Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a cozy mix that brings together the best parts of classic lasagna in a warm, comforting bowl. Think tender pasta, rich Alfredo sauce, melty cheese, and a touch of Italian seasoning all simmered together to make every spoonful feel like a little celebration. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of those familiar flavors that make you smile.
I love making this soup when I want something special but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. The Alfredo sauce gives it a smooth, silky texture that’s different from your usual tomato-based soups, and the way the cheese melts right into the broth makes it super satisfying. I usually add a handful of spinach or some fresh basil on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor—it really perks up the soup without much effort.
This soup is perfect when you want to curl up with a bowl and just relax. I like to serve it with some crusty bread or garlic knots so you can soak up all the creamy goodness. It has that homey, comforting vibe that always makes me feel like I’ve been wrapped up in a cozy blanket. Perfect for sharing with family or just treating yourself after a long day.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Italian Sausage: This adds rich, savory flavor. Use mild or spicy based on your heat preference. For a lighter option, swap with ground turkey or chicken.
Alfredo Base (Cream Cheese, Heavy Cream, Milk): These create the soup’s creamy texture. If you want a lower-fat version, use half-and-half or light cream, but keep cream cheese for thickness.
Lasagna Pasta: Breaking sheets into pieces works great, but ravioli or even penne pasta makes a good substitute. Just watch the cooking time to avoid overcooking.
Cheeses (Mozzarella & Parmesan): Mozzarella gives that gooey pull, while Parmesan adds sharpness. You can swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a saltier twist.
Herbs (Basil, Oregano): These classic Italian flavors balance the richness. Use fresh if you have it—just add at the end to keep their brightness.
How Do I Get a Smooth, Creamy Alfredo Sauce in the Soup?
Making the Alfredo base creamy and silky is key here. Follow these steps for best results:
- Start with softened cream cheese—it melts more evenly without lumps.
- When adding cream cheese to the hot soup, add it in small batches and stir constantly to help it blend smoothly.
- Use medium-low heat after adding dairy to avoid curdling the cream.
- Stir in shredded cheeses gradually, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more.
- Avoid boiling after adding cream and cheeses; gentle simmering keeps the sauce creamy.
Patience here pays off with a luxuriously smooth soup that captures the feel of Alfredo sauce but in a cozy bowl.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot or Dutch oven – I recommend it because it’s big enough to handle all the ingredients and makes stirring easy.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – perfect for stirring the creamy base and scraping the sides.
- Measuring cups and spoons – essential for keeping your ingredients balanced.
- Knife and cutting board – for chopping onion and garlic.
- Cooker or stove – for simmering the soup and cooking the pasta.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap Italian sausage for cooked ground beef or turkey for a different protein flavor.
- Add chopped spinach or kale toward the end to include some greens and boost nutrition.
- Mix in sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers to add more texture and flavor.
- Try different cheeses like fontina or provolone for a different cheesy kick.
Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy, based on preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz lasagna pasta sheets, broken into bite-sized pieces or use ravioli
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
- Olive oil (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients and 20-25 minutes to cook the soup, including browning the sausage, sautéing, boiling pasta, and melding all the creamy flavors. In total, expect around 35 minutes from start to finish for a comforting meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Sausage:
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot with the browned sausage. Sauté together until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add Herbs and Seasonings:
Sprinkle in the dried basil, dried oregano, red pepper flakes (if you like a bit of heat), salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to release the flavors from the herbs.
4. Cook the Pasta:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the broken lasagna pasta pieces or ravioli. Cook until the pasta is tender but still firm (al dente), following package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes.
5. Stir in Cream and Milk:
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and whole milk, blending everything together smoothly.
6. Make It Creamy With Cream Cheese:
Add the softened cream cheese cubes a few at a time, stirring often until they’re fully melted and blended into the soup. This creates the rich and creamy Alfredo base that makes this soup so delicious.
7. Add the Cheeses:
Slowly stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt into a cheesy, velvety texture throughout the soup.
8. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your soup a taste. Add more salt or pepper if you want it bolder. Feel free to add more herbs if you like!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
10. Optional Side Ideas:
Serve with warm crusty bread or garlic knots to dip into the soup’s creamy goodness for a full, comforting meal experience.
Can I Use Frozen Sausage for This Soup?
Yes, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This helps it brown evenly and cook through properly.
Can I Substitute Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While broken lasagna sheets or ravioli work great, you can use penne, rotini, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions to avoid overcooking.
How Long Will Leftovers Keep?
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to make sure it heats evenly and stays creamy.
Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free or Lighter?
For a lighter version, try using half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, but keep some cream cheese for thickness. For dairy-free, use non-dairy cream cheese and milk alternatives, though the texture and flavor will be less rich.
