Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients before starting is a habit I picked up from my grandmother, who believed that a well-prepared cook is a happy cook. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
If you’re looking to lighten things up, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, or for a dairy-free option, use coconut milk. The key is to make it your own, just as I do in my kitchen.
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This step always reminds me of the delicious aromas that filled our family kitchen.
- Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until the chicken is browned on all sides, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Add the broken lasagna noodles, stirring to ensure they don’t stick together. Cover and cook until the noodles are al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until they are fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add the spinach and fresh basil, cooking until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, then serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and basil if desired.
Cooking this soup takes me back to the days spent in my grandmother’s kitchen, where every dish was made with love and care. Remember, cooking is an art, and it’s perfectly fine to adjust ingredients to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International