Step 1: Prepare the Meat

  1. Heat the Pot:

    • In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat if using lean meat.

  2. Cook the Meat:

    • Add the ground Italian sausage or ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles with a wooden spoon (about 5–7 minutes).

  3. Drain Excess Fat:

    • If needed, drain any excess grease from the pot to prevent the soup from becoming overly oily.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Add Onion and Garlic:

    • Stir in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 3–5 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.

  2. Season:

    • Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

  1. Add Broth:

    • Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits (this adds flavor).

  2. Incorporate the Alfredo Sauce and Cream:

    • Stir in the heavy cream and Alfredo sauce, mixing well to create a creamy, rich base.

  3. Simmer:

    • Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil the Noodles Separately:

    • While the soup is simmering, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the broken lasagna noodles and cook until al dente according to the package instructions.

  2. Drain and Rinse:

    • Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

  1. Add the Pasta to the Soup:

    • Gently stir the cooked lasagna noodles into the soup.

  2. Adjust Consistency:

    • If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

  3. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:

    • Taste the soup and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Top with Cheese

  1. Layer the Cheeses:

    • Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the soup.
    • Cover the pot with a lid and let the cheese melt for 2–3 minutes.

  2. Stir Lightly (Optional):

    • For a fully incorporated cheesy experience, stir the melted cheese into the soup before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  1. Ladle the Soup:

    • Serve hot in individual bowls.

  2. Garnish:

    • Top with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

  3. Pair with Bread:

    • Serve with garlic bread or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy broth.

Tips for Success

  1. Cook Pasta Separately:
    • Cooking the noodles separately prevents them from becoming mushy or soaking up too much liquid in the soup.
  2. Customize the Protein:
    • Use shredded rotisserie chicken, ground turkey, or even tofu for a variation.
  3. Make It Lighter:
    • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the soup.
  4. Leftovers Tip:
    • Store the pasta and soup separately to maintain the texture of the noodles when reheating.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Avoid freezing if the soup contains pasta, as it can become mushy. Instead, freeze the soup base without the noodles for up to 3 months.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  1. Comforting and Hearty: Perfect for when you’re craving something warm and satisfying.
  2. Easy to Customize: Adjust ingredients and flavors to suit your taste.
  3. Family-Friendly: A hit with kids and adults alike, thanks to its cheesy, creamy goodness.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Alfredo lasagna soup is a delicious twist on traditional lasagna, combining all the flavors you love into a comforting and convenient one-pot meal. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. With its rich Alfredo base, hearty noodles, and gooey cheese, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!