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If you’re craving a cozy hug in a bowl that combines all the best parts of comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe. Imagine the rich creaminess of Alfredo sauce swirling through tender chunks of sausage, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, all nestled with perfectly cooked pieces of lasagna noodles in a savory broth. It’s like enjoying your favorite Italian dinner but in a cup, perfect for those chilly nights or whenever you need a satisfying meal without the fuss. This recipe is a total game-changer, turning lasagna into a soul-warming soup that’s quick, indulgent, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance in this soup is all about using simple, fresh ingredients that bring texture, flavor, and color to the bowl. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the spices waking up your taste buds or the creamy Parmesan adding that luxurious finish.
- 1/2 lb ground sausage: Adds a hearty, flavorful protein base with a bit of spice and richness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and depth of flavor as it softens and caramelizes.
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Offer an earthy, meaty texture that complements the sausage beautifully.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: A punch of aromatic warmth that elevates the entire dish.
- 4 cups baby spinach: Adds vibrant color and freshness, balancing the richness.
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth: Forms the savory liquid base of the soup, keeping flavors bright and balanced.
- 5 lasagna noodles, broken: The star pasta element, tender and perfectly noodle-shaped for spoonfuls of comfort.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Infuses a classic Italian herbaceous note to the broth.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Adds a sweet, subtle hint of fragrant basil for authenticity.
- 3 tablespoons butter: Essential for making the creamy Alfredo sauce, enriching the soup.
- 3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect velvety texture.
- 1 cup milk: Provides the creamy liquid base for the Alfredo flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup Parmesan, grated: Melts into the sauce creating that signature tangy, salty creaminess that makes Alfredo irresistible.
How to Make Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Veggies
Start by browning the ground sausage in a large saucepan over medium heat until it’s beautifully caramelized and fragrant. This step is key for building the savory base of your soup. Once browned, toss in the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms and cook over medium-low heat for about 5-6 minutes. These vegetables will soften and marry their flavors with the sausage, creating a rich, hearty foundation.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Spinach
Next, add the minced garlic and baby spinach to the pot. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic releases its aroma and the spinach wilts just enough to blend into the mix. This layer of freshness and bold garlicky flavor will brighten up the richness ahead.
Step 3: Pour in the Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour the low sodium chicken broth into the saucepan. This will bring everything together, turning your sautéed ingredients into a flavorful broth. Let it simmer gently for five minutes—this short simmering helps all the flavors marry beautifully without overwhelming the fresh notes.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Herbs
Throw in the broken lasagna noodles along with dried oregano and basil. Bring the soup to a low boil and cook for 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are perfectly tender. Those herbs add a subtle, authentic Italian twist that feels like dinner at an Italian trattoria.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
While the noodles cook, melt butter in a separate skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and keep whisking for about a minute until the mixture bubbles slightly—this is your roux, the magic thickener. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid clumps. Keep whisking for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes delightfully smooth.
Step 6: Incorporate Parmesan Cheese
Turn off the heat and gently whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. If it resists melting, place the pan over very low heat and whisk constantly until it melts completely. This step is crucial to develop that signature creamy Alfredo texture and flavor. Once perfectly creamy, slowly whisk this sauce into your soup base until fully combined and luscious.
How to Serve Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Top your soup with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for a beautiful, vibrant finish. A drizzle of good olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add some unexpected flair and complexity.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or warm crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy broth. A crisp green salad on the side can brighten the meal and round out the flavors with a refreshing crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe in rustic bowls with a breadstick perched on top for a charming touch. For a fun twist, add a swirl of pesto or a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra creaminess and hints of herbaceous richness that will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. As the noodles absorb broth over time, you might want to add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating to keep the texture perfect.
Freezing
You can freeze Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Keep in mind the noodles may soften slightly once thawed, so it’s best to freeze if you plan to enjoy within that timeframe.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even warming. Adding a little extra broth or milk can restore the soup’s creamy consistency and fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Italian sausage is traditional here, but spicy chorizo or even turkey sausage can work well, altering the flavor profile while keeping the heartiness intact.
Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Yes, you can skip the sausage and use extra mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Just boost the flavor with vegetable broth and extra herbs for a satisfying vegetarian option.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make this dish dairy-free, substitute the butter with a plant-based spread, use a dairy-free milk alternative, and swap Parmesan for a nut-based cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
How thick should the Alfredo sauce be?
The sauce should be rich and smooth, thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable so it blends nicely into the soup, making it velvety without heaviness.
Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?
It’s best to use regular lasagna noodles broken into pieces since they cook directly in the broth, becoming tender as the soup simmers. No-boil noodles won’t soften properly in this soup setting.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe that feels both comforting and delightfully sophisticated all at once. It makes for an easy weeknight meal that doubles as a crowd-pleaser for guests, bringing everyone together over unforgettable bowls of warmth, creaminess, and hearty goodness. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become one of your cherished favorites too—so grab your apron and get ready to share this cozy Italian-inspired magic!
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Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal combining the rich taste of Alfredo sauce with the hearty texture of lasagna noodles, Italian sausage, and fresh vegetables. Ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, offering the classic flavors of lasagna in a creamy, warm bowl.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1/2 lb ground sausage
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups baby spinach
Soup Base
- 5 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 5 lasagna noodles, broken
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Alfredo Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: In a large saucepan over medium heat, brown the ground sausage until fully cooked. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms and cook for 5-6 minutes on medium-low heat until they soften.
- Add Garlic and Spinach: Stir in the minced garlic and baby spinach, cooking for about 1 minute while stirring to combine the flavors and wilt the spinach.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the low sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to marry the flavors.
- Add Pasta and Herbs: Add the broken lasagna noodles, dried oregano, and dried basil to the saucepan. Bring the soup up to a low boil.
- Cook Noodles: Allow the noodles to cook for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Alfredo Roux: While the noodles cook, melt the butter in a separate skillet over medium-low heat. Whisk in the flour and continue whisking for 1 minute until the mixture bubbles and is well combined.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Slowly whisk in the milk into the butter and flour mixture, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and thickens, which should take about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Parmesan Cheese: Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. If the cheese doesn’t melt completely, place the skillet over very low heat, whisking constantly until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Sauces and Soup: Gradually add the creamy Alfredo sauce to the soup mixture, whisking continuously to combine and create a rich, creamy consistency throughout the soup.
Notes
- Use low sodium chicken broth to better control the saltiness of the soup.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Monitor the noodles carefully to avoid overcooking and becoming mushy.
- You can substitute whole milk with half-and-half for a richer sauce or with skim milk for a lighter version.
- Reheat leftovers gently to avoid breaking the creamy sauce.
