Cheesy Lasagna Soup

When it's chilly outside, a steamy bowl of soup really hits the spot. This Hearty Alfredo Lasagna Soup combines all the tastiest elements of lasagna into soup form. It's packed with Italian sausage, earthy mushrooms, fresh spinach, and broken lasagna noodles, all swimming in a rich, cheesy broth. It's just right for family dinners or when you've got company dropping by.

Benefits Of This Hearty Soup

This soup delivers authentic lasagna flavor without all the fuss. The sausage gives it a substantial feel, while the pasta soaks in all those amazing flavors. The mushrooms and spinach bring freshness to the mix, and the velvety cheese sauce ties everything together. Don't worry about making too much - it'll taste even better tomorrow.

Required Ingredients

• Sausage: Go with mild or hot depending on taste
• Onion: Diced into tiny bits
• Mushrooms: Whatever variety you prefer
• Garlic: Nothing beats the real thing
• Spinach: Try to find the tender baby variety
• Chicken Broth: Reduced sodium works better
• Lasagna Noodles: Snap them into pieces
• Oregano: The dried variety is fine
• Basil: Dried is perfectly acceptable
• Butter: Unsalted or salted both work
• Flour: All-purpose does the job
• Milk: Full-fat creates the creamiest result
• Parmesan: Freshly grated beats pre-packaged every time

Cooking Instructions

Prep your workspace:

Set your large pot on the burner. Have all ingredients chopped and measured before starting.

Brown the meat:

Cook your sausage in the pot at medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble it until fully browned. This should take roughly 7 minutes.

Add base vegetables:

Toss in your diced onions and sliced mushrooms with the browned meat. Stir occasionally until onions become translucent. This takes about 6 minutes.

Incorporate delicate ingredients:

Add the minced garlic and baby spinach. Stir until the spinach begins to wilt down. This happens quickly, around 1 minute.

Add your broth:

Pour in the chicken stock. Increase heat until you notice gentle bubbling. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Mix in pasta and seasonings:

Snap lasagna sheets into chunky pieces. Add them along with your oregano and basil. Keep the heat up so it maintains a gentle simmer.

Tend to the pasta:

Mix occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the noodles reach al dente, typically 10-12 minutes.

Begin your roux:

While pasta cooks, melt butter in a separate saucepan. Once melted, mix in flour. Keep stirring for 1 minute until slightly golden and fragrant.

Create your sauce base:

Gradually pour in milk while continuously stirring. Keep at it until the mixture thickens, roughly 3-5 minutes.

Incorporate the cheese:

Remove from heat. Mix in your Parmesan. Stir continuously until completely melted and silky smooth.

Complete the soup:

Pour your cheese mixture into the main pot. Stir thoroughly until everything combines into a uniform, creamy texture.

Adjust seasoning:

Sample a small spoonful. Add salt and pepper as needed. If too thick, splash in extra broth.

Ready to eat:

Scoop into bowls while still hot. Sprinkle additional cheese on top if desired.

Ideal Winter Comfort Dish

When temperatures drop, this soup really satisfies. The rich cheese sauce brings decadent creaminess, while the sausage and noodles make it filling enough for dinner. It's basically comfort in a bowl.

The Secret Ingredient

The velvety cheese sauce truly makes this dish stand out. Don't rush the cheese melting process - you want it completely smooth. When done right, you'll get that luscious texture in every single bite.

Key Components

This soup brings together all the right elements. The sausage adds heartiness, mushrooms contribute earthiness, spinach brings a fresh note, and those noodles give you that authentic lasagna feel. Everything combines for an amazing flavor profile.

Effortless Preparation

The delicious taste might fool you - this soup isn't complicated at all. You probably have most ingredients in your kitchen already, and it comes together in about half an hour. It's just what you need on busy evenings when you want something warm and satisfying.

Tasty Next-Day Meal

Be sure to put some aside for tomorrow - it actually improves overnight. The flavors meld together more deeply, creating an even richer taste. Just warm it up gently on the stovetop whenever you're ready for round two.

Helpful Cooking Advice

Don't break the noodles too small or they'll turn mushy. Keep the cheese sauce moving so it stays lump-free. If your soup looks too thick, a splash of broth will fix it. Always taste before adding salt since Parmesan brings its own saltiness.

Customization Options

Want some heat? Go for spicy Italian sausage. Going meatless? Skip the sausage and double the mushrooms. Craving extra cheese? Sprinkle more Parmesan when serving. Adjust it to match your preferences.

Pairing Suggestions

Serve with some crusty garlic bread for dipping. A handful of fresh basil leaves makes a nice topping. Some folks enjoy extra cheese sprinkled on each bowl. A simple green salad rounds out the meal perfectly.

Storage Guidance

Store any leftover soup in your fridge for up to 4 days. If it thickens up, just add a splash of milk when reheating. Stir occasionally while warming to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of your pot.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can it go meat-free?

Totally! Skip the sausage and add mushrooms, eggplant, zucchini, or even veggie crumbles. The cheese will still keep it rich and hearty.

→ Can I make it gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just grab some gluten-free lasagna noodles, like the rice flour ones, and swap flour with cornstarch in the broth if needed. Tastes just as good!

→ What other veggies work?

Why not toss in peppers, zucchini, or spinach? They fit perfectly. Dice the veggies small so they cook evenly, and even carrots or broccoli can be tasty additions.

→ It’s too thin—what can I do?

Try adding more cheese - it’ll melt right in and thicken it up. Or mix a little cornstarch and water, stir it in, and let it simmer till it’s just how you want.

→ Can I freeze leftovers?

Sure can! But freeze before adding noodles so they don’t turn soggy. When reheating, boil some fresh noodles to toss in. If already mixed, just stir well when warming up to bring it back together.

Conclusion

Craving more hearty meals? Check these out: Kale and Sausage Soup, Italian Wedding Soup, or Creamy Mushroom Parmesan Soup. They all have that comforting Italian vibe too.