Step 1: Brown the Sausage
- Heat the Pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Sausage: Add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Stir in the chopped onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Soup Base
- Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juices), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together.
- Season: Add the Italian seasoning, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Simmer: Cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let the soup simmer for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles
- Add the Noodles: Stir in the broken lasagna noodles. Cover and continue to simmer for another 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.
- Note: Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they’ll continue to soften in the hot soup.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and whole milk. Allow the soup to warm through without boiling.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. Continue stirring until the cheeses are melted and the soup becomes thick and creamy. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of spice.
- Serve: Serve immediately with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping — it’s perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy, cheesy goodness!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup
- Quick and Easy: With all the flavors of lasagna without the hassle of layering, this one-pot soup is both easy and satisfying.
- Comforting and Filling: Rich and creamy with hearty noodles and sausage, it’s perfect for cozy nights and will fill you up with every spoonful.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is bound to become a favorite for anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes or Italian-inspired comfort food.
- Customizable: Add in some spinach for extra greens, swap the sausage for ground beef or turkey, or make it spicy with hot Italian sausage. You can even make a vegetarian version by omitting the meat and using veggie broth.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
- Freezing: The creaminess may change slightly upon freezing, so if you plan to freeze, make the soup without the cream and cheeses. Add them after reheating for best results.
- Make-Ahead: This soup can be made a day ahead. Just be sure to cook the noodles only until al dente if you’re planning to reheat, as they will soften when reheated.
Conclusion
This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a delicious twist on a classic pasta dish. It’s full of savory Italian flavors, creamy and cheesy goodness, and tender lasagna noodles — all in one bowl. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly day, impress your family with a comforting meal, or simply enjoy the flavors of lasagna in a fraction of the time, this soup will be your new go-to recipe.