This Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup mixes pasta, creamy Alfredo sauce, and cheesy goodness all in one bowl! It’s warm, cozy, and perfect for chilly days.
The best part? It’s like a lasagna that you can slurp! I love how quickly it comes together, making dinner feel like a hug in a bowl. 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Use any cooking oil you prefer, such as vegetable or canola oil. For a little twist, try butter for additional flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is ideal, but you can substitute with garlic powder. Use about 1/4 teaspoon of powder per clove.
Mushrooms: Cremini mushrooms add nice flavor, but white button mushrooms work too. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, consider adding zucchini or bell peppers.
Broth: Chicken broth adds depth, but vegetable broth is a fantastic vegetarian option. You can also use homemade broth for a fresher taste.
Cream: Heavy cream makes it rich, but you can replace it with half-and-half for a lighter version, or a non-dairy cream if needed.
Pasta: Bowtie pasta is fun, but any small pasta shape like shells or penne works well. Gluten-free pasta is a great substitute if you have dietary restrictions.
Cheeses: Ricotta gives a creamy texture. If unavailable, cottage cheese is a fine substitute. For mozzarella, feel free to use low-fat or even a vegan cheese blend!
How Do I Make the Soup Creamy and Cheesy?
The key to that rich, creamy, and cheesy texture lies in how you combine the cheeses and cream. Here’s how to ensure the best result:
- After adding the heavy cream, let it heat gently without boiling. This keeps everything smooth.
- Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat before stirring in the cheeses. This prevents the cheese from becoming grainy.
- Stir until fully melted and combined, and don’t rush this step! Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- For a delicious finish, add a sprinkle of cheese on top and broil briefly until it’s bubbly and golden.
These steps will give your Alfredo lasagna soup that comforting creamy consistency that everyone will love! Enjoy the process and have fun in the kitchen!
Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 oz cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to cook, making a total of around 35 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Veggies:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Then, toss in the sliced mushrooms and cook until they soften, which should take around 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will form the base of your flavorful soup.
3. Incorporate the Cream:
Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to return to a gentle simmer. This adds that rich, creamy texture that we all love in Alfredo sauce!
4. Cook the Pasta:
Now, add the bowtie pasta to the pot. Cook according to the package instructions, which is typically about 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente.
5. Mix in the Cheeses:
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta, half of the mozzarella, and the Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt and the soup becomes creamy and delicious.
6. Add Fresh Spinach:
Toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until it’s wilted, which should only take a minute or two.
7. Season the Soup:
Finally, taste your soup and season it with salt and black pepper to your liking.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top for that cheesy finish! If you want to achieve a lovely golden-brown top, you can place the bowls briefly under a broiler or use a kitchen torch to melt and brown the cheese slightly. Just be careful!
9. Garnish:
Finish off by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Cheesy Alfredo Lasagna Soup!
Can I Use Different Pasta Shapes?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is fun, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like shells, penne, or rotini. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose to ensure it’s cooked al dente.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creamy consistency, as it may thicken when refrigerated.
Can I Make This Soup Vegetarian?
Yes, simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and ensure your cheese is free from animal rennet. This way, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying vegetarian version of the soup!
How Do I Freeze This Soup?
You can freeze the soup for up to 2 months! However, to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, consider freezing the soup base (broth, veggies, and cream) separately from the cooked pasta. Thaw and reheat, then cook fresh pasta to mix in before serving for the best texture.
