Forget complicated. You want something crave-worthy that tastes like a Michelin chef hugged your soul—and you want it in 30-ish minutes. This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup takes everything you love about lasagna and dumps it into a velvety, garlic-butter bath with juicy chicken.
It’s the comfort meal that makes takeout look like a bad habit. One pot, minimal dishes, max flavor. Who knew lasagna could be this chill?
The Secret Behind This Recipe
The magic?
We skip the oven and build layers of flavor directly in the pot. That means toasted garlic, a buttery roux, rich cream, and nutty Parmesan forming an Alfredo base that hugs every noodle. Broken lasagna sheets simmer in the sauce so they absorb flavor—not just water.
Add rotisserie chicken for speed or sautéed thighs for richness. Finish with lemon zest and parsley to cut the richness and boom—balance achieved.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional but recommended)
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)
- 8–10 lasagna noodles, broken into 2–3 inch pieces
- 1 cup baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus 1 teaspoon zest)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Ricotta (optional): 1/2 cup for dolloping on top
Cooking Instructions
- Sweat the aromatics. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent.
Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the roux. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 1 minute to cook off the raw taste. Don’t let it brown too much—light blond is the goal.
- Add the broth. Gradually whisk in chicken broth to avoid lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the noodles. Add the broken lasagna pieces.
Simmer, stirring occasionally so they don’t clump, for 10–12 minutes or until al dente.
- Make it Alfredo. Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and silky. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth; too thin, simmer 2–3 more minutes.
- Chicken + greens. Fold in cooked chicken and spinach.
Warm through 2–3 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- Brighten it up. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Taste and adjust—this little zing keeps it from being “just heavy.”
- Serve. Ladle into bowls, top with a dollop of ricotta (optional), extra Parmesan, and parsley.
Crack of black pepper? Yes, chef.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers up to 3 days. Noodles will continue to absorb liquid, FYI.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to loosen.
Avoid boiling so the cream doesn’t split.
- Freezer: Freeze the soup base without noodles for up to 2 months. Cook fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
- Meal prep tip: Keep extra cooked noodles separate and combine just before serving to maintain that al dente bite.
Benefits of This Recipe
- One-pot efficiency: Fewer dishes, more flavor, and less cleanup guilt.
- Weeknight-friendly: Ready in around 30–40 minutes, legit faster than lasagna-in-the-oven.
- Customizable: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover roast, or go meatless with mushrooms.
- Comfort with control: You control the richness. Lighten with half-and-half or boost with extra Parm—your call.
- Kid-approved flavors: Creamy, garlicky, cheesy—translation: zero complaints at the table.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles: They soften further as they sit.
Stop at al dente.
- Curdling the sauce: Don’t blast the heat after adding cream. Gentle simmer only.
- Skipping the roux: The flour is your insurance policy for a silky, thick soup. No roux = thin and sad.
- Adding cheese too fast: Off-heat or low heat, stir gradually so Parmesan melts smoothly—no clumps.
- Underseasoning: Alfredo needs salt.
Taste after the Parmesan (it’s salty) and adjust at the end.
Different Ways to Make This
- Lightened-up version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and use 1 tablespoon butter + 2 tablespoons flour. Add more broth to thin.
- Mushroom Alfredo: Sauté 8 oz sliced cremini with the onions. Skip the chicken or keep both for a deluxe combo.
- Spicy Cajun twist: Add 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and extra red pepper flakes; top with green onions.
- Bacon ranch upgrade: Stir in 4 slices crisped, chopped bacon and 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning.
Ridiculously good, IMO.
- Gluten-free: Use GF lasagna noodles and a 1:1 GF flour blend for the roux.
- Protein switch: Italian sausage (browned), shrimp (add at the end, 3 minutes), or turkey.
- Veg-boost: Add peas, chopped broccoli, or roasted red peppers in the last 5 minutes.
FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked lasagna noodles?
Yes, but add them toward the end so they don’t disintegrate. Reduce the simmer time to 3–4 minutes—just enough to heat through.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half works; the soup will be slightly thinner. For extra body, add a bit more roux or simmer a few minutes longer.
How do I prevent clumpy cheese?
Lower the heat before adding Parmesan and sprinkle it in gradually while stirring.
Pre-grated can clump more due to anti-caking agents, so fresh grated melts best.
Is this freezer-friendly with noodles?
Not ideal. Noodles turn mushy. Freeze the broth/cream/chicken base and add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Can I make it without flour?
Yes.
Simmer to reduce and thicken, then blend a small portion of the soup and return it to the pot. It won’t be as classic-velvety but still great.
What if my soup gets too thick?
Add warm chicken broth or milk a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. Re-season with salt and pepper afterward.
How do I add more flavor fast?
A splash of Worcestershire, a pinch of garlic powder, and extra Parmesan deliver a quick boost.
Lemon zest also brightens everything instantly.
Wrapping Up
This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup nails comfort with zero hassle: silky sauce, tender noodles, and juicy chicken, all in one pot. It’s the kind of recipe that impresses guests and still fits Tuesday-night energy. Keep it classic or remix it with your favorite add-ins—either way, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ready for seconds? Thought so.
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