This Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is like a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with creamy Alfredo sauce, noodles, and lots of gooey cheese, it’s the ultimate comfort dish.
You know it’s good when you find yourself wishing for just one more bowl! I love curling up with this soup on chilly nights—it’s easy to make and just so satisfying. 🧀
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Both work well for sautéing. I prefer olive oil for its light flavor. If you’re dairy-free, just stick with olive oil!
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness. You can swap it for shallots for a milder taste. If you’re short on onions, leeks work too!
Chicken Broth: It gives a nice depth of flavor. For a vegetarian option, vegetable broth is a perfect substitute. Homemade broth is great but store-bought works just fine.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes the soup super creamy! If you’re looking to lighten it up, half-and-half or even whole milk could work, but the creaminess won’t be the same.
Lasagna Noodles: Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand. Rotini or fusilli can work too, just adjust your cooking time slightly if they’re different shapes.
Cheese: I love using mozzarella for its meltiness! You could substitute with any melty cheese like cheddar or fontina, but don’t skip the Parmesan for that extra flavor boost.
How Do You Make Creamy Soup Without Curdling the Cheese?
A common struggle is making sure your cheese doesn’t curdle, which can ruin the smooth texture. Here’s how to keep that creaminess intact:
- Always keep the heat at low to medium-low when adding dairy. Too high and it’ll separate.
- Gradually stir in the cheeses rather than dumping them all in at once. This helps them melt smoothly.
- Let the soup come to a gentle heat after adding cream, but avoid boiling it.
- As a final touch, mixing in cheese off the heat helps prevent it from clumping!
By following these simple steps, you can ensure a creamy, delicious soup every time!
Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta & Greens:
- 2 cups cooked lasagna noodles, roughly chopped or broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
Cheese & Seasonings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a little heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty soup takes around 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Get ready for comfort food that’s quick to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until it’s softened and starting to become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. This gives a nice flavor base!
2. Add Garlic and Mushrooms:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Sauté these together until the mushrooms are tender and have a lovely golden-brown color, about 5 minutes.
3. Build the Soup Base:
Now, pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the soup starts to come together!
4. Add Dairy and Seasoning:
Once simmering, stir in the milk and heavy cream. Then, add the black pepper, Italian seasoning, and salt to taste. Make sure the heat is low enough to avoid boiling, as we want to keep the cream from curdling.
5. Incorporate the Noodles and Spinach:
Add in those chopped lasagna noodles and fresh spinach leaves. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are heated through and the spinach is wilted. You’re almost there!
6. Mix in the Cheeses:
Lower the heat and gradually stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt into the soup. This is what makes it ooey-gooey and deliciously creamy!
7. Taste and Adjust:
Take a moment to taste your creation and adjust any seasonings if necessary. More salt? A dash more pepper for kick? You’ve got it!
8. Serve It Up:
Ladle that creamy goodness into bowls and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or basil on top for that extra flair. If you like, you can broil the top with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella until bubbly before serving!
9. Enjoy with Bread:
Don’t forget to serve it with some crusty bread or garlic toast for dipping. It makes a perfect companion to this cozy soup!
This Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup combines the rich flavors of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of noodles, making it a delightful dish to warm you up. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta in This Soup?
Absolutely! While lasagna noodles create a traditional feel, you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Rotini or fusilli are great alternatives that hold onto the soup well, but be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What Should I Do If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with a mix of milk and butter. To achieve a similar richness, combine 1 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This will help keep the soup creamy without using heavy cream.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the soup thickens too much.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, easily! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and ensure all your cheeses are vegetarian-friendly. This soup remains just as delicious without the meat-based broth!
