When it comes to comfort food, few dishes strike the perfect balance between hearty, cheesy, and indulgent like Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup. Imagine all the delicious flavors of a classic chicken Alfredo lasagna, reimagined as a creamy, soul-warming soup. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked lasagna noodles, and a rich, creamy Alfredo base to deliver a bowlful of cozy perfection. Whether itโs a chilly evening or a casual family dinner, this soup has a way of bringing warmth and happiness to the table. In this recipe, weโll walk you through every step to ensure your soup comes out creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Weโll also provide tips for ingredient substitutions, serving suggestions, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you achieve restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter โ provides a rich base for sautรฉing garlic and onions.
4 cloves garlic, minced โ adds aromatic depth to the soup.
1 medium onion, finely chopped โ enhances the flavor profile with natural sweetness.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour โ used to thicken the soup, giving it that classic Alfredo consistency.
4 cups chicken broth โ the foundation of the soup, creating a savory liquid base.
2 cups half-and-half or whole milk โ contributes creaminess without overpowering the soup.
1 cup heavy cream โ adds luxurious richness and smooth texture.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning โ brings a classic Italian flavor that complements chicken and cheese.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg โ a subtle hint of warmth to enhance the Alfredo base.
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works well) โ tender protein that soaks up the creamy flavors.
8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or use any short pasta) โ adds substance and a familiar lasagna feel.
1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese โ provides sharp, salty flavor that melts beautifully into the soup.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese โ adds gooey, melty creaminess.
Salt and pepper to taste โ essential for balancing flavors.
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish) โ adds color and freshness.
Toasted bread or croutons for serving โ optional, perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
Method
Begin by melting the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sautรฉ until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to a minute, ensuring it does not burn. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. This mixture will help thicken the soup as it cooks. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Once the broth is fully incorporated, add the half-and-half (or whole milk) and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken. Stir in the Italian seasoning and ground nutmeg, which give the soup its characteristic flavor. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pot, ensuring it is evenly distributed. Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and stir them into the soup. Allow the noodles to cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the noodles are tender, gradually stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt completely and create a rich, creamy texture. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Pair it with toasted bread or croutons for an extra comforting touch.
Tips for the Perfect Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Using a rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to your soup. If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half with whole milk and reduce the amount of heavy cream, although the soup will be slightly less rich. To prevent noodles from becoming too soft or mushy, break them into bite-sized pieces just before cooking and stir gently. Grating your own Parmesan cheese ensures better melting and flavor compared to pre-grated varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. For an extra creamy texture, you can add a small dollop of cream cheese or mascarpone while stirring in the cheeses. To deepen the flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine when incorporating the chicken broth, allowing it to simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.
Variations
For a vegetable-packed version, add chopped spinach, broccoli florets, or sliced mushrooms to the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. You can also experiment with different proteins, such as cooked Italian sausage, turkey, or even shrimp, for a seafood twist. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when adding the Italian seasoning. If you want a thicker, more lasagna-like consistency, reduce the chicken broth slightly or increase the amount of noodles. Cheese lovers can enhance the flavor by adding provolone, fontina, or Asiago cheese along with the Parmesan and mozzarella. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free lasagna noodles or short pasta and a gluten-free all-purpose flour for the roux.
Serving Suggestions
Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is perfect as a standalone meal or paired with sides for a more elaborate dinner. Serve it with garlic bread, cheesy breadsticks, or simple toasted baguette slices. A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup beautifully. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating. This soup also freezes well; however, it is best to slightly undercook the noodles before freezing, as they will continue to soften when reheated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the soup a day in advance. Store it in the refrigerator without adding the noodles. Cook the noodles fresh when reheating to maintain their texture.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. You can also use leftover baked or poached chicken.
Can I make this soup vegetarian? Yes, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini can be used if you donโt have lasagna noodles.
How can I make the soup extra creamy? Adding a small amount of cream cheese, mascarpone, or additional heavy cream while stirring in the cheeses can boost creaminess.
Can I freeze Alfredo Lasagna Soup? Yes, freeze it without the noodles in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Add cooked noodles when reheating.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers? Reheat gently over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it.
Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Comfort in Every Bowl
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4โ6 servings
Description
Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a comforting twist on classic lasagna, combining creamy Alfredo flavors with tender noodles, shredded chicken, and cheesy goodnessโperfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups half-and-half or whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces (or use any short pasta)
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
- Toasted bread or croutons for serving
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sautรฉ until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in flour and cook 1โ2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, half-and-half, and heavy cream. Stir until smooth.
- Add Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in shredded chicken and broken lasagna noodles. Cook until noodles are tender, about 10โ12 minutes.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. Accompany with toasted bread or croutons.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Adjust cream and cheese to reach your preferred richness.
- Leftovers reheat well in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Conclusion
Decadent Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is more than just a mealโitโs an experience of comfort, warmth, and indulgence. Combining tender chicken, al dente noodles, and a rich, cheesy Alfredo sauce, this soup delivers all the flavors of classic lasagna in a simpler, cozy format. With easy variations, tips for making it ahead, and helpful serving suggestions, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or even a special treat for yourself. Whether you stick to the classic version or explore creative variations, every spoonful is guaranteed to satisfy both the heart and the palate.