If you’re craving the rich, savory goodness of lasagna but want something a little lighter and quicker to prepare, Alfredo Lasagna Soup is the answer. This creamy, comforting soup combines the best parts of a traditional lasagna — the noodles, cheese, and meaty filling — into a hearty, warm bowl of goodness. Perfect for cozy nights, busy weeknights, or a weekend dinner with friends and family, Alfredo Lasagna Soup offers all the familiar flavors you love in lasagna but in a soupier, more comforting form.
The key to this Alfredo Lasagna Soup lies in its creamy broth, made from heavy cream and chicken broth, paired with tender lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces. The dish is rich with mozzarella, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese, creating a smooth and velvety texture. This soup is also incredibly versatile, meaning you can adjust the ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preferences.
What is Alfredo Lasagna Soup?
Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a variation of traditional lasagna, where all the ingredients come together in one pot as a soup rather than layered and baked. Instead of a tomato-based sauce, the soup is flavored with a rich Alfredo sauce, made from a combination of heavy cream, butter, and cheese. The soup typically features ground meat, though you can opt for plant-based or vegetarian alternatives.
This recipe mirrors the heartiness of lasagna but offers the added benefit of a soup form, which is easy to serve, incredibly filling, and offers a warm, comforting meal on even the coldest of days. While you can find lasagna soup made with a variety of sauces, the creamy Alfredo version provides an extra layer of richness and flavor that makes it a standout. To see how you can create your own version, check out this Lasagna Soup recipe on Pinterest.
Alfredo Lasagna Soup usually includes ingredients like ground turkey, garlic, onion, and a blend of classic Italian herbs like oregano and basil. It’s a great way to enjoy a beloved classic in a much quicker and easier format.
For more insight into how you can tweak a classic lasagna recipe, take a look at the Lasagna Wikipedia entry.
Why It’s the Ultimate Comfort Meal
If there’s one dish that hits the spot when you’re looking for comfort, it’s Alfredo Lasagna Soup. Unlike a traditional lasagna, which requires layering and baking, this soup is much faster to make while delivering a similarly satisfying flavor profile. The beauty of Alfredo Lasagna Soup lies in the blend of creamy, cheesy, and savory ingredients, making it the ultimate comfort food.
Here are a few reasons why this soup stands out as the ultimate comfort meal:
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Creaminess: The Alfredo sauce base creates an indulgent texture that coats every ingredient in the soup, making each bite smooth and satisfying.
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Flavor: With the combination of mozzarella, Parmesan, and ricotta, along with the ground meat and Italian herbs, you get all the classic lasagna flavors without the time-consuming prep.
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Hearty & Filling: The lasagna noodles provide the perfect texture, while the combination of chicken broth and heavy cream makes this soup hearty enough to be a meal on its own.
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Easy to Make: Instead of layering noodles and baking for hours, this soup comes together in one pot in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
No wonder this soup has become a favorite comfort food for many! Whether you’re craving something rich after a long day or looking for a dish to warm you up during cold weather, Alfredo Lasagna Soup never disappoints.
You can even find other comforting soups to try, like those found on this Comfort Food Pinterest page.
Essential Ingredients for Alfredo Lasagna Soup
The beauty of Alfredo Lasagna Soup lies in its simplicity. With just a few key ingredients, you can create a comforting and flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy any craving. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to make this creamy soup:
Main Ingredients
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Ground Meat: Typically, ground turkey is used, but you can also opt for ground chicken or ground beef depending on your preferences. For a vegetarian version, consider using mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternatives.
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Onion and Garlic: These aromatic ingredients bring depth to the soup’s base and provide that familiar savory flavor found in most Italian dishes. The onion is sautéed until translucent, while the garlic adds an extra layer of richness.
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Italian Seasoning: Dried basil, oregano, and other Italian herbs make up the seasoning mix. These herbs complement the creamy base and add that classic lasagna flavor.
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Chicken Broth: The chicken broth serves as the foundation of the soup, creating a savory, flavorful base. You can swap it with vegetable broth if you’re making a vegetarian version.
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Heavy Cream: This is the secret to achieving that velvety texture that makes Alfredo sauce so distinctive. The heavy cream balances the richness of the cheese and helps create the perfect creamy broth for the soup.
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Lasagna Noodles: Instead of layering noodles as you would in a traditional lasagna, break the noodles into bite-sized pieces. This will allow them to cook quickly and soak up the delicious broth. You can use regular lasagna noodles or opt for gluten-free lasagna noodles if needed.
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Cheese: A combination of ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese is stirred into the soup, providing the essential creaminess and that delicious cheesy flavor typical of lasagna.
Garnishes and Extras
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Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up the dish but adds a touch of color and freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
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Extra Cheese: For an extra indulgent experience, consider adding more Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving.
Each ingredient plays an important role in creating the final flavor and texture, so be sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best results.
For more about different types of cheese that can be used in various recipes, check out the Wikipedia article on Cheese.
Ingredient Substitutions
One of the best things about Alfredo Lasagna Soup is its versatility. Here are a few substitutions you can make based on dietary restrictions or preferences:
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Dairy-Free: You can use a dairy-free cream substitute, such as coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream. For cheese, look for vegan ricotta or vegan mozzarella.
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles to make the soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Vegetarian: For a vegetarian-friendly version, use vegetable broth and substitute the meat with plant-based alternatives like lentils, tofu, or a mix of hearty vegetables like mushrooms and spinach.
If you’re looking for more ideas on how to customize this recipe, feel free to explore variations on Pinterest, such as those found in this Vegetarian Lasagna Soup Pinterest Board.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cooking Alfredo Lasagna Soup
Now that you have a good understanding of the essential ingredients for Alfredo Lasagna Soup, it’s time to walk through the cooking process. This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require any special equipment, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a quick and easy meal. Here’s how to make the soup:
1. Cook the Ground Meat
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Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
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Add the ground turkey (or your chosen protein) to the pot. Break the meat apart with a spoon and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
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Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté for about 2-3 minutes until it becomes translucent.
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Next, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 30 seconds. The garlic should become fragrant but not browned.
Sautéing the onion and garlic enhances their flavor, giving the soup a rich base that complements the meat and seasonings. If you’re looking for more details on the flavors of garlic and onions in cooking, visit the Wikipedia page on Garlic.
3. Add Herbs and Spices
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Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to allow the herbs to release their oils, which will enhance the aroma and flavor of the soup.
These herbs bring the distinct Italian flavor profile to the dish. You can adjust the amounts of oregano and basil depending on how strong you prefer the seasoning to be. For more tips on common Italian seasonings, you can explore the Wikipedia entry on Italian Cuisine.
4. Combine Broth and Cream
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Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of heavy cream. Stir well to combine the liquids and dissolve any bits of flavor stuck to the bottom of the pot.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
The broth and cream create the deliciously creamy base that defines this soup. Make sure to stir often to avoid the cream curdling or sticking to the pot.
5. Add the Broken Lasagna Noodles
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Break your lasagna noodles into smaller pieces, about 2-3 inches long, and add them directly to the soup. Stir to ensure the noodles are well distributed.
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Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let the soup simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
This step is important because the noodles will absorb the flavors of the broth and become tender while cooking in the creamy liquid. For a more detailed guide on how to prepare lasagna noodles, you can refer to the Lasagna Wikipedia page.
6. Stir in the Cheeses
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Once the noodles are cooked and tender, add 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese, and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the soup.
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Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture.
The cheese blend is what makes this soup incredibly indulgent and comforting. If you want to explore different types of cheese, such as how Parmesan is made, check out the Wikipedia entry on Parmesan.
7. Adjust Seasoning
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Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. You can add more salt, black pepper, or even a pinch of extra Italian seasoning if you prefer a bolder flavor.
Taste-testing is important to ensure the balance of flavors is just right. You can also add a bit more cream or broth if the soup seems too thick.
8. Serve and Garnish
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Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley. The parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh note to balance out the richness of the soup.
For a truly indulgent touch, you can also sprinkle more Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving.
Making the Soup Ahead of Time & Storing Leftovers
One of the best things about Alfredo Lasagna Soup is its versatility when it comes to meal prep. Not only can it be made ahead of time, but it also stores and reheats well, making it perfect for busy weekdays or making a large batch for the week. Here’s how to make the most of your Alfredo Lasagna Soup by preparing it in advance and properly storing any leftovers.
Making the Soup Ahead of Time
If you want to make the soup ahead of time, follow these steps:
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Cook the Soup as Directed: Prepare the Alfredo Lasagna Soup following the instructions from start to finish. However, it’s best to stop just before adding the cheese in step 6. This will ensure that the cheeses do not lose their creamy texture after sitting in the fridge.
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Cool the Soup: Allow the soup to cool down completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent the soup from becoming too watery when stored.
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Store in an Airtight Container: Once cooled, transfer the soup to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 days.
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Add Cheese When Reheating: When you’re ready to serve the soup, reheat it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Once the soup is warm, add the ricotta cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese as described in step 6 of the recipe. Stir until the cheeses are melted and incorporated. This will help maintain the rich, creamy texture of the soup.
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover soup, don’t worry—it stores well in both the refrigerator and the freezer.
In the Refrigerator:
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Store in an Airtight Container: Keep leftover Alfredo Lasagna Soup in a sealed container in the fridge. It should last for up to 3-4 days.
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Reheat Properly: When reheating, add a little extra broth or cream if the soup has thickened too much. Gently reheat on the stove over low heat to preserve the creamy texture.
In the Freezer:
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Freeze the Soup: If you want to store the soup for longer, freezing it is a great option. Make sure to allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. For best results, freeze the soup in portions so you can defrost only what you need.
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How to Reheat from Frozen: To reheat frozen soup, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, warm it on the stove over low heat. If the soup has thickened, you can add a bit more chicken broth or cream to achieve the desired consistency.
Tips for Perfect Storage
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Avoid Freezing with Cheese: If you’re making the soup ahead of time and intend to freeze it, it’s best to leave the cheese out. Cheese can sometimes change texture when frozen and then reheated, so it’s better to add the ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan just before serving.
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Add Fresh Parsley When Serving: While you can store the soup with the cheese, it’s best to wait until you serve the soup to add the fresh parsley garnish. This will keep the herbs fresh and vibrant.
By following these simple storage tips, you can enjoy Alfredo Lasagna Soup whenever you want, whether it’s freshly made or reheated from a batch you prepped earlier.
How Long Can You Store Alfredo Lasagna Soup?
To ensure your soup stays fresh and safe to eat, here are some guidelines for how long you can store it:
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In the Refrigerator: 3-4 days. After that, the flavors may begin to degrade, and the texture might change.
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In the Freezer: Up to 3 months. While the texture of the noodles may change slightly after freezing and reheating, the flavors will remain intact.
For a more detailed breakdown of storing and freezing soup, visit the Wikipedia page on Freezing Food.
Variations and Customizations for Alfredo Lasagna Soup
One of the great things about Alfredo Lasagna Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to meet dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or seasonal ingredient availability. Here are a few variations and customizations you can try:
Vegetarian Alfredo Lasagna Soup
If you want a meat-free version of this soup, you can swap out the ground turkey for vegetables or plant-based alternatives. Some great options include:
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Mushrooms: Mushrooms provide a meaty texture and earthy flavor, making them an excellent substitute for ground meat. You can use a combination of button mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or portobello mushrooms for depth of flavor.
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Lentils: Lentils are another great meat substitute, adding protein and fiber to the soup. You can use cooked green or brown lentils, which hold their shape and provide a hearty, filling texture.
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Tofu: If you prefer tofu, press and crumble it to mimic the texture of ground meat. Tofu will absorb the flavors of the broth and spices, making it a perfect meat replacement.
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Spinach or Zucchini: For an added veggie boost, stir in spinach or zucchini during the last few minutes of cooking. These vegetables will soften and blend into the creamy soup without overpowering the flavor.
Gluten-Free Alfredo Lasagna Soup
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, it’s simple to adapt the recipe:
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Gluten-Free Noodles: Swap out regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free lasagna noodles. Be sure to check the cooking instructions for gluten-free noodles, as they may cook a bit faster or slower than traditional ones.
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Broth Substitutions: If you’re sensitive to gluten, ensure that your chicken broth is gluten-free. Many store-bought broths contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free options at most grocery stores or make your own.
Adding More Protein
If you want to make your soup even more filling, you can increase the protein content:
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Sausage: Try adding Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, for a burst of flavor. You can cook it alongside the ground turkey or use it as a standalone protein.
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Chicken: Diced rotisserie chicken is a great option if you want to add extra protein without much effort. Simply stir it in during the last few minutes of cooking.
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Bacon: For a smoky twist, try adding crispy bacon or pancetta. It will provide a crispy texture and deep flavor to the soup.
Seasonal Variations
Depending on the time of year, you can switch up the ingredients to take advantage of seasonal produce:
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Fall/Winter: Add seasonal vegetables like butternut squash, pumpkin, or kale. These ingredients will not only boost the nutrition of the soup but also enhance the flavor.
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Spring/Summer: Fresh tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini can be added to give the soup a lighter, fresher taste. You can also add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for a fragrant burst of flavor.
Experimenting with these variations will allow you to make this Alfredo Lasagna Soup your own, ensuring it’s both versatile and adaptable to your tastes and dietary needs.
FAQs about Alfredo Lasagna Soup
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Turkey?
If you don’t have ground turkey on hand or prefer a different protein, you can easily swap it out for other options:
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Ground chicken, ground beef, or ground pork work well in this soup.
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For a vegetarian or vegan option, try mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat alternatives like Beyond Meat or Impossible Meat.
Can I Make Alfredo Lasagna Soup Without Dairy?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version of this soup by substituting the dairy ingredients:
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Use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute.
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Swap the cheeses for dairy-free ricotta, vegan mozzarella, and vegan Parmesan.
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Be sure to check the chicken broth or vegetable broth to ensure it’s also dairy-free.
How Long Can I Store Alfredo Lasagna Soup?
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In the Refrigerator: You can store Alfredo Lasagna Soup in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating.
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In the Freezer: The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, you may need to add a little more cream or broth to get the texture back to its creamy consistency.
Can I Use Fresh Lasagna Noodles Instead of Dried?
While you can use fresh lasagna noodles, they may require less cooking time than dried noodles. Break the fresh noodles into pieces and add them to the soup at the same time as the dried noodles. Be sure to check the texture as they cook to ensure they don’t overcook and become too soft.
PrintThe Ultimate Guide to Alfredo Lasagna Soup Recipes
This Alfredo Lasagna Soup is a warm, comforting twist on the classic Italian lasagna, turning it into a creamy, hearty soup that’s perfect for any occasion. The soup features tender lasagna noodles simmered in a rich chicken broth and heavy cream base, flavored with garlic, Italian herbs, and savory ground turkey. The final touch is a generous amount of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, making each bite melt-in-your-mouth creamy and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping it in advance for meal planning, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
For the soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
- Stir in the dried basil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute to toast the spices.
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Add the broken lasagna noodles into the soup. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Stir in the ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheeses are melted and the soup becomes creamy.
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve the soup in bowls, garnished with chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
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Dairy-Free: To make this soup dairy-free, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream and use dairy-free cheeses.
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Gluten-Free: Swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free noodles to make this soup suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Meat Substitutes: If you’re looking to make this soup vegetarian, swap the ground turkey for mushrooms, lentils, or tofu for a plant-based protein option.
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Make Ahead: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months.
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Garnish: Fresh parsley adds a lovely touch of color and flavor, but you can also use basil for a more fragrant finish. Feel free to add extra Parmesan or mozzarella on top for an indulgent touch.
