Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe: A Comforting Twist on a Classic

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the Meat:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef or sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Stir occasionally, cooking until the meat is browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
• Remove any excess fat from the pot and add the diced onion. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, until the onion is softened and translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.

2. Add the Liquids:

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and dried Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir to combine.
• Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles:

• While the soup is simmering, break the lasagna noodles into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches long, so they fit nicely in the soup.
• Add the broken noodles to the soup and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

4. Make it Creamy:

• Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. This will create the rich, velvety Alfredo-like sauce.
• Add the ricotta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the soup becomes thick and creamy.

5. Adjust the Flavor:

• Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you like more spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes. If you want it cheesier, sprinkle in more mozzarella or Parmesan.

6. Serve and Garnish:

• Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring each serving has plenty of noodles and meat. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor.
• For an extra touch, you can sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top before serving.

Tips for the Best Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup:

• Use Fresh Pasta: If you have the option, using fresh lasagna sheets (broken into pieces) will make the soup even more luxurious. They cook quicker and have a softer texture than dried pasta.
• Make it Vegetarian: Swap the meat for vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to make a vegetarian version of this soup. You can also add more ricotta or sautéed eggplant to make up for the absence of meat.
• Add Extra Veggies: If you love veggies, consider adding spinach, kale, or bell peppers to the soup. They add color, texture, and nutrition to your dish.
• For Extra Flavor: You can add a splash of white wine when cooking the onions and garlic to give the soup a deeper flavor. Or, throw in some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for more aromatic depth.