This creamy Alfredo lasagna soup brings all the cozy vibes, combining rich flavors with tender pasta. It’s like your favorite lasagna, but in a warm and comforting bowl!
You’ll love how easy it is to whip up! Just stir everything together, and you’ll be enjoying a hearty meal in no time. Don’t forget the cheese on top—it’s the best part! 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Italian Sausage: This adds so much flavor! You can use mild or spicy based on your taste. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey or chicken sausage works well too.
Half-and-Half: This gives richness. If you want a lighter version, substitute with whole milk or a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk. Just keep in mind the flavor will change a bit.
Lasagna Noodles: I love using traditional noodles, but you can switch to gluten-free pasta if needed. You can also use any small pasta shape like rotini; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
Cheese: Cream cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella are key ingredients here. If you want a twist, try adding ricotta cheese for extra creaminess, or go dairy-free with cashew cream for a vegan version.
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure My Soup is Creamy?
The creaminess of this soup comes from properly incorporating the cream cheese and half-and-half. Here’s how to do it:
- Always whisk the cream cheese with the half-and-half in a bowl until smooth before adding it to the soup.
- Add it to the pot slowly while stirring continuously—this helps it blend in without clumping.
- Keep the heat low after adding the cream mixture to avoid curdling the dairy. Just gently warm it through.
Rely on fresh cheese for the best taste; pre-grated bags often have anti-caking agents that can affect melt quality.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as preferred)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
This creamy Alfredo lasagna soup takes about 10-15 minutes for prep and around 20 minutes for cooking. Total time is about 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick, hearty dish perfect for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground Italian sausage over medium heat until it is nicely browned and cooked through. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks so that it cooks evenly.
2. Add Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the finely chopped onion to the pot. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes soft. Then stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for another minute until it’s nice and fragrant.
3. Bring it to a Boil:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. This is where the flavors start to blend together!
4. Cook the Noodles:
Once boiling, add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot. Reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer. Cook until the noodles are tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
5. Prepare the Cream Mixture:
While the noodles are cooking, take a separate bowl and whisk the softened cream cheese with the half-and-half until it’s smooth and creamy. This will help create that deliciously rich base.
6. Combine Everything:
Lower the heat on your pot and slowly stir in the cream cheese mixture until it’s fully combined. Make sure it’s all mixed well to achieve that creamy texture!
7. Add the Cheeses and Seasonings:
Now, it’s time to add the grated Parmesan, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you’re using them), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the cheeses melt and the soup is creamy and hot, but don’t let it boil.
8. Final Touches:
Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You want it to be just right!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh chopped basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. Don’t forget the crusty garlic bread or breadsticks on the side for dipping! Enjoy each comforting bowl of this creamy Alfredo lasagna soup!
Can I Use Different Types of Sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option or even use a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative. Just adjust the seasoning to match your flavor preference!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just be aware that the pasta may soak up some liquid, so you might want to add a bit more broth or milk when reheating to reach your desired consistency.
What Can I Use Instead of Half-and-Half?
If you don’t have half-and-half on hand, you can use whole milk for a lighter version or a mixture of heavy cream and regular milk for a richer taste. Just remember that the texture may change slightly based on what you choose!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess as needed.
