, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl. Mix until well combined.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup into bowls. Dollop a generous spoonful of the creamy ricotta topping onto each bowl. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup
You’ll truly adore this Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup because it perfectly encapsulates the heartwarming essence of classic lasagna in a delightful, comforting soup form. The main highlight is its seamless blend of Mediterranean flavors – vibrant tomatoes, aromatic herbs, and tender chicken – with the beloved textures of Italian comfort food, all without the arduous layering.
Opting to make this at home is incredibly cost-effective, allowing you to enjoy a gourmet-quality meal for a fraction of the price of dining out, giving you full control over ingredient quality and portion sizes. The crowning glory, making it truly special, is the creamy ricotta-Parmesan topping, which melts into the hot soup, adding a luxurious richness that perfectly complements the robust tomato broth. This soup offers all the charm of a hearty Italian dish but in a fraction of the time, much like our popular One-Pot Lemon Herb Chicken Pasta. We invite you to try this incredibly satisfying soup and discover your new favorite comfort food, making weeknight dinners exciting again!
What to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup With
This Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the dining experience with a few complementary sides:
- Crusty Garlic Bread or Focaccia: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of the rich broth.
- Simple Green Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A light, fresh salad provides a lovely contrast to the hearty soup.
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccolini: Adds a touch of green and earthy flavors.
- A Glass of Dry Rosé or a Light-Bodied Red Wine: Such as a Chianti or Pinot Noir, complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
Top Tips for Perfecting Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup
To ensure your Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup turns out perfectly every time, keep these valuable tips in mind:
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Lasagna noodles can quickly become mushy in a soup. Add them at the specific time indicated and cook until just al dente. They will continue to soften slightly off the heat.
- Break Noodles Evenly: Aim for roughly 1-2 inch pieces of lasagna noodles. This size is easy to eat with a spoon and cooks evenly.
- Toast Your Herbs (Optional but Recommended): Briefly sautéing the dried oregano and basil with the garlic for about 30 seconds before adding liquids can help release their essential oils, intensifying their flavor.
- Adjust Broth Consistency: If you prefer a thinner soup, you can add a little more chicken broth at the end. For a thicker soup, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes.
- Customize Your Protein: While chicken is fantastic, you could also use Italian sausage (browned and crumbled) or even ground turkey for variation. For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, increase the red pepper flakes. A pinch of fresh chili flakes at the end can also add a nice zing.
- Fresh Spinach is Key: Add the spinach at the very end and only cook until wilted to maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
- Control Saltiness: Use low-sodium chicken broth, especially if you plan to add Parmesan cheese on top, which is quite salty. Taste and adjust salt at the very end.
- Ricotta Topping Variation: For an extra zesty topping, add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the ricotta mixture. A fresh herb like dill or chives could also be a lovely addition.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating ensure your Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup remains delicious for days to come:
- Storage: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Store the ricotta topping separately in an airtight container in the fridge for the same duration, if possible, to prevent it from getting watery in the soup.
- Reheating (Stovetop): For best results, reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or water, as the noodles will absorb some of the liquid during storage. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can make the noodles mushy.
- Reheating (Microwave): For individual portions, microwave in a microwave-safe bowl at 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
- Freezing: This soup freezes well, though the pasta texture might be slightly softer upon thawing. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Do not freeze the ricotta topping; prepare a fresh batch when serving a frozen, reheated soup.
Final Thoughts: Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup FAQs
This Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup truly brings the bustling kitchens of the Mediterranean right into your home, deconstructing a time-honored classic into an approachable, yet equally satisfying, bowl of comfort. Its rich blend of tender chicken, vibrant tomato flavors, and perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, crowned with a dollop of creamy ricotta, makes it an unforgettable meal that caters to both your taste buds and your desire for convenience.
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Mediterranean Chicken Lasagna Soup FAQs:
Q1: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A1: Absolutely! Omit the chicken and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or cannellini beans for added body and protein.
Q2: What kind of lasagna noodles should I use?
A2: Regular dried lasagna noodles are best, broken into 1-2 inch pieces. Avoid “no-boil” or “oven-ready” lasagna noodles as they tend to break down too much or become gummy in soup.
Q3: Can I use different cheeses for the topping?
A3: Yes, while ricotta and Parmesan are classic, you can experiment. A blend of mozzarella and a softer cheese like goat cheese could also be delicious. Just ensure it has a creamy texture that melts well.
Q4: How can I make this soup spicier?
A4: You can increase the amount of red pepper flakes significantly, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper with the initial spices. A drizzle of chili oil when serving also adds a nice kick.
Q5: My soup seems too thick/thin. How can I fix it?
A5: If it’s too thick, add more chicken or vegetable broth until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate and the flavors to concentrate.
Q6: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A6: Yes, you can. Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully. Add it in step 4 with the broken lasagna noodles, as it only needs to be heated through. This can shorten the cooking time slightly.