Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

For the Soup:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination of both)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 package (12 oz) lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (you can use regular or no-boil noodles)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 cups ricotta cheese
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)

Kitchen Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven (for making the soup)
• Knife and cutting board (for chopping vegetables)
• Stirring spoon
• Ladle
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (optional, for grating Parmesan)
• Serving bowls

How to Make Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

This soup may sound decadent, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. Here’s how you can whip up this comforting dish:

Step 1: Cook the Meat

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or sausage) and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat and add the chopped onion. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onion softens.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Cream

1. Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and whole milk, stirring to combine.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Add the Pasta

1. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the soup. Stir well to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid.
2. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses and Seasonings

1. Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
2. Add the dried basil and oregano, then season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a bit of extra heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Ladle the creamy soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh parsley or basil if desired.
2. Serve with a slice of garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Best Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

• Use Fresh Cheese: For the best flavor and texture, try to use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the creaminess of the soup.
• Customize the Protein: Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: For added nutrition, you can throw in some spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These vegetables blend well with the creamy soup and enhance the overall flavor.
• Control the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream and use more chicken broth or milk. Conversely, for a richer soup, you can increase the heavy cream and add more cheese.
• Noodles: Breaking up the lasagna noodles helps the soup have that traditional lasagna feel. If you don’t have lasagna noodles on hand, you can substitute with another type of pasta like penne or rigatoni. Just keep in mind that the cooking time may vary.
• Make Ahead: This soup makes great leftovers! If you want to make it ahead, cook the soup up to the point where you add the noodles. Store it in the fridge, then when you’re ready to serve, reheat and add the noodles to finish cooking. The noodles may soak up some of the liquid, so you may need to add a bit more broth when reheating.

Variations on Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

• Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, skip the meat and add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach. You could also add in some plant-based ricotta or mozzarella cheese for a dairy-free twist.
• Spicy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Add some chopped jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the soup a spicy kick. You can also sprinkle some hot sauce on top for an added burst of heat.
• Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup: For a lighter version of the soup, use cooked, shredded chicken in place of the ground beef. This variation is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken!