Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of traditional lasagna with the comforting warmth of a hearty soup. This dish features savory meats, tender pasta, and a creamy Alfredo base, making it a delightful twist on classic Italian cuisine.
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage (or a combination)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 jar (16 oz) Alfredo sauce
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (optional, for added flavor)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (optional)
2 cups uncooked lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Sauté the Meat and Vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
Add ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned (about 5–7 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in chopped onion and cook until softened (3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently.
Build the Soup Base:
Pour in Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes (if using). Stir to combine.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
Add Pasta and Spinach:
Stir in broken lasagna noodles and cook until tender, following package instructions (usually 8–10 minutes).
Add chopped spinach during the last 2–3 minutes of cooking, stirring until wilted.
Serve and Garnish:
Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
Variations:
Vegetable Additions: Incorporate mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
Protein Alternatives: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat substitutes for a lighter option.
Gluten-Free: Substitute with gluten-free lasagna noodles or pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to introduce some heat.
Mini Meatballs: Replace ground meat with pre-cooked mini meatballs for a fun twist.
Tips for Success:
Quality Alfredo Sauce: Opt for a high-quality store-bought or homemade Alfredo sauce to enhance flavor.
Pasta Cooking: Add noodles toward the end of cooking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
Storage: Store cooled soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that pasta may absorb more liquid over time; add extra broth when reheating.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the soup base ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat just before serving. Add pasta and spinach during the final steps.
Freezing: Freeze the soup base (without pasta) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook pasta fresh when reheating.
This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup offers a delightful fusion of classic lasagna flavors in a comforting, easy-to-make soup form, perfect for any occasion.
