Okay, so it’s that time of year, right? When all you want is something seriously cozy. For me, it’s gotta be warm, filling, and maybe, just maybe, with a little kick. Forget plain old lasagna! I’m talking about spicy lasagna soup (with italian sausage)! I mean, who doesn’t love lasagna? But transforming it into a soup? Genius, if I do say so myself. And adding a spicy twist? Even better!
I’ve always been a bit of a mad scientist in the kitchen, just throwing spices together to see what happens. This spicy lasagna soup? It’s one of my happy accidents. After years of experimenting in different kitchens, I found that the best recipes are the ones that surprise you. And trust me, this one will!
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)
Okay, listen up! You’re gonna *adore* this spicy lasagna soup. Why? Let me tell you:
Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal
Seriously, this isn’t one of those recipes that takes all day. I’m all about getting a delicious meal on the table fast, especially on those crazy weeknights. We’re talking ready in under an hour, start to finish. That’s faster than ordering takeout, and way more satisfying!
One-Pot Wonder
Cleanup? Ugh, the worst! But guess what? This is a one-pot recipe! Everything cooks together in the same pot or Dutch oven. Less dishes? Yes, please! More time to relax and enjoy your amazing spicy sausage lasagna soup.
Packed with Flavor
Forget bland, boring soup. This is a flavor explosion! The Italian sausage, the spices, the cheeses… Wow! It’s like a party in your mouth. My favorite part is the way the Calabrian chili paste plays with the rich tomato – just incredible.
Customizable Spice Level
Not a fan of super-spicy? No problem! You control the heat. Add more red pepper flakes and Calabrian chili paste if you’re feeling brave or dial it back for a milder, more family-friendly version. It’s totally up to you!
Hearty and Satisfying
This isn’t some wimpy little soup that leaves you hungry an hour later. This spicy lasagna soup is seriously hearty and filling. The pasta, the sausage, the creamy ricotta… It’s like a warm hug on a cold day. Perfect for those chilly months!
Ingredients for Your Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)
Alright, let’s gather our crew! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing spicy lasagna soup. Don’t worry if you don’t have *everything* on hand; we can always get creative! But trust me, these ingredients are the key to that perfect lasagna-soup flavor.
Italian Sausage
Okay, so for the sausage, I usually go with about a pound. Now, here’s the thing: Mild, hot, sweet… it’s really up to you! I kinda like a little kick, so I often grab hot Italian sausage. But whatever you do, make sure to remove it from the casings. Nobody wants chewy casings in their soup!
Onion and Garlic
Gotta have these! We’re talking one large onion, chopped. Doesn’t have to be perfect – we’re making soup, not winning a chopping contest. And then two cloves of garlic, minced. I *always* use fresh garlic; it makes such a difference!
Spices
Here’s where the magic happens! You’ll need a teaspoon of red pepper flakes – adjust this to your spice preference, obviously! And then, my secret weapon: half a teaspoon of Calabrian chili paste. Wow, this stuff is amazing! If you can’t find it, a little extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne will do in a pinch.
Crushed Tomatoes and Chicken Broth
Grab a 28-ounce can of crushed tomatoes. Fire-roasted? Even better! And then about 6 cups of chicken broth. I usually go with low-sodium so I can control the salt myself.
Dried Herbs
Don’t skip these! They add so much flavor. You’ll need a teaspoon of dried oregano and half a teaspoon of dried basil. Fresh is great, but dried works perfectly fine (and it’s usually what I have on hand, let’s be honest!).
Lasagna Noodles
Yep, gotta have the lasagna! You’ll need about 9 regular lasagna noodles. Now, don’t throw them in whole! Break them into smaller pieces before adding them to the soup. Makes it way easier to eat.
Cheeses
Oh, the cheeses! So good. You’ll need a cup of ricotta cheese. I recommend whole milk ricotta – it’s just so creamy and delicious. And then half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. The real stuff, not the powdery stuff in the green can, okay?
Fresh Parsley
This is optional, but I love a little fresh parsley on top for garnish. About a quarter cup, chopped. Makes everything look so fancy!
How to Make Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage): Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be slurping down a bowl of spicy lasagna soup in no time. Trust me; you got this!
Brown the Italian Sausage
First things first: grab your largest pot or a Dutch oven. Crank that heat to medium-high and toss in the Italian sausage (remember, removed from the casings!). You’ll want to brown it up real good, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. The goal is to get it nice and crispy. Once it’s browned, carefully drain off any excess grease. Nobody wants greasy soup!
Sauté the Aromatics
Now, turn the heat down to medium. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until it starts to soften – about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, and Calabrian chili paste (if you’re using it). Cook for another minute, stirring constantly. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is *not* a good flavor.
Simmer the Soup Base
Alright, time to build that flavor! Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil. Give everything a good stir to combine. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. This lets all those flavors meld together and get happy. Smells amazing, right?
Cook the Lasagna Noodles
Uncover the pot and crank the heat back up to medium. Add the broken lasagna noodles. Cook until the noodles are tender – usually about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot. You want them perfectly al dente, not mushy!
Prepare the Ricotta Topping
While the noodles are cooking, let’s make that dreamy ricotta topping. In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh parsley. Mix it all together until it’s nicely combined. This is going to add so much creamy goodness to your soup!
Serve and Enjoy Your Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)
Okay, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Ladle that gorgeous spicy lasagna soup into bowls. Top each bowl with a generous dollop of the ricotta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste. And then… dig in! Seriously, enjoy every single spoonful. You deserve it!
Tips for the Best Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)
Want to take your spicy lasagna soup from “good” to “OMG, this is amazing!”? I’ve got you covered. These little tips and tricks will help you make the *best* bowl of soup, every single time. Let’s do this!
Control the Spice
Spice is a personal thing, right? What’s mild for me might be scorching hot for you! That’s why I always say, “Taste as you go!” Start with the amounts of red pepper flakes and Calabrian chili paste I’ve suggested. Then, give the soup a taste *before* adding the noodles. Need more heat? Add a pinch more of each, and taste again. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away! If you accidentally add too much, a dollop of sour cream can help cool things down.
Make it Creamier
Okay, so this is a little trick I learned from my grandma (she was a soup genius!). If you want a super creamy, almost bisque-like texture, grab an immersion blender. Once the soup has simmered for about 10 minutes (before you add the noodles!), carefully stick the blender into the pot and blend just *part* of the soup. Don’t blend it all! You still want some chunks of sausage and tomato. This creates a beautiful, velvety texture that’s seriously addictive. Careful, it splatters!
Sausage Substitutions
Not a sausage fan? Or maybe you’re trying to lighten things up a bit? No worries! You can totally swap out the Italian sausage for ground beef or ground turkey. Just brown it the same way you would the sausage, and drain off any excess grease. You might want to add a little extra Italian seasoning if you go this route, just to keep that lasagna flavor going strong. Or, for a vegetarian option, try using plant-based sausage crumbles! They’re actually pretty darn good these days!
Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage) Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic spicy lasagna soup, and you’re loving it. But what if you want to mix things up a bit? No problem! This recipe is super versatile. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
Add Vegetables
Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Go for it! Spinach is always a good choice – just toss a few handfuls in during the last few minutes of cooking until it wilts. Zucchini or bell peppers are also great additions. Dice them up and sauté them with the onion and garlic. Trust me; it works!
Change the Cheese
Ricotta is classic, but hey, why not experiment? A little shredded mozzarella or provolone on top would be amazing. Just sprinkle it on right before serving, and let it melt into cheesy goodness. Or, for a tangier twist, try a dollop of goat cheese! Wow!
Make it Creamy
Want to take that creamy factor to the next level? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the very end of cooking. Just a little bit will make the soup extra rich and decadent. Be careful not to boil it after adding the cream, or it might curdle. Nobody wants that!
Frequently Asked Questions About Spicy Lasagna Soup
Got questions about this amazing spicy lasagna soup? I figured you might! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked. Hopefully, this clears everything up!
Can I make Spicy Sausage Lasagna Soup in a slow cooker?
Yep, you totally can! It’s so easy. Brown the sausage and sauté the onion and garlic like you normally would. Then, toss everything (except the noodles and ricotta) into your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the broken lasagna noodles and cook until they’re tender. Top with the ricotta mixture, and you’re good to go! This is perfect for those busy days when you want dinner ready when you walk in the door.
How do I store leftover Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)?
Storing leftovers is a breeze! Just let the soup cool down completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Pop it in the fridge, and it’ll keep for up to 3 days. Honestly, it tastes even better the next day because all those flavors have had time to meld together even more! But don’t wait too long to eat it; nobody wants funky soup!
Can I freeze Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)?
Freezing works great! Let the soup cool completely. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Make sure to leave a little room at the top, as the soup will expand as it freezes. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You might need to add a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick after thawing. Just remember that the noodles might be a little softer after freezing and thawing, but it’ll still taste amazing!
Can I make this Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage) vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just skip the Italian sausage and use a vegetarian sausage substitute, or even just add more veggies! Some really good plant-based sausage crumbles are out there now, so give them a try! Also, double-check your broth to make sure it’s vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Easy peasy!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)
Okay, so you’ve made a big batch of this amazing spicy lasagna soup (good for you!), and now you’ve got leftovers. Score! Here’s the lowdown on how to store and reheat it so it tastes just as good as the first time. Trust me, it’s easy!
First, let the soup cool down completely. I know, patience is hard when it smells so good. But trust me, you don’t want to put hot soup in the fridge – it can mess with the temperature and make things a little wonky.
Once it’s cooled, just ladle it into airtight containers. I like using glass containers, but plastic works just fine too. Just make sure they’re sealed tight, okay? Then, pop those containers into the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. Though, honestly, it never lasts that long in my house!
Now, when you’re ready to reheat, you’ve got a couple of options. My favorite is the stovetop. Just pour the soup into a pot and heat it over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You want it nice and bubbly and heated all the way through. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up.
You can also use the microwave if you’re in a hurry. Just put a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely, and heat it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it’s nice and hot. Be careful; it can get *really* hot! And don’t forget to let it cool slightly before you dig in. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information for Spicy Lasagna Soup (with Italian Sausage)
Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info, right? I get it! Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re looking at per serving (about 1.5 cups) of this spicy lasagna soup. Keep in mind, it’s just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use.
So, roughly you’re looking at :
- Calories: About 450
- Fat: Around 25g (Saturated Fat: 12g, Unsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0g)
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 900mg (gulp!)
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Remember, this is just a ballpark figure, okay? Things like the type of sausage you use and how much cheese you add can really change those numbers. But hey, at least you have a general idea! Now go enjoy that delicious spicy lasagna soup!
Enjoy Your Cozy Bowl of Spicy Lasagna Soup
Alright, my friend, you’ve made it! You’ve got a steaming, cozy bowl of spicy lasagna soup right in front of you. Take a deep breath and enjoy that amazing aroma. Now, dig in! I really hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Seriously, it’s one of my all-time favorites!
And hey, if you do try it, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you add any extra spices? Did you swap out the sausage for something else? Share your creations! And if you’re feeling extra generous, give this recipe a rating. It helps other soup lovers find it.
Oh, and one more thing! Snap a photo of your beautiful bowl of spicy lasagna soup and share it on social media! Tag me so I can see your masterpiece! Let’s spread the soup love! Happy slurping!
Print
Spicy Lasagna Soup: 4 Bold Twists You’ll Hate to Miss
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Spicy lasagna soup with Italian sausage: a cozy, easy, and flavorful one-pot meal inspired by classic lasagna. Perfect for weeknights and save-worthy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon Calabrian chili paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 9 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown Italian sausage over medium-high heat. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Calabrian chili paste and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, oregano, and basil. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Add lasagna noodles and cook until tender, about 10-12 minutes.
- In a small bowl, combine ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, and parsley.
- Ladle soup into bowls and top with a dollop of ricotta mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes and Calabrian chili paste to your desired spice level.
- For a smoother soup, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup before adding the noodles.
- You can substitute ground beef or turkey for the Italian sausage.
- Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg