Introduction
Steam curls from the oven as golden Garlic Bread Croutons bubble atop a rich, molten bowl of pasta perfection. This Baked Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread Topping transforms traditional lasagna into a soul-warming Hearty Cheese Soup that delivers all the comfort without the layering hassle. Furthermore, this Easy Oven Pasta Soup combines tender noodles, rich meat sauce, and melted cheese into one unforgettable dish.
Additionally, busy weeknights become instantly more manageable with this Cozy Weeknight Soup that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Moreover, the crispy garlic bread topping creates a textural contrast that makes each spoonful irresistible. This Comfort Food Italian recipe proves that innovation and tradition can coexist beautifully.
Consequently, families searching for a Family Dinner Recipe that brings everyone to the table will find their answer in this Cheesy Oven Soup. The recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors while remaining surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients
This Baked Lasagna Soup requires carefully selected ingredients that work together to create layers of flavor. First, gather these essential components for your soup base:
For the Soup:
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (substitute: ground turkey or beef)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (substitute: sweet onion)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced (substitute: 2 teaspoons garlic powder)
- 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (substitute: diced tomatoes, drained)
- 32 ounces low-sodium chicken broth (substitute: vegetable broth)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (substitute: 1 tablespoon ketchup)
- 2 teaspoons dried basil (substitute: 1 tablespoon fresh basil)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (substitute: 1 tablespoon fresh oregano)
- 8 ounces lasagna noodles, broken into pieces (substitute: penne pasta)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese (substitute: cottage cheese)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (substitute: Italian cheese blend)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (substitute: Romano cheese)
For the Garlic Bread Topping:
- 6 thick slices day-old bread, cubed (substitute: dinner rolls)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (substitute: olive oil)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (substitute: garlic salt)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (substitute: dried parsley)
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese for topping
Similarly, these high-quality ingredients create the foundation for exceptional flavor development.
Timing
This Easy Oven Pasta Soup requires strategic timing for perfect results. Therefore, plan your cooking schedule accordingly:
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Notably, this timing represents 25% less effort than traditional layered lasagna while delivering similar satisfaction. Additionally, the hands-on time equals only 30 minutes, allowing you to prepare side dishes simultaneously.
Step 1: Prepare the Soup Base
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, heat a large Dutch oven or oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Next, add the Italian sausage and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Subsequently, the meat should develop a golden-brown color that adds depth to your Comfort Food Italian dish.
Meanwhile, drain excess fat, leaving approximately 1 tablespoon in the pot. This technique prevents greasiness while maintaining flavor.
Step 2: Build the Aromatic Foundation
Add diced onions to the same pot and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Furthermore, stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Additionally, this combination creates the aromatic base that makes this Hearty Cheese Soup irresistible.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step, as properly caramelized onions contribute significant sweetness to balance the acidity.
Step 3: Create the Tomato Base
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to develop deeper flavors. Then, add crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and oregano. Subsequently, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. This process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Moreover, taste and adjust seasonings as needed during this stage.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Add broken lasagna noodles to the simmering soup and cook for 12-15 minutes until al dente. Additionally, stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Meanwhile, the pasta will absorb some liquid and release starch, creating the perfect consistency for your Cozy Weeknight Soup.
Importantly, slightly undercook the pasta since it will continue cooking in the oven.
Step 5: Incorporate the Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in ricotta cheese until well combined. Then, add 1½ cups of mozzarella cheese and ¼ cup of Parmesan cheese. Subsequently, mix gently until the cheese begins melting. This step transforms your soup into a truly Cheesy Oven Soup.
Furthermore, reserve remaining cheese for the final topping.
Step 6: Prepare the Garlic Bread Topping
In a large bowl, combine bread cubes with melted butter, minced garlic, and fresh parsley. Next, toss until evenly coated. Then, arrange these Garlic Bread Croutons over the soup surface. Finally, sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top.
This topping creates the signature element that sets this Family Dinner Recipe apart from ordinary soups.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Transfer the pot to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese melts and the bread topping turns golden brown. Additionally, the edges should bubble enthusiastically. Finally, let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow proper thickening.
Nutritional Information
This Baked Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread Topping provides substantial nutrition per serving (serves 6):
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 485 | 24% |
| Protein | 28g | 56% |
| Carbohydrates | 42g | 14% |
| Fat | 22g | 34% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sodium | 920mg | 40% |
| Calcium | 380mg | 38% |
Additionally, this recipe provides excellent amounts of vitamin A, iron, and B vitamins. Moreover, the high protein content makes it particularly satisfying for growing families.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
Transform this Easy Oven Pasta Soup into a lighter version with these smart substitutions. First, replace Italian sausage with lean ground turkey to reduce saturated fat by 40%. Additionally, use part-skim ricotta and mozzarella cheeses to decrease calories without sacrificing taste.
Furthermore, substitute whole wheat pasta for extra fiber and nutrients. Similarly, add diced zucchini or spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking for increased vegetable content. Moreover, reduce sodium by using low-sodium broth and limiting added salt.
For dairy-free options, use cashew-based cheese alternatives and coconut milk-based ricotta substitutes. These modifications maintain the Comfort Food Italian essence while accommodating dietary restrictions.
Serving Suggestions
Present this Hearty Cheese Soup alongside complementary dishes that complete the meal. First, serve with a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens with balsamic vinaigrette. Additionally, garlic breadsticks or focaccia bread make excellent accompaniments for those wanting extra carbohydrates.
Moreover, pair with a light Pinot Grigio or Chianti Classico wine for adults. For families, sparkling apple cider or Italian sodas create festive beverage options. Furthermore, finish the meal with tiramisu or gelato to maintain the Italian theme.
Additionally, this soup works beautifully for casual entertaining or potluck dinners.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Prevent disappointing results by avoiding these frequent errors when making Baked Lasagna Soup. First, don’t overcook the pasta initially, as it continues cooking in the oven and can become mushy. Additionally, avoid using pre-shredded cheese exclusively, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.
Furthermore, resist the urge to skip the resting period after baking. This crucial step allows the soup to thicken properly. Moreover, don’t substitute regular bread for day-old bread in the topping, as fresh bread becomes soggy rather than crispy.
Similarly, avoid using non-oven-safe cookware, which can crack under high heat. Finally, don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Properly store your Cozy Weeknight Soup to maintain quality and safety. First, refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Additionally, the soup may thicken during storage, so add extra broth when reheating.
Furthermore, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. However, note that the pasta texture may change slightly after freezing. Moreover, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
For best results, add fresh cheese and prepare new Garlic Bread Croutons when reheating frozen portions. This technique restores the original texture and flavor profile.
Conclusion
This Baked Lasagna Soup with Garlic Bread Topping successfully combines the beloved flavors of traditional lasagna with the convenience of a one-pot meal. Moreover, the recipe delivers maximum comfort with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy families seeking connection around the dinner table.
Try this Family Dinner Recipe tonight and discover how simple ingredients can create extraordinary memories. Share your cooking experience in the comments below, and don’t forget to rate this recipe to help other home cooks find their new favorite Comfort Food Italian dish.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the soup completely but add the bread topping just before baking. This prevents sogginess while maintaining convenience.
What’s the best pasta substitute for lasagna noodles?
Penne, rigatoni, or broken spaghetti work excellently. Choose shapes that hold sauce well for optimal results.
Can I use different types of meat?
Absolutely! Ground beef, turkey, or even leftover rotisserie chicken create delicious variations of this Cheesy Oven Soup.
How do I prevent the cheese from becoming stringy?
Remove the pot from heat before adding cheese and stir gently. Additionally, use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Easy Oven Pasta Soup stores well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for weekly meal preparation.
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