Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: A Cozy, Comforting Dish

Name: Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1/2 lb ground sausage; 1 small onion, chopped; 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 4 cups baby spinach; 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 5 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon dried basil; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 cup milk; 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

When the weather turns chilly, and you’re craving something warm and satisfying, Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is the perfect comfort food. This dish combines the rich, creamy flavors of Alfredo sauce with the heartiness of lasagna, creating a bowl of pure comfort that’s perfect for any day of the week. With layers of sausage, tender lasagna noodles, and a velvety Alfredo sauce, this soup is a delightful twist on traditional lasagna that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Introduction to Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

Lasagna is a beloved Italian dish, known for its layers of pasta, rich meat sauce, and gooey cheese. But have you ever considered enjoying these classic flavors in soup form? Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup takes all the elements of traditional lasagna and transforms them into a comforting, creamy soup. The combination of sausage, mushrooms, spinach, and broken lasagna noodles simmered in a rich chicken broth and finished with a luscious Alfredo sauce makes this dish both hearty and indulgent.

The Inspiration Behind Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

Soup is a staple in many households, especially during the colder months. It’s warm, filling, and often easier to make than more elaborate meals. Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup was inspired by the desire to enjoy all the flavors of lasagna in a simpler, more convenient form. Instead of spending hours layering ingredients, this recipe allows you to enjoy the same delicious taste in just a fraction of the time. Plus, the addition of Alfredo sauce adds a creamy richness that elevates the dish to a whole new level.

Why You’ll Love This Soup

There are countless reasons to fall in love with Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup:

Quick and Easy: This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Rich and Creamy: The homemade Alfredo sauce adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the soup, making it incredibly comforting.

Versatile: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables, swapping out the sausage for ground beef or turkey, or even making it vegetarian.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the familiar flavors of lasagna in a fun, new format.

Now, let’s dive into how to make this delicious soup from scratch!

Ingredients for Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

To make Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

1/2 lb ground sausage: Adds a savory, meaty flavor to the soup.
1 small onion, chopped: Provides a sweet and slightly sharp flavor that complements the sausage.

8 ounces mushrooms, sliced: Adds an earthy richness and enhances the umami flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the soup with aromatic flavor.
4 cups baby spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle bitterness to balance the richness of the soup.

5 cups low-sodium chicken broth: Serves as the base of the soup, providing a savory depth of flavor.
5 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces: Brings the classic lasagna element into the soup.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: Adds a warm, slightly sweet, and peppery flavor.

1/2 teaspoon dried basil: Lends a sweet, herbaceous note.
3 tablespoons butter: The base for the Alfredo sauce, giving it a rich, creamy texture.
3 tablespoons flour: Helps thicken the Alfredo sauce.

1 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the Alfredo sauce.
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated: Melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Begin by heating a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground sausage and cook it until browned. As the sausage cooks, break it up into small crumbles using a spatula. This will ensure that the sausage is evenly distributed throughout the soup.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Once the sausage is browned, it’s time to add the vegetables. Add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms to the saucepan with the sausage. Cook these ingredients on medium-low heat for about 5-6 minutes. The onions should become translucent, and the mushrooms should soften and release their moisture.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Spinach

Next, stir in the minced garlic and baby spinach. Garlic only needs a minute to cook, and you’ll notice its fragrant aroma almost immediately. The spinach will wilt quickly, blending seamlessly into the soup.

Step 4: Simmer with Broth

Pour the low-sodium chicken broth into the saucepan with the sausage and vegetables. Stir to combine all the ingredients, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Add Noodles and Seasoning

Now it’s time to add the lasagna noodles. Break the noodles into pieces before adding them to the soup; this makes them easier to eat and ensures they cook evenly. Add the dried oregano and dried basil, stirring to incorporate the herbs into the broth. Increase the heat slightly to bring the soup to a low boil. Cook the noodles for 10-12 minutes, or until they are tender.

Step 6: Prepare Alfredo Sauce

While the noodles are cooking, it’s time to prepare the Alfredo sauce. In a separate skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter is melted and bubbling, whisk in the flour. Cook the flour and butter mixture for about 1 minute, stirring constantly. This step is crucial as it cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a smooth base for the sauce.

Step 7: Gradually Add Milk

Slowly whisk in the milk, adding it gradually to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to whisk the mixture until it’s smooth and begins to thicken, which should take about 3-5 minutes. The sauce should be creamy but not too thick.

Step 8: Add Parmesan Cheese

Turn off the heat and slowly whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. If the cheese doesn’t melt completely, you can place the skillet over very low heat while continuing to whisk until smooth.

Step 9: Combine and Serve

Finally, slowly whisk the prepared Alfredo sauce into the soup mixture, stirring until fully combined. The soup should take on a creamy, velvety texture, with the Alfredo sauce evenly distributed throughout. Serve the soup hot, and enjoy the comforting, rich flavors of lasagna in every spoonful!

Tips and Tricks

Customize Your Soup: Feel free to customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins. Shredded chicken, zucchini, or bell peppers would make great additions.

Vegetarian Option: To make this soup vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Storing Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or milk if it thickens too much.

Details

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4-6 servings

Category: Main Course, Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Diet: Can be adapted for vegetarian diets

Nutritional Facts (per serving)

Calories: 420 kcal
Total Fat: 26 g

Saturated Fat: 12 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg
Sodium: 780 mg

Total Carbohydrates: 30 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 4 g

Protein: 17 g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little extra broth or milk to maintain its creamy consistency.

Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?

While homemade Alfredo sauce adds a fresh, rich flavor, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce in a pinch. Simply skip the steps for making the sauce and stir in the pre-made version.

What other types of pasta can I use?

If you don’t have lasagna noodles, you can use other pasta shapes like bowtie, penne, or even broken spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a way to lighten the recipe?

To lighten the soup, you can use half-and-half instead of milk and reduce the amount of Parmesan cheese. Additionally, using turkey sausage instead of pork sausage can lower the fat content.

Can I freeze this soup?

Creamy soups like this one don’t always freeze well because the dairy can separate upon thawing. However, you can freeze it, just be aware that the texture might change. Reheat it slowly and stir well to help the ingredients come back together.