Step 1: Cook the Sausage and Aromatics
- Brown the Sausage: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for about 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through.
- Cook the Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This will be the flavorful base for your lasagna soup.
- Add the Noodles: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them to the pot. Let them cook in the broth for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
- Stir in the Alfredo Sauce and Cream: Once the noodles are cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and Alfredo sauce, making sure everything is well combined and creamy.
- Ricotta Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the ricotta cheese with ½ cup of mozzarella and ¼ cup of Parmesan. This cheesy mixture will make the soup extra rich and lasagna-like.
- Add the Cheesy Goodness: Stir the ricotta mixture into the soup, letting it melt and blend into the creamy base. You’ll start to see the soup thicken slightly as the cheese melts.
- Season to Taste: Add the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
- Add Spinach or Mushrooms (Optional): If you want to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, stir them into the soup at this point and let them cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted or tender.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the creamy Alfredo lasagna soup into bowls. Top with the remaining shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Serve with Crusty Bread: Pair this soup with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread for an irresistible meal.
Tips for Making the Best Alfredo Lasagna Soup
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the noodles until just tender, as they will continue to absorb liquid and soften as the soup sits.
- Homemade Alfredo Sauce: If you have time, making your own Alfredo sauce will elevate the flavor even more. Simply combine butter, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan for a homemade touch.
- Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a light Alfredo sauce.
- Make Ahead: The soup can be made ahead of time, but if you do, store the noodles separately to avoid them becoming too soft. When reheating, add the noodles to the soup just before serving.
Customizations and Variations
- Vegetarian Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Omit the sausage and replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option.
- Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Swap out the sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken or diced cooked chicken breast.
- Spicy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: If you like a bit of heat, use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Bacon Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Stir in crumbled bacon for a smoky, savory addition.
How to Store and Reheat
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit of extra broth or cream to adjust the consistency, as the noodles will absorb some liquid as it sits.
- Freezing: To freeze, make the soup without the noodles. Freeze the broth and sausage mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw, reheat, and add freshly cooked noodles.
Serving Suggestions
- Garlic Bread: Serve this rich and creamy soup with slices of garlic bread to soak up the flavorful broth.
- Caesar Salad: Balance the richness of the soup with a crisp Caesar salad on the side.
- Toppings Bar: Set up a toppings bar with extra cheese, fresh herbs, or croutons so guests can customize their bowls.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its luscious creaminess, cheesy goodness, and hearty flavors, it’s a dish that will satisfy all your cravings for both lasagna and soup. The ease of preparation and the crowd-pleasing taste make it a fantastic option for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or even meal prep.
Give this recipe a try, and you’ll fall in love with how effortlessly indulgent and comforting a bowl of soup can be.