1. Brown the Sausage and Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Once browned, add the diced onion and cook until softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the Broth and Marinara Sauce
- Pour in the chicken broth and marinara sauce, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Tip: If you like a thicker soup, use less broth; for a thinner consistency, add a bit more.
3. Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and let them cook in the simmering broth. This should take 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
4. Add the Cream and Cheeses
- Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy.
- Taste and Adjust: At this stage, taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed.
5. Add the Spinach
- Stir in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup. This should take only about 2-3 minutes.
- If you’re using kale, let it cook a minute or two longer to soften.
6. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Top with a little extra Parmesan and mozzarella if desired, or even a dollop of ricotta cheese for extra richness.
Tips for the Best Alfredo Lasagna Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you prefer chicken over sausage, swap the Italian sausage for shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Add Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor, throw in some sliced mushrooms when cooking the onions.
- Try Different Greens: Spinach or kale are great choices, but arugula can also add a peppery bite if you’re adventurous.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this soup with crusty garlic bread for dipping.
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the soup.
Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a bowl of pure comfort with every bite, delivering the essence of lasagna without all the fuss.