CREAMY ALFREDO LASAGNA SOUP

Lasagna has long been a beloved staple in households across the world, a comforting dish layered with pasta, savory meats, rich sauces, and gooey cheese. But what if you could take all the flavors of a classic lasagna and transform them into a cozy, soul-warming soup? Enter the Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup – a deliciously comforting dish that brings together the richness of Alfredo sauce, the heartiness of lasagna, and the warmth of a homemade soup. This recipe is perfect for those chilly days when you crave something rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

Ingredients:

• For the Soup Base:
  • 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
• For the Alfredo Sauce:
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base

1. Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: In a large pot, cook the ground sausage over medium heat until it’s browned and cooked through. Use a wooden spoon to break up the sausage into small pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove the sausage from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Broth and Herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Stir in the dried oregano and basil. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Cook the Lasagna Noodles: Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot and cook until they are al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together or to the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Make the Alfredo Sauce

1. Create the Roux: In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 2-3 minutes, whisking constantly, until it becomes golden and bubbly.
2. Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook the mixture, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 5 minutes.
3. Incorporate the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. The Alfredo sauce should be thick and creamy.

Step 3: Assemble the Soup

1. Combine the Sauce and Soup Base: Once the lasagna noodles are cooked to your desired tenderness, stir in the cooked sausage and the Alfredo sauce. Mix well to combine, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the noodles and sausage.
2. Add the Spinach: Stir in the baby spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot soup. This will take just a few minutes.
3. Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper to your liking. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Ladle the Soup: Serve the soup hot, ladled into bowls. You can garnish each bowl with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch of flavor.
2. Pair with Bread: This soup is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a slice of crusty bread or a side of garlic knots.
3. Store Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The soup will thicken as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to reach your desired consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup

This soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the flavors of a classic lasagna with the creamy richness of Alfredo sauce. The addition of sausage adds a savory depth to the dish, while the mushrooms and spinach provide texture and nutrients. The broken lasagna noodles offer a fun twist, making each spoonful feel like a bite of lasagna in soup form.

The Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup is perfect for weeknight dinners, especially when you’re in the mood for something indulgent yet easy to prepare. It’s also a great way to use up leftover lasagna noodles or extra Parmesan cheese you might have on hand. Whether you’re a lasagna lover or just looking for a new and exciting soup recipe, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Keep an eye on the noodles as they cook in the soup. You want them to be al dente so they retain some texture and don’t become too mushy.
• Customize the Protein: If you’re not a fan of sausage, you can easily substitute ground beef, turkey, or even chicken. For a vegetarian version, omit the meat altogether and add more vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
• Make It Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and reheated when ready to serve. Just be sure to store the soup and the Alfredo sauce separately to prevent the sauce from breaking when reheated.

Enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of lasagna in a new and exciting way with this Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm you up and satisfy your cravings for something rich, creamy, and delicious.