Lasagna is a classic comfort food that brings warmth to the table, but what if you could enjoy all its rich, cheesy goodness in a single bowl? That’s exactly what this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup delivers everything you love about traditional lasagna but in a cozy, spoonable form.
This recipe is perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or whenever you’re craving a creamy, indulgent meal without the hassle of layering a full lasagna. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy those lasagna flavors with a unique twist.
I first discovered lasagna soup when I was looking for a shortcut to my favorite baked lasagna. The idea of simmering everything in one pot sounded too good to be true until I tried it. The result? A creamy, garlicky, cheesy soup that instantly became a family favorite. The best part is that this recipe is so flexible. You can make it mild and kid-friendly or spice it up with a little heat.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to grab a big bowl, curl up on the couch, and savor every spoonful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’ve ever had lasagna, you know how irresistible the combination of melted cheese, savory meat, and tangy tomato sauce is. Now imagine turning that into a comforting bowl of soup. the perfect way to enjoy lasagna without all the layering and baking. This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup brings together the best of both worlds: the classic lasagna flavors we all love with the creamy, soothing texture of a soup.
Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream and ricotta cheese create a velvety, luscious base that’s rich but not overwhelming. It’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a hug in a bowl.
- One-Pot Wonder: No fuss, no layers, just one pot. Everything comes together in a single pot, which means easy cleanup and minimal prep time.
- Loaded with Flavor: The combination of Italian sausage, garlic, and the blend of herbs like basil and oregano gives the soup a savory, aromatic kick. The red pepper flakes add a hint of heat, but you can easily adjust the spice level to your liking.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This soup gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers the next day. It’s a great dish to prepare in advance if you have a busy week ahead.
- Kid-Friendly: Thanks to its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, this soup is sure to be a hit with the kids. Plus, it’s easy to serve in smaller bowls, making it great for little hands.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- Cook the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together, then season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir well and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Add the cheeses: Once the noodles are cooked, lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the soup, making it extra creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you like, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. Enjoy!
Variation:
The beauty of this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup lies in its versatility. While the recipe as written is indulgent and comforting, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Whether you have dietary preferences or want to switch up the ingredients, here are a few fun variations to consider:
- Gluten-Free Version: To make the soup gluten-free, simply swap out regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. You can find gluten-free lasagna noodles at most grocery stores, or you can use other small pasta shapes, such as penne or rigatoni.
- Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground sausage and instead use plant-based protein (such as lentils or crumbled tofu) to add substance to the soup. You could also add extra vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to bulk up the soup with healthy, hearty ingredients.
- Dairy-Free Option: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use coconut cream or a cashew cream to replace the heavy cream and ricotta. Dairy-free mozzarella and Parmesan are also available at most stores, and these can be swapped in for the regular cheese.
- Spicy Variation: If you love spice, kick up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or even some chopped jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili powder can also enhance the soup’s flavor.
- Meatless Mushroom Lasagna Soup: For a more earthy flavor, you can replace the ground meat with mushrooms. Mushrooms have a meaty texture that works beautifully in soups and will still give you that savory depth.
The best part of this recipe is how adaptable it is. No matter your dietary needs or personal preferences, you can customize it to fit your tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup:
When it comes to serving this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup, there are plenty of ways to elevate the dish and create a full meal experience. Here are some ideas to take it up a notch:
- Serve with Crusty Bread: There’s nothing like dipping a warm, crusty bread into a creamy soup. A slice of sourdough or a rustic baguette would be perfect for sopping up every last drop of the rich broth. You could even serve the bread with a little garlic butter for an extra indulgent touch.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top of the soup not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh, herbal note that complements the rich, creamy flavors of the soup. You can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
- Pair with a Simple Salad: Since the soup is hearty on its own, you could keep the side dish light and refreshing. A crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette would provide the perfect contrast to the creamy soup.
Recipe Tips:
To make the most of this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup, here are some helpful tips that will ensure you get the best results every time you make it:
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since lasagna noodles cook in the broth, make sure to keep an eye on them. They can overcook quickly, becoming too soft and mushy. Aim for al dente noodles, which will hold up well in the soup.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy for Extra Creaminess: For the creamiest, most luxurious soup, use full-fat heavy cream and ricotta cheese. The richness of these ingredients is key to the indulgent texture of the soup. However, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can opt for lower-fat options, though the soup may not be as creamy.
- Adjust Seasonings to Taste: After adding the seasonings (basil, oregano, salt, and pepper), taste the soup and adjust as needed. Everyone’s preferences are different, so feel free to add a pinch more salt or herbs to suit your tastes.
- Meal Prep Tips: This soup makes excellent leftovers, so consider making a double batch. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a little extra broth if it’s become too thick.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pot: When browning the meat, don’t overcrowd the pot. If there’s too much meat in the pot at once, it will steam rather than brown, which can affect the flavor. If needed, brown the meat in batches for the best results.
Cooking Notes:
Here are a few important notes to ensure you get the most out of this recipe:
- Noodles: While this recipe calls for lasagna noodles, you can easily use other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta you choose.
- Sausage: Ground Italian sausage is the best option for flavor, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup. If you prefer a spicier flavor, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Creaminess: If you prefer an extra-creamy texture, add more ricotta cheese to the soup once it’s finished cooking. This will give it an even richer flavor.
- Freezing: If you plan to freeze the soup, consider freezing the soup base and noodles separately. Noodles can become a bit mushy after being frozen, so adding them when reheating is a great way to maintain their texture.
- Avoid Cooking the Cheese for Too Long: When adding cheese to the soup, make sure to stir it in gently and avoid cooking it for too long. This ensures the cheese melts smoothly into the soup without curdling.
Nutritional Information:
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information for Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup (per serving):
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg
(Note: Nutritional values can vary based on ingredient substitutions or portion sizes.)
Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
FAQs:
Q: Can I make this soup in advance? A: Yes! This soup actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together. You can make it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove before serving.
Q: Can I freeze this soup? A: Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. It’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles, as they may become mushy when frozen and reheated. Add fresh noodles when reheating the soup.
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta? A: Absolutely! You can substitute lasagna noodles with smaller pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.
Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian? A: Yes! You can easily make this soup vegetarian by swapping out the sausage for crumbled tofu or lentils, or by using a variety of vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for added texture and flavor.
Q: How spicy is this soup? A: The soup is mildly spicy with the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the level of heat by adding more or less. If you prefer no spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and ease. It brings together the best elements of lasagna from the rich, creamy sauce to the cheesy goodness in a soup that’s ready in just 45 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or enjoying a quiet evening at home, this dish will quickly become a favorite.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility. You can customize it to fit your dietary needs, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking. No matter how you make it, this soup is guaranteed to bring warmth and comfort to your table.
So go ahead, give this creamy, indulgent soup a try! Don’t forget to share your experience and let me know how it turned out in the comments. I’d love to hear your thoughts and feel free to explore more comforting recipes on TastySimply.com!
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Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground beef)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz lasagna noodles (broken into smaller pieces)
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Directions:
- Cook the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage (or ground beef) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the cooked meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
- Add the liquids and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and crushed tomatoes. Stir everything together, then season with dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. If you like a little heat, add the red pepper flakes at this stage. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the noodles: Once the soup is simmering, add the broken lasagna noodles. Stir well and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- Add the cheeses: Once the noodles are cooked, lower the heat and stir in the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the soup, making it extra creamy.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you like, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top for added flavor. Enjoy!
Notes
- Noodles: While this recipe calls for lasagna noodles, you can easily use other types of pasta like penne or rigatoni if you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the type of pasta you choose.
- Sausage: Ground Italian sausage is the best option for flavor, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of the soup. If you prefer a spicier flavor, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 800
- Protein: 25