If you crave the comforting flavors of lasagna but want something quicker and cozier, you are going to absolutely love this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe. Imagine all the layers of rich Italian sausage, garlic, creamy cheeses, and tender lasagna noodles swimming in a flavorful tomato broth, topped with crunchy garlic bread croutons that add the perfect garlicky crunch. This dish brings all the best parts of your favorite Italian comfort food into a soup bowl, making it perfect for sharing on chilly evenings or when you want dinner with big flavor and a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, from building the savory base to giving you that irresistible cheesy melt and fresh herbal brightness. These straightforward ingredients come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures that make this soup so incredibly satisfying.
- Ground Italian sausage: Brings bold, savory flavor and a hearty texture to the soup’s foundation.
- Medium onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth once sautéed until translucent.
- Garlic cloves: Minced fresh to fill the kitchen with intoxicating aroma and sharp undertones.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 oz): Provide a rich, tangy base that balances perfectly with the cheeses.
- Chicken broth (6 cups): Keeps the soup light yet flavorful, tying all ingredients together.
- Lasagna noodles (8 oz): Broken into bite-sized pieces for traditional pasta comfort in every spoonful.
- Ricotta cheese (1 cup): Stirred in to give the soup a creamy, luscious body.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded): Melts into gooey perfection, adding a dreamy cheesiness.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup grated): Adds a subtle nuttiness and sharp finish.
- Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Infuses classic herbaceous notes emblematic of Italian cuisine.
- Fresh basil leaves (about 1/4 cup, torn): Sprinkle for fresh, fragrant bursts that brighten the soup.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential to season and enhance all flavors.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness that rounds out the savory flavors beautifully.
- Garlic bread croutons (1 cup): For that addictive crunchy topping that echoes the garlic bread side everyone loves.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook the sausage and sauté aromatics
Start by browning the ground Italian sausage in a large pot over medium heat. This step builds the soup’s meaty base, so make sure the sausage is fully cooked but still juicy. Once browned, remove any excess fat if it seems too oily. Next, add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing everything until the onions turn translucent and the kitchen smells incredible. This develops the rich, savory backbone for the entire soup.
Step 2: Add tomatoes, broth, and seasonings
Pour in the crushed tomatoes followed by the chicken broth. Stir gently to combine the chunky tomato base with the flavorful broth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning along with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, letting the flavors mingle and deepen before adding the pasta. This simmering step ensures every spoonful will burst with complexity and warmth.
Step 3: Cook the broken lasagna noodles
Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and carefully drop them into the simmering pot. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together. You want the noodles tender but still holding their shape to create the comforting carby bites that remind you of classic lasagna pasta layers.
Step 4: Stir in the cheeses until melty and creamy
Turn the heat to low and scoop in the ricotta cheese, stirring until it dissolves smoothly into the broth for a rich, velvety consistency. Then add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, letting the cheeses melt slowly into delightfully gooey ribbons. This is where the soup transforms into a decadent, cheesy dream.
Step 5: Finish with fresh basil and garlic bread croutons
Tear fresh basil leaves and fold them into the soup for a fresh, vibrant note that cuts through the richness. Right before serving, sprinkle garlic bread croutons generously on top to add a crunchy texture and that signature garlic bread flavor everyone knows and loves. These croutons are like little bursts of toasty garlic goodness in every bowl.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving experience, consider extra sprinkles of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil for shine. Fresh basil leaves can be added on top for color and aroma. A few red pepper flakes can add a hint of heat if you want to spice things up. These garnishes bring extra personal flair and layers of flavor to your bowl.
Side Dishes
This soup already features garlic bread croutons inside, but a side of warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad balances the meal perfectly. Light Caesar salad or an arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast to the rich, cheesy soup. For something heartier, roasted vegetables seasoned with Italian herbs complement the rustic vibe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this soup in rustic bowls topped with a few whole basil leaves and lightly toasted garlic bread slices makes an inviting presentation perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. For a fun twist, serve with mini ramekins of extra cheeses or a small side of spicy chili oil for those who like to customize their spice level. Using colorful bowls that highlight the vibrant tomato base also makes the dish visually appetizing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers potentially even better. Just be mindful that the noodles will continue to soak up broth, so you may want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen the consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze the Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe, but keep in mind that the texture of the noodles may soften more after thawing. For best results, freeze without the garlic bread croutons and add those fresh when serving. Freeze the soup in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the texture if it feels too thick. Avoid high heat that could cause the dairy to separate. Add fresh garlic bread croutons on top after reheating just like the first time for that satisfying crunch.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef or even ground turkey can be used if you prefer a milder flavor or are looking to reduce fat. To keep that Italian flavor, just add extra Italian seasoning or a pinch of fennel seed for authenticity.
What if I don’t have fresh basil on hand?
Fresh basil adds a bright herb note that really lifts this soup, but dried basil or Italian seasoning can be used in a pinch. Add dried herbs earlier in the cooking process to allow the flavors to infuse properly.
Can this soup be made vegetarian?
Yes! Skip the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For added protein and texture, try adding sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or crushed tofu seasoned with Italian herbs.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap regular lasagna noodles for gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check your broth and seasonings to confirm they don’t contain hidden gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Why should I add the garlic bread croutons at the end?
Adding the croutons just before serving keeps them crunchy and flavorful. If added earlier, they would soften and lose that signature garlic bread crunch, which is key to the soup’s texture contrast and deliciousness.
Final Thoughts
I hope you are as excited as I am to try this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe because it truly brings the best of hearty Italian comfort food into a simple, cozy bowl. Whether for busy weeknights or weekend indulgence, this soup is always a crowd-pleaser full of warm garlic, melty cheese, and fresh basil goodness. Give it a try and get ready to savor every cheesy, garlicky spoonful!
Print
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 is a comforting, hearty dish that combines all the flavors of traditional lasagna in a warm, savory soup. Featuring browned Italian sausage, tender lasagna noodles, a rich tomato and cheese broth, and topped with crispy garlic bread croutons, it’s perfect for a cozy meal that feels indulgent yet easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground Italian sausage
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
Broth and Tomatoes
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes (1 can)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
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
Herbs and Garnishes
- Fresh basil leaves, torn (about 1/4 cup loosely packed)
- 1 cup garlic bread croutons (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Cook Sausage and Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground Italian sausage until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess fat if necessary. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent to build the soup’s savory foundation.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil to meld flavors before adding pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Break the lasagna noodles into bite-sized pieces and add them directly to the simmering soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes until noodles are al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add Cheeses: Lower the heat and stir in ricotta cheese until smooth and creamy. Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, allowing them to melt slowly to create the signature cheesy texture.
- Finish and Serve: Tear fresh basil leaves and stir into the soup for a bright herbal note. Just before serving, sprinkle garlic bread croutons on top for crunch and garlic flavor.
Notes
- You can use spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick or mild sausage for a gentler flavor.
- Homemade garlic bread croutons add a fresh, crunchy topping but store-bought ones work well too.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding the cheeses at the end prevents them from curdling and keeps the soup creamy.
