Save
Craving that creamy Alfredo flavor in a whole new way This decadent lasagna soup takes everything you love about classic lasagna and transforms it into an easy comforting bowl perfect for busy nights It is packed with tender pasta rich cheese and velvety broth for a weeknight dinner that feels special but comes together fast My family could not get enough of this and it is now a cold weather staple at our table
I first whipped this up when I had leftover chicken and lasagna noodles to use and it instantly became a favorite everyone gathered around the table just like for a classic baked lasagna and every spoonful disappeared
Ingredients
- Butter: creates a rich base that makes every bite delicious look for European style for extra flavor
- Garlic: adds that must have savory lasagna note use fresh and mince it right before cooking
- Onion: brings gentle sweetness that rounds out the soup choose a yellow onion for best flavor balance
- All purpose flour: thickens the broth and gives the soup body use fresh for best results
- Chicken broth: provides depth and a savory undertone select a low sodium variety so you can control seasoning
- Half and half or whole milk: makes the base ultra creamy choose the freshest milk you can find
- Heavy cream: takes the soup to velvety heights and gives a true Alfredo texture
- Italian seasoning: brings those classic herby notes check for a blend that includes basil and oregano for the most flavor
- Ground nutmeg: lifts the flavors and echoes authentic Alfredo more potent if freshly grated
- Shredded cooked chicken: adds protein and heartiness use juicy rotisserie or freshly poached
- Lasagna noodles or short pasta: provide that lasagna comfort in every spoonful use a sturdy pasta so it does not go mushy
- Parmesan cheese: brings salty depth and signature sharpness always use freshly grated for the best melt
- Mozzarella cheese: makes everything creamy and stringy go for whole milk mozzarella if possible
- Salt and pepper: to taste so you can finish the dish exactly how you love it
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish: wakes up the rich soup with freshness
- Toasted bread or croutons: give crunch and are perfect for dipping
Step by Step Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat Once foamy add garlic and onion Cook gently for three to four minutes until the onion turns translucent and the garlic is fragrant This creates the flavor foundation for your soup
- Build the Roux:
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed mixture and stir constantly for about one minute The flour should be fully absorbed and smell slightly nutty This is your secret to a thick creamy soup
- Make it Creamy:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth pouring slowly to avoid lumps Stir in half and half and heavy cream Continue to whisk and simmer on medium low for several minutes until the liquid thickens slightly making a smooth base
- Season and Add Chicken:
- Stir in Italian seasoning ground nutmeg a good pinch of salt and black pepper Fold in the shredded cooked chicken Give the soup time to gently simmer for about ten minutes so the flavors meld and the chicken becomes extra tender
- Prepare the Pasta:
- While the soup simmers cook lasagna noodles in a separate pot of salted boiling water until just al dente Drain well and set aside to avoid overcooking
- Combine and Melt:
- Add the drained pasta into the soup Stir in grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese Handfuls at a time and keep stirring until everything is perfectly melted and the soup turns irresistibly creamy
- Finish and Serve:
- Taste your soup and adjust seasonings as needed Ladle into bowls garnish generously with fresh herbs and serve with toasted bread or croutons to soak up all that delicious broth
Save
Bringing the family together over this soup always reminds me of Sunday suppers growing up where everyone would trade stories over big comforting bowls Parmesan is my absolute favorite here its salty sharp bite makes each spoonful shine
Storage Tips
Let the soup cool before transferring to containers for the fridge If storing with pasta the noodles will soak up liquid and thicken the soup for leftovers just add a splash of broth or milk and reheat on low heat for best texture This soup can also be frozen without pasta for up to two months then simmer gently and add freshly cooked noodles when ready to serve
Ingredient Substitutions
Swap the chicken for shredded rotisserie turkey or even sautéed mushrooms if you want to go meatless You can use any short sturdy pasta like penne or fusilli if you do not have lasagna noodles on hand For a lighter version substitute half and half for heavy cream though it will not be quite as luxe
Serving Suggestions
Serve with extra crusty bread for dipping or float homemade garlic croutons on top A crisp green salad with tomato and balsamic vinaigrette makes a fresh counterpoint Sprinkle extra Parmesan lavishly just before serving for maximum flavor
A Bit of Lasagna Soup History
Lasagna soup has become a modern comfort food twist on the Italian classic merging the cozy qualities of soup with beloved lasagna flavors While creamy Alfredo versions are not traditional they capture that dairy rich goodness loved in American and Italian American kitchens
Recipe FAQs
- → How can I prevent the soup from curdling?
Gradually whisk in the dairy over medium heat and avoid letting the soup boil after adding the cream. Stir gently for a smooth consistency.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken blends perfectly, saving time and adding extra flavor to the soup.
- → What pasta shapes work best besides lasagna noodles?
Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or rotini absorb the broth well and provide an enjoyable texture in every spoonful.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Refrigerate in an airtight container and gently reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens.
- → Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and use cooked mushrooms or spinach instead of chicken for a meatless version.