Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter for sautéing and adding richness
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped adds sweetness and depth
– 3 cloves garlic, finely minced provides aromatic intensity
– 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning balances the flavors with savory herbs
– 1 teaspoon salt enhances overall taste
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper adds a subtle kick
– 1/8 teaspoon red chili flakes for a hint of heat
– 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth forms the base of the soup
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound) the main protein source
– 1/4 cup chopped sundried tomatoes (optional) for extra tang and color
– 2 cups dry short pasta or broken lasagna noodles the pasta component for heartiness
– 1 cup half-and-half used in a slurry for thickening
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch combines with half-and-half to thicken the soup
– 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped adds nutrition and a fresh touch
– Ricotta cheese for creamy garnishes
– Parmesan cheese enhances taste as a garnish
– Shredded mozzarella cheese for a melty, cheesy topping
Instructions
1-First, melt the 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the 1 medium finely chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 5 minutes this step really brings out that sweet depth. Next, toss in the 3 cloves of finely minced garlic, 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon of red chili flakes, sautéing for another minute until everything smells amazing.
2-Now, pour in the 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and add the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts. If you’re using the optional 1/4 cup of chopped sundried tomatoes, stir them in now for extra flavor. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the chicken is fully done, about 15-20 minutes.
3-While the soup simmers, cook the 2 cups of dry short pasta or broken lasagna noodles separately in boiling water until al dente, roughly 8-10 minutes. This keeps the pasta from getting too soft in the soup. Once the chicken is ready, remove it from the pot, shred it, and set it aside.
4-To thicken the soup, mix 1 cup of half-and-half with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to make a slurry, then stir it into the pot over low heat. This gives the soup that creamy texture without any hassle. Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and 1 cup of roughly chopped fresh spinach, heating everything through for about 5 minutes until the spinach wilts.
5-Finally, serve it up hot with garnishes of ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese on top. For those adapting for dietary needs, use the substitutes mentioned earlier in each step.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🧄 Sauté aromatics slowly to develop deeper flavor.
🍲 Avoid overcooking pasta by adding it separately and mixing before serving.
🧀 Garnish generously with cheeses for an authentic lasagna taste in soup form.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Sautéing, simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
