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Step 1: Cook the Meat and Vegetables
- Brown the meat: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or Italian sausage) and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and cooked through. If you’re using turkey or a meatless substitute, follow the same steps.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using), and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and add the crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the broth to become rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Add the Pasta
- Add the noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces (about 2-3 inches long) and add them to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to make sure the noodles don’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Cook the noodles for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re tender and cooked through. Tip: If you like your noodles a bit more al dente, you can reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
- Stir in the cream and milk: Once the noodles are cooked, add the heavy cream and milk to the pot. Stir until the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cheeses: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese. The cheeses will melt into the soup, making it extra rich and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup: Spoon the creamy Alfredo lasagna soup into bowls, making sure to get a good mix of noodles, meat, and broth in each serving.
- Top it off: For the classic lasagna experience, top each bowl with a dollop of ricotta cheese (optional but highly recommended for extra creaminess). Sprinkle with fresh chopped basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Add extra cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to sprinkle a little extra mozzarella on top, then place the soup under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese and give it a bubbly, golden top (just like a lasagna!).
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup:
- Noodle alternatives: If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can swap the lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. Broken gluten-free lasagna noodles or small gluten-free shells would work great in this recipe.
- Veggie-packed version: For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and load up the soup with your favorite vegetables. Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, and bell peppers all work well and add a healthy touch to the soup.
- Make it spicy: If you like a bit more heat, try adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the soup base for an extra kick.
- Leftovers: This soup stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb some of the liquid as it sits, but just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring it back to the creamy consistency.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
- Comforting and Hearty: This soup has all the warm, comforting flavors of lasagna, but in a lighter, easier-to-make form. It’s perfect for those days when you want lasagna but don’t have the time to assemble and bake it.
- One-Pot Wonder: This recipe is a one-pot meal, which means minimal cleanup—always a win when it comes to weeknight cooking!
- Customizable: You can make this soup as rich or as light as you like by adjusting the amount of cream, cheese, and broth. It’s also highly adaptable to dietary preferences, whether you want to make it vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-free.
- Quick to Make: Unlike traditional lasagna, which takes time to prepare and bake, this creamy Alfredo lasagna soup comes together in about 30-40 minutes, making it a great option for busy days.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re serving it to your family or entertaining guests, this creamy lasagna soup is sure to impress. Its rich, cheesy goodness makes it a crowd favorite, and the comforting flavors make it feel like a cozy hug in a bowl.
Final Thoughts
If you’re a fan of lasagna but don’t always have the time or energy to make the layered dish, this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is the perfect solution. With its creamy broth, tender pasta, and cheesy goodness, this soup combines all the best elements of lasagna in an easy, one-pot dish. It’s rich, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a new favorite in your recipe collection.
So next time you’re in the mood for lasagna, skip the oven and make this quick and comforting soup instead. Enjoy the cozy, indulgent flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time—your taste buds will thank you!
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