This Arrabbiata Lasagna Soup is a cozy twist on a classic dish. With spicy tomato sauce, pasta, and cheese all in one bowl, it’s super comforting and delicious!
As someone who loves embracing hearty flavors, I enjoy how easy it is to put together. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top really makes it sing! Perfect for a chilly day! 🍲
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: Use extra virgin olive oil for a richer flavor. If you don’t have any, vegetable oil or avocado oil works too. It’s all about what you have on hand!
Onion: A small onion adds sweetness and depth. If you’re out of onions, shallots or leeks can be great substitutes. They lend a lovely flavor as well.
Red Chili Flakes: This ingredient brings the heat! Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste. If you want a milder version, you can use paprika instead.
Crushed Tomatoes: They are the foundation of the soup’s flavor. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, you can use about 2 pounds of diced fresh tomatoes, but you may need to cook them longer to break down.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is always the best, but store-bought works just fine. For a vegetarian version, stick to vegetable broth. You could use water in a pinch, though it won’t have as much flavor.
Tortellini or Lasagna Noodles: I love using cheese tortellini for added flavor. You can substitute with any small pasta shape like shells or farfalle, or even gluten-free varieties if needed.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half can lighten this recipe up, still providing creaminess. For a lighter option, use milk, or for a dairy-free version, coconut milk works well too.
Parmesan Cheese: Essential for flavor! If you want a dairy-free version, you can use nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.
What’s the Best Way to Build Rich Flavors in This Soup?
Building flavors starts from the base! Here’s how to succeed:
- Sauté the Onion: Cook until soft and translucent. This step is crucial for sweetness.
- Cook Garlic with Spices: Add minced garlic and spices, cooking just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Combine Ingredients: After adding crushed tomatoes and broth, let it simmer gently. This melds the flavors beautifully.
- Adjust for Taste: Always taste your soup after adding cream and before serving. It’s your chance to balance flavors with salt and pepper!
Following these steps will help enhance the flavors and create a comforting bowl of soup that everyone will love!
How to Make Arrabbiata Lasagna Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 6 ounces fresh or dried cheese tortellini or small lasagna noodles broken into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced, for garnish
- Crusty bread, for serving
Time You’ll Need:
This tasty soup will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a comforting meal any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Aromatics:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook it until it’s soft and translucent, which should take about 4-5 minutes. This will lay a lovely foundation for the soup!
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, stir in the minced garlic along with the red chili flakes and dried oregano. Cook everything together, stirring constantly, until the garlic becomes fragrant, roughly about 1 minute. Be careful not to let the garlic burn.
3. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Pour in the crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir everything to combine, and then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is when the lovely flavors start to come together!
4. Add Cream and Season:
Reduce the heat to low and gently stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste. Let it simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing all those delicious flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Cook the Pasta:
Now it’s time to add the tortellini or broken lasagna noodles into the pot. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes for fresh tortellini. Make sure they are tender but still firm.
6. Stir in Spinach and Cheese:
Once the pasta is ready, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook just until the spinach wilts, adding a burst of color and nutrition to the soup.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Now, ladle the warm soup into bowls and finish with a garnish of freshly sliced basil and additional grated Parmesan cheese on top. It looks so inviting!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Arrabbiata Lasagna Soup hot, alongside some crusty bread for dipping. It’s a cozy meal packed with bold flavors that everyone will love!
Enjoy your spicy, comforting Arrabbiata Lasagna Soup that’s packed with bold flavors and cheesy goodness! 🍲✨
Can I Use Different Pasta in This Soup?
Absolutely! While tortellini is recommended, you can substitute it with any small pasta shape like shells or even broken lasagna noodles. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you’re using!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you want to make the soup milder, reduce the amount of red chili flakes or omit them entirely. For extra heat, consider adding some freshly chopped chili peppers or a splash of hot sauce at the end for an extra kick!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the soup base (up to the point of adding the cream) and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and add the pasta and spinach just before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up since the pasta tends to absorb the liquid as it sits.