Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: A Hearty Italian Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground Italian sausage or chicken
• 4 cups (1 quart) chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup marinara sauce
• 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for garnish)

Preparation

Step 1: Sear the Meat

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage or chicken, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula. Cook until browned, then remove excess fat to avoid oily soup.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the same pot. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens and releases its aroma, enhancing the soup’s flavor.

Step 3: Combine Broth and Sauces

Stir in chicken stock, heavy cream, and marinara sauce. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste and let the mixture simmer gently to meld flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Add broken lasagna noodles to the pot, stirring to coat them in the sauce. Simmer for 10-12 minutes until the noodles are tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Add Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and thickened. Add shredded mozzarella, stirring until combined.

Step 6: Serve the Soup

Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and red pepper flakes for a touch of heat. Serve warm and enjoy!

Menu Pairings

Pair this creamy Alfredo lasagna soup with garlic bread or crusty bread to soak up the rich broth. Add a simple green salad like arugula with lemon vinaigrette or Caesar salad for balance. For an Italian twist, serve with roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Recipe Variations

Vegetarian: Substitute zucchini or mushrooms for meat and use vegetable broth.
Low-Fat: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk and cornstarch mixture.
Spicy: Use spicy Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free and use gluten-free lasagna noodles.

Health Benefits

This soup is not only comforting but also nutritious. The protein from sausage or chicken supports muscle health, while Parmesan and mozzarella provide calcium for strong bones.