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If you’re craving the cozy comfort of lasagna but want something quicker and soupier, the Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine all the satisfying flavors of a classic lasagna — gooey melted cheese, rich tomato sauce, savory sausage, and fragrant garlic — but served in a warm, hearty bowl that’s perfect for any day of the week. This soup brings together layers of taste and texture with a delightful twist: crunchy garlic bread croutons that add that extra punch and coziness you didn’t know you needed. I promise, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a family favorite in no time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in building the rich flavor, satisfying texture, and lovely colors of this soup. From savory sausage to creamy cheeses and fresh herbs, every component brings something wonderful to the bowl.
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage: Provides a spicy, savory backbone that’s absolutely delicious.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- 3-4 cloves garlic, minced: Creates that irresistible aromatic base that wakes up the whole dish.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can): The heart of the soup, giving acidity and vibrant color.
- 6 cups chicken broth: Keeps the soup silky and flavorful without overpowering other ingredients.
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces: Perfect pasta shape to slurp up easily and soak in the broth.
- 1 cup ricotta cheese: Adds creamy richness that melts beautifully into the soup.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts to create that classic stretchy, gooey lasagna feel.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Boosts umami and gives a nice salty tang.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (about 1/4 cup loosely packed): Adds a fresh, bright herbal note at the end.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Balances and enhances every flavor in the pot.
- 2 tbsp butter: Used for sautéing, adding richness and helping build flavor.
- 1 cup garlic bread croutons: For topping — they provide a crispy, buttery bite that makes this soup unforgettable.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and cooking the ground Italian sausage until it’s beautifully browned and cooked all the way through. This step creates a rich, savory foundation. Once done, remove any excess fat if needed, then toss in the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions turn tender and translucent, releasing a fragrant aroma that makes it feel like comfort in a pot already.
Step 2: Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth next. Stir in the Italian seasoning along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This crucial moment lets the flavors start to mingle and develop depth, giving you that rich tomato base that feels just like homemade sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Lasagna Noodles in Soup
Now add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup. Cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes until they are perfectly al dente. Stir the soup occasionally to make sure the noodles don’t stick together or to the bottom of the pot. Breaking the noodles smaller helps them soak in all the flavors while making each spoonful easier to enjoy.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low before adding the creamy ricotta cheese. Stir it in until it melts smoothly into the broth, turning it luxuriously creamy. Then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, letting those wonderful cheeses melt gently and create that signature cheesy texture all over the soup. This step is the magic that transforms it into a rich, hearty meal.
Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil and Garlic Bread Croutons
Tear fresh basil leaves and fold them into the soup for a pop of brightness and herbal freshness that cuts through the richness. Just before serving, scatter garlic bread croutons on top to introduce a satisfying crunch and intense garlic flavor that perfectly complements all the melted cheese and savory sausage beneath.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes are the final touch that elevate this soup from tasty to unforgettable. I love sprinkling extra Parmesan or adding a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for a glossy finish. Fresh basil leaves or a pinch of red pepper flakes can also add a little extra zing for those who like some heat or freshness. Don’t skip the garlic bread croutons—they’re essential for texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette brings balance and color. A light Caesar salad or sautéed spinach with garlic can echo the Italian flavors nicely without overwhelming the dish. And of course, more garlic bread on the side is never a bad idea if you want to double down on those comforting garlic notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving the soup in rustic bread bowls to make the meal fun and interactive – guests can tear off bits of the bowl and dip into their soup! For a gathering, layering the soup in clear glasses or mason jars shows off its beautiful colors and textures. You can even set up a “build-your-own topping bar” with extra cheeses, fresh herbs, and crushed garlic bread for some personalized fun at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve the freshness of the herbs and creaminess of the cheeses. The noodles will soak up more broth over time, so if you store it overnight, the soup might be thicker—just add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing
You can freeze this soup, but keep in mind that texture changes may occur, especially with the creamy cheese components and noodles. To minimize this, freeze the soup before adding the fresh basil and garlic bread croutons. When thawing, do so overnight in the fridge and add those fresh ingredients just before serving to keep that vibrant flavor and perfect texture.
Reheating
Reheat the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring often. This will help the cheese melt evenly again and prevent the soup from sticking to the pot. If the soup has thickened too much, add a little chicken broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency. For a quick fix, microwaving works too – just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring between heats.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef can be a great substitute if you prefer a milder flavor or don’t have Italian sausage on hand. You might want to add a pinch of fennel or Italian seasoning to mimic the sausage’s distinctive taste.
Is it okay to use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
While fresh basil adds a bright and fresh herbal note that really lifts the soup, dried basil can work in a pinch. Add it earlier in the cooking process so it has time to infuse the broth, and use about half as much since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative or hearty vegetables like mushrooms and eggplant for a meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and watch the magic happen.
How do I make homemade garlic bread croutons?
Simply cube stale or day-old bread, toss with melted butter, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt, then bake at 375°F until crisp and golden. They add the perfect, garlicky crunch to this soup.
Can I prepare this soup in a slow cooker?
You can, but I recommend browning the sausage and sautéing the onions and garlic on the stove first for maximum flavor. Then combine all ingredients (except cheeses and basil) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding cheeses and basil near the end for that fresh, creamy finish.
Final Thoughts
The Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe truly brings comfort food to a whole new level — cozy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. Easy to make and endlessly satisfying, it’s perfect for family dinners or casual nights in. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and enjoy every spoonful as much as I do!
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Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup combines the comforting flavors of classic lasagna with the ease of a hearty soup. Ground Italian sausage, aromatic onions and garlic, crushed tomatoes, and lasagna noodles simmer together in a flavorful broth, then are enriched with creamy ricotta, melted mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Finished with fresh basil and crunchy garlic bread croutons, this 45-minute dish serves 6 and is perfect for cozy family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 6 cups chicken broth
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz lasagna noodles, broken into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Garnish
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (about 1/4 cup loosely packed)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup garlic bread croutons (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage and Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess fat as needed. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the pot, sautéing until the onions are translucent and fragrant to create a savory base for the soup.
- Add Tomatoes, Broth, and Seasonings: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing the flavors to meld before adding the pasta.
- Cook the Lasagna Noodles in Soup: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking, until they are al dente.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese until the soup is smooth and creamy. Then add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt gradually into the soup, creating a rich, cheesy texture.
- Finish with Fresh Basil and Garlic Bread Croutons: Tear fresh basil leaves and stir them into the soup to add a bright herbal note. Just before serving, sprinkle garlic bread croutons on top to provide a flavorful crunch.
Notes
- Make sure to break the lasagna noodles into small enough pieces for easy eating.
- Use homemade garlic bread croutons for extra flavor and freshness.
- Adjust the amount of salt and pepper based on your taste preference.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stovetop.
