If you are looking for a hearty, comforting dish that feels like a warm Italian hug in a bowl, then this Quick Lasagna Soup for a Crowd Recipe is exactly what you need. It captures all the rich, savory flavors of traditional lasagna but in a quicker, soupier form that’s perfect for feeding family and friends without the fuss. With layers of sausage, fragrant herbs, tangy tomato, tender noodles, and melty cheeses, this soup is not only satisfying but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it a true crowd-pleaser any time you want a delicious, no-fuss dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, coming together to create a balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes the dish truly irresistible. From the fragrant garlic and savory Italian sausage to the fresh basil and rich cheeses, each component brings something special to the pot.
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil: A flavorful base for sautéing the onions and garlic, adding richness to the soup.
- 1 cup onion (finely diced): Provides a sweet and savory foundation that deepens the overall flavor.
- 3 tsp garlic: Brings aromatic warmth and a mild punch to the soup’s profile.
- 1 lb Italian sausage: I prefer mild Johnsonville for just the right amount of spice and heartiness.
- 32 oz chicken stock: A consistent, savory base that carries all the other flavors beautifully.
- 30 oz diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a vibrant texture to the broth.
- 6 oz tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the soup slightly.
- 1 tsp oregano: Infuses an earthy herbal tone typical to Italian dishes.
- 0.75 tsp Italian seasoning: A blend that complements the oregano with a mixture of herbs.
- 4 tbsp fresh basil (julienned): Adds fresh, sweet, and slightly peppery notes for brightness.
- 8 lasagna noodles (broken into 1-2 inch pieces): The star that turns this into a lasagna-inspired soup with perfect pasta bite.
- 0.75 cup parmesan cheese: Salty and nutty, it enhances the savory depth.
- 1.25 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded): Melts beautifully for a gooey, comforting finish.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese: Creamy dollops that add richness and a lovely textural contrast.
How to Make Quick Lasagna Soup for a Crowd Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the finely diced onions and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until it releases its mouthwatering aroma. Next, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until nicely browned — this is where the soup develops its savory backbone, so don’t rush it!
Step 2: Build the Tomato Base
Pour in the chicken stock followed by the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Stir everything together well so the paste dissolves into the broth, creating a rich and slightly thicker sauce. Sprinkle in the oregano and Italian seasoning, bringing in that classic Italian herb flavor that takes the soup beyond just ordinary tomato soup.
Step 3: Simmer with Pasta
Bring your pot to a gentle boil then add the broken lasagna noodles, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the noodles are perfectly tender but still have a bit of bite, usually around 8-10 minutes. This step is key because perfectly cooked noodles will make the soup truly comforting and hearty.
Step 4: Final Touches with Cheese and Basil
Lower the heat and stir in the freshly julienned basil, parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, allowing them to melt into the soup for a creamy, cheesy texture. Taste your soup and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. The finishing touch is to add dollops of ricotta cheese when serving, adding a luscious creaminess that makes this soup feel special and indulgent.
How to Serve Quick Lasagna Soup for a Crowd Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of extra parmesan on top really elevate the presentation and flavor. If you like a bit of heat, a few red pepper flakes sprinkled over the serving bowls can add a pleasant kick. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end can add richness and shine to the soup as well.
Side Dishes
This soup is wonderfully filling on its own, but serving it alongside a crisp green salad or warm, crusty garlic bread makes the meal complete. The bread is perfect for dipping, soaking up every last flavorful drop from the bowl.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, serve the soup in individual oven-safe bowls topped with shredded mozzarella and broil until bubbly and golden. This brings a fun, lasagna-inspired cheese crust right to the top of your soup. Alternatively, ladle the soup over toasted lasagna noodle crisps for a playful texture contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making your leftovers even better the next day.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Freeze in portioned containers, leaving room for the noodles to expand. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, so the texture of the pasta stays as pleasing as possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much as it sits, adding a splash of chicken stock or water can help bring it back to the perfect consistency without diluting flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground beef works well and will still deliver a rich, meaty flavor, though sausage adds a bit more spice and seasoning complexity.
What if I don’t have fresh basil?
Dried basil works in a pinch, but fresh basil really brightens the soup and adds that signature fresh taste we love in Italian cooking.
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the sausage with your favorite plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
How thick should the soup be?
This soup strikes a happy medium — it should be hearty enough to feel like a meal but still spoonable and comforting, not too thick or heavy.
Is it okay to add the cheese directly to the soup?
Yes! Stirrings cheeses in near the end melt them perfectly, giving the soup a creamy, luscious texture that makes it feel just like lasagna in a bowl.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Lasagna Soup for a Crowd Recipe is such a gem — it delivers all the cozy, rich flavors of lasagna without the fuss and is a fantastic way to feed your loved ones with minimal effort. Whether for a casual weeknight or a gathering with friends, this soup warms the heart and fills the belly in the best way possible. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a favorite go-to in your kitchen!
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Quick Lasagna Soup for a Crowd Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Quick Lasagna Soup is a hearty, comforting dish inspired by the classic Italian lasagna but simplified into a delicious, easy-to-make soup. Perfectly combining Italian sausage, tomatoes, lasagna noodles, and a flavorful blend of herbs and cheeses, it makes a satisfying meal for a crowd with minimal prep and cook time.
Ingredients
Sauce Base
- 1.5 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup onion, finely diced (about 1/4-inch pieces)
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 lb Italian sausage (Johnsonville mild ground sausage preferred)
- 32 oz chicken stock (Swanson recommended for consistent savory flavor)
- 30 oz diced tomatoes
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 1 tsp oregano
- 0.75 tsp Italian seasoning
- 4 tbsp fresh basil, julienned into thin strips
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
Lasagna Noodles & Cheese
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into 1–2 inch pieces
- 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1.25 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded
- 0.5 cup ricotta cheese
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Italian Sausage: Add the ground Italian sausage to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Liquids and Seasonings: Pour in 32 ounces of chicken stock, 30 ounces of diced tomatoes, and 6 ounces of tomato paste. Stir in oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Basil and Pasta: Stir in the freshly julienned basil. Add the broken lasagna noodles to the pot, making sure they are submerged in the liquid. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until noodles are al dente, about 10-12 minutes.
- Incorporate Cheeses: Once noodles are tender, stir in 0.75 cup Parmesan cheese and 1.25 cups shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
- Serve with Ricotta: Ladle soup into bowls and top each serving with a spoonful of creamy ricotta cheese for extra richness and creaminess.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey or beef for a different flavor.
- Fresh basil adds bright flavor; dried basil can be used but reduce quantity to 1 tablespoon.
- For a spicier soup, use spicy Italian sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days; store ricotta separately for best texture upon reheating.
- Breaking the noodles into small pieces helps mimic lasagna layers within the soup broth.
