If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food with a twist, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup. Imagine everything you love about classic lasagna—layers of savory sausage, bubbling cheese, rich tomato sauce, and tender pasta—all swirling together in a single cozy bowl. Plus, the soup gets a dippable upgrade with cheesy garlic bread on the side, guaranteeing each spoonful is just as delightful as the last. This is the kind of dish that warms up the entire kitchen and brings everyone to the table, hungry for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup plays a starring role, helping build those familiar Italian flavors you crave. The good news? The ingredient list is simple and approachable, making it easy to whip up a luxurious bowl any night of the week.
- Olive oil: Gives a fragrant, golden base for sautéing, infusing richness into the start of your soup.
- Ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds savory depth and that irresistible peppery kick, so choose your favorite spice level!
- Yellow onion (diced): Lends sweetness and subtle crunch, perfectly balancing the spices.
- Garlic (minced): Delivers a punch of flavor that makes the whole kitchen smell heavenly—fresh is best!
- Dried basil and oregano: Classic Italian herbs that elevate the sauce from simple to spectacular.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Offers gentle heat; feel free to use less or more depending on your spice comfort zone.
- Salt and black pepper: The must-have duo for balancing flavors and dialing everything into perfect harmony.
- Tomato paste: Adds an intense tomato flavor, thickening the soup and giving it a beautiful color.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces): The backbone of your lasagna soup, creating that familiar, tangy richness.
- Chicken broth: Loosens things up and adds wonderful savory notes—grab a good quality broth for best results.
- Lasagna noodles (broken into pieces): These transform the soup into a playful, slurpable version of traditional lasagna.
- Heavy cream: For that dreamy, luxurious creaminess you can taste with every spoonful.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully into gooey strands, delivering ultimate pull-apart cheese moments.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp umami and depth, so every bite is extra savory.
- Ricotta cheese: A finishing touch, offering creamy dollops that melt into the hot soup for restaurant-style decadence.
- Fresh basil (for garnish): Finishes each bowl with a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned all over and beautifully crumbly. The caramelized sausage bits will form the flavor foundation for your Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until it’s soft and translucent. Once the onions are perfectly tender, stir in the minced garlic, along with the basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let these aromatics cook for about 30 seconds, just until everything smells irresistible and fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Broth
Squeeze in the tomato paste and mix well, coating the sausage and onion mixture. This step ensures that every spoonful will be packed with concentrated tomato flavor. Now, pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, giving everything a good stir to combine. Bring the mixture up to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the Noodles
Break the lasagna noodles directly into the simmering soup, aiming for large, rustic pieces that are fun to eat. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but still have a bit of bite—just like in classic lasagna.
Step 5: Make it Creamy and Cheesy
Once the noodles are ready, lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Watch as the soup turns creamy and the cheeses melt into stringy, cheesy bliss—all the classic lasagna flavors, now in spoonable form!
Step 6: Finish with Ricotta and Basil
Remove the pot from heat and ladle the soup into bowls while it’s still piping hot. Add a generous dollop of ricotta cheese to each bowl, then scatter with fresh basil leaves for a splash of color and a burst of fresh flavor. Congratulations, your Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup
Garnishes
Don’t skimp on the finishing touches—garnishing is what takes this soup from comforting to utterly crave-worthy. Sprinkle extra mozzarella or Parmesan over each bowl right before serving, and add a little more fresh basil on top for good measure. Those creamy ricotta dollops not only look beautiful but melt into the soup, making every bite extra special.
Side Dishes
The Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup is practically begging for a plate of golden, cheesy garlic bread on the side. Toast up slices of crusty bread rubbed with garlic and loaded with gooey cheese, then dip them right into the soup for an experience that’s pure comfort. If you’d like something lighter, a crisp green salad with a zippy vinaigrette is also a wonderful contrast to the soup’s rich flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For something truly memorable, serve your soup in oven-safe bowls and broil with extra mozzarella on top for that bubbling lasagna look. Or, host a fun build-your-own topping bar, letting guests sprinkle on their favorite extras like chopped fresh herbs, sautéed mushrooms, or even a dusting of red pepper flakes. This soup is just as perfect for cozy weeknights as it is for impressing guests at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. The soup will stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making your next bowl even more flavorful!
Freezing
Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup can definitely be frozen for later cravings. For best results, let the soup cool, then transfer to freezer-safe containers, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. If you know you’ll want to freeze some, try undercooking the noodles just a touch, so they won’t get mushy when reheated.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your soup again, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, add a splash or two of broth to loosen it up. Avoid boiling, especially once the cheeses have been added, so the creamy texture stays luscious and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply swap out the sausage for your favorite plant-based crumble or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get all those wonderful lasagna flavors in every scoop.
Is it possible to use oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes, oven-ready noodles work beautifully and actually cook a little faster. Just break them into pieces as you would with regular noodles, and keep an eye on the cooking time, as they tend to soften a bit quicker.
How can I make the soup spicier?
If you love a little heat, double up on the crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage. For extra zing, you can even add a pinch of cayenne before serving.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
For best results, warm leftover Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat. Add a splash of broth or even a bit of water if it’s thickened too much, and stir regularly until it’s hot and creamy again.
Can I prep the cheesy garlic bread ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble your garlic bread on a baking sheet, wrap it tightly, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a day. When you’re ready, just bake until golden and bubbly to serve alongside your Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup is one of those magical dishes that turns a regular night at home into something unforgettable. With all the layers of flavor and texture you adore in classic lasagna (plus the irresistible bonus of garlic bread), it’s an absolute must-try. Grab your coziest bowl, load up on cheese, and get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort food!
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and indulgent twist on traditional lasagna in soup form, this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cooler weather. Loaded with Italian sausage, fragrant herbs, creamy cheeses, and lasagna noodles, this soup is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
Garnish:
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned.
- Add the onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and coat the mixture. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth, bring to a boil, then simmer.
- Add lasagna noodles and cook until tender. Stir in cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted.
- Remove from heat, ladle into bowls, top with ricotta, and garnish with basil.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.
- You can use oven-ready lasagna noodles for quicker cooking.
- Serve with cheesy garlic bread for the full experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
