Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, there are few dishes as universally loved as lasagna. But what if you could enjoy all the rich flavors of a lasagna without having to layer noodles, meat, and cheese for hours? Enter Alfredo Lasagna Soup, a creamy, indulgent twist on the classic. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave that comforting lasagna flavor but don’t have the time or energy to assemble the traditional dish.

This recipe is everything you love about lasagna-smooth, cheesy, flavorful, and hearty-brought together in a savory soup. Imagine slurping up that gooey Alfredo sauce, tender pasta, and savory meat, all in one bowl. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a newbie in the kitchen, this Alfredo Lasagna Soup will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients Needed

To make this creamy, comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ground Beef (1 lb): For the base of the soup, ground beef adds a savory depth and richness.
Italian Sausage (1/2 lb): The sausage brings extra flavor with its blend of herbs and spices, giving the soup that authentic Italian flair.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Sweet and aromatic, the onion serves as a flavor foundation for the soup.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic provides a pungent, savory punch.
Chicken Broth (4 cups): The broth adds a savory base, making the soup hearty without being too heavy.
Alfredo Sauce (2 cups): You can either make it from scratch or use a store-bought variety for convenience. It creates the creamy, rich texture the soup is known for.
Lasagna Noodles (8 oz, broken into pieces): The noodles are the soul of the soup, replacing the layers of a traditional lasagna.
Ricotta Cheese (1 cup): Ricotta gives a soft, creamy richness to the soup and mirrors the cheese layers in a classic lasagna.
Mozzarella Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): A must for that melty, stretchy cheese effect!
Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): Parmesan adds that sharp, nutty contrast to the creaminess of the soup.
Italian Seasoning (1 tablespoon): This is the magic herb blend that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): The essentials for seasoning.
Fresh Basil or Parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds color and a fresh kick of flavor.

Cooking Instructions

Brown The Meats

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break the meat into crumbles, cooking it until browned and fully cooked through. This will take about 7-10 minutes. Drain off any excess fat.
Sauté The Aromatics

Add the diced onion to the pot with the meat and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting the garlic become fragrant.
Add The Liquids

Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This adds more flavor to the soup!
Add The Noodles

Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Allow the soup to come to a simmer, and let the noodles cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Mix In The Sauces

Lower the heat and stir in the Alfredo sauce. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes, ensuring everything is well combined.
Cheese Time

Add the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until everything is melted and the soup becomes creamy and luscious. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Garnish And Serve

Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Ground Beef and Italian Sausage: Combining these two meats creates a balanced flavor profile. The beef offers a savory richness, while the sausage provides the essential herbs and spices that make this soup feel like a true Italian dish.
Alfredo Sauce: While store-bought Alfredo sauce is a convenient choice, homemade can elevate the dish. If you want to make it yourself, combine heavy cream, butter, garlic, and Parmesan in a pan until thickened.
Ricotta: This is an essential lasagna ingredient, known for its mild flavor and creamy texture. When stirred into the soup, it adds a soft richness.
Mozzarella and Parmesan: These cheeses are classic lasagna toppings. Mozzarella provides gooey meltiness, while Parmesan offers a sharp contrast, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.

Expert Tips

Broken Lasagna Noodles: Instead of using regular pasta, break the lasagna noodles into pieces. This not only mimics the layers of lasagna, but it also allows the noodles to better absorb the flavors of the broth.
Pre-cooked Noodles: You can cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup at the end if you want to avoid overcooked pasta. This also helps prevent the soup from becoming too starchy.
Make it a Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat for plant-based protein like lentils or crumbled tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make a vegetarian-friendly version of this soup.
Reheat Gently: This soup thickens as it sits, so when reheating, add a bit of extra broth or water to loosen it up, and heat gently to avoid curdling the cheese.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: For those who love a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the soup as it simmers.
Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Swap out the beef and sausage for rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken breast for a lighter option.
Vegetable Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Make a vegetarian version by adding mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini to the mix. You could also replace the meat with a plant-based meat alternative.

Final Words

This Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a perfect example of how to take a beloved, complex dish and turn it into something simple yet just as satisfying. The creamy Alfredo sauce combines with the savory meat and tender pasta to create a comforting bowl of deliciousness. It’s an easy dish to whip up on a busy weeknight, and it has that "cooked all day" taste without the long preparation time.

Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe