If you’re craving the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something a bit lighter and easier to prepare, Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. This delightful dish combines the rich, creamy goodness of Alfredo sauce with the hearty elements of traditional lasagna, all in a simple soup form. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
To make this creamy lasagna soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (lasagna noodles broken into pieces or any pasta of your choice)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- For the Alfredo Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Meat
- Add the ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Broth and Tomatoes
- Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
- Add the uncooked pasta and Italian seasoning to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is cooked al dente.
Step 5: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
- In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat over medium-low until the cheese has melted and the mixture is smooth.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Stir the cooked Alfredo sauce into the soup along with the fresh spinach or kale. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
Step 7: Serve
- Ladle the creamy lasagna soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
- Make it Vegetarian: Substitute ground meat with your favorite vegetables or beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Pasta Options: While traditional lasagna noodles work well, you can also use other pasta shapes such as rotini or fusilli.
- Add Extra Flavor: Consider adding Italian sausage for a spicier flavor or fresh basil for an aromatic touch.
Conclusion
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a comforting and delicious meal that combines the best of lasagna in a simple soup format. It’s easy to customize, so feel free to add your favorite ingredients and adjust the seasonings to your taste. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to impress!
Try making this delectable soup today and enjoy a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and soul-warming. Happy cooking!
Serving and Storage Tips for Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Serving Tips
- Garnish: Enhance the presentation of your creamy Alfredo lasagna soup by garnishing it with freshly chopped parsley, a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish more visually appealing.
- Accompaniments: Serve the soup with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks for a complete meal. A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the rich flavors of the soup.
- Individual Portions: For a cozy dinner setting, consider serving the soup in individual ramekins or bowls. This adds a personal touch and makes it feel more special.
- Temperature: Serve the soup hot, straight from the pot. If you need to keep it warm for a gathering, consider using a slow cooker set on low to maintain the temperature without overcooking.
Storage Tips
- Cooling: Allow the soup to cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to storage containers. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to sogginess.
- Refrigeration: Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date it was made.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the creamy Alfredo lasagna soup. Place it in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken or vegetable broth and a little extra cream to restore its creamy consistency.
- Avoid Overcooking: When reheating, be careful not to overcook the soup as this can cause the pasta to become mushy. It’s best to heat it just until it’s hot and ready to serve.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can ensure that your creamy Alfredo lasagna soup remains delicious and satisfying, whether enjoyed fresh or as leftovers!
FAQ 1: Can I make Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup ahead of time?
Answer: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time! Prepare the soup as directed, but it’s best to add the pasta just before serving to prevent it from becoming mushy. If you want to make it in advance, cook the soup without the pasta and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup and add the pasta, cooking it until tender.
FAQ 2: Can I freeze Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup?
Answer: Absolutely! Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. To do so, allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop. Keep in mind that you may want to add a bit more broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
FAQ 3: What can I substitute for heavy cream in the recipe?
Answer: If you want a lighter option or need to substitute for heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute, though this will alter the flavor slightly.
FAQ 4: How can I make Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Answer: To make a vegetarian version of Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup, simply replace the ground beef or sausage with your choice of vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You can also use plant-based protein or beans for added texture and protein. Ensure that the broth you use is vegetable-based, and you can enjoy a delicious, meat-free meal!
PrintCreamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup combines all the comforting flavors of a classic lasagna—ground meat, lasagna noodles, cheese, and herbs—into a rich, creamy Alfredo-based soup. Perfect for chilly days, this one-pot meal is sure to satisfy your cravings for both soup and lasagna!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course, Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage or ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
-
Brown the Meat:
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground sausage or beef, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Brown until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
-
Add Aromatics:
- Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
-
Add Broth and Alfredo Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, and diced tomatoes with their juice. Add the basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
-
Cook the Noodles:
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Let the soup simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
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Add Cheese and Finish:
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the soup, creating a rich and creamy texture.
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Serve:
- Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding extra broth if the soup thickens too much.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the soup without noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating.
- Substitutions: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or try spinach or mushrooms for added flavor.