This Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy Alfredo sauce, tender noodles, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s comfort food at its best.
You can almost hear the pasta cheer when it hits the pot! I love to top it with fresh herbs for extra flavor. Grab a spoon, and let’s dig in—no oven needed!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This is the star of our soup! You can use mild or spicy, depending on your taste. If you’re not keen on sausage, try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian alternative.
Milk or Half-and-Half: Whole milk gives a nice creaminess, but half-and-half is richer. If you want a lighter version, substitute with almond milk or oat milk, keeping in mind it may alter the flavor slightly.
Lasagna Noodles: Breaking lasagna noodles adds heartiness to the soup. If you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.
Cheese: Parmesan and mozzarella are traditional choices, but you can mix it up! Try cheddar for a stronger flavor or use a vegan cheese for a plant-based version.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color and nutrients. If spinach isn’t available, kale is a great substitute or add frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and drain it before using!
How Do I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy and Delicious?
Getting that creamy texture can be tricky, but here’s how you can nail it. The key is to slowly incorporate the dairy ingredients. After cooking the noodles, lower the heat before adding milk or cream cheese to prevent curdling.
- Stir in each cheese one at a time, ensuring they melt fully before adding the next.
- If the soup is too thick, add more broth or milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Stir constantly to combine everything well, which helps create that luscious, creamy texture!
Remember, garlic and seasoning can elevate the flavors, so don’t skip on those! Taste and adjust along the way for a personalized touch. Enjoy your cooking!
Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You Will Need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 3 cups whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal option. In total, you’ll need approximately 35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pot. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and cooked through—this should take about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add Garlic:
Next, add the minced garlic to the sausage. Sauté for an additional minute until fragrant, making sure not to let it burn.
3. Simmer the Broth:
Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will be the base for your creamy soup.
4. Add the Noodles:
Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cook for about 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
5. Make It Creamy:
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the 3 cups of milk or half-and-half, along with the softened cream cheese, ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir well until all the cheese has melted and the soup has a creamy texture.
6. Add Spinach:
Add in the chopped spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until wilted. It’ll add freshness and color to your soup!
7. Season & Serve:
Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. If you’d like, sprinkle some extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes on top for added flavor.
8. Enjoy!
Serve hot with crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. Enjoy your rich, creamy, and comforting Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Italian Sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef will work well in this recipe. Just cook it the same way you would the sausage, breaking it up as it browns. For added flavor, consider seasoning it with some Italian herbs or spices.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it entirely and use mushrooms for extra texture. Additionally, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or milk if it becomes too thick. Avoid microwaving, as it can change the texture.
Can I Freeze This Soup?
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to do so without the dairy. Prepare the soup up to the point of adding milk and cheese, then cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw and reheat, and add the dairy ingredients just before serving for the best texture.