Ingredients
For the Soup Base
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage (or ground chicken/turkey for a lighter option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter option)
- 1 (15 oz) jar Alfredo sauce (or homemade if you prefer)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (optional, for a hint of acidity)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
For the Noodles
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
(Can substitute with any short pasta like bowtie, rigatoni, or mafaldine)
For the Cheesy Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- ½ cup ricotta or cottage cheese (optional, for that lasagna vibe)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Meat
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary. - Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onion and garlic to the pot. Sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes. - Build the Broth
Stir in chicken broth, Alfredo sauce, diced tomatoes (if using), heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. - Cook the Pasta
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the soup. Simmer for 12-15 minutes, until noodles are tender. - Add Cheese
Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy. If you like, swirl spoonfuls of ricotta or cottage cheese into the soup for that classic lasagna flair. - Serve
Ladle into bowls, sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and serve with garlic bread or breadsticks.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer a thicker, casserole-style dish instead of soup, reduce broth by 1 cup and top the entire pot with extra cheese. Pop it under the broiler for a cheesy crust!