This Meatball Soup is not just a dish; it’s a celebration of flavors in a cozy bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings or family gatherings, this creamy Italian meatball soup combines juicy meatballs and al dente pasta in a rich tomato broth. Each spoonful feels like a warm hug, making it ideal for those moments when comfort food is a must. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners and impressive enough for special occasions!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in one pot, saving you time on cleanup while delivering delicious results.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of fresh ingredients and herbs creates a hearty soup that bursts with flavor.
- Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have at home or your dietary preferences.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting taste of meatballs and pasta in creamy broth.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week. The flavors deepen as it sits!
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the deliciousness of meatball soup, gather your tools. Having everything ready ensures smooth cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Ideal for cooking the soup evenly while accommodating all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface, ensuring you scrape up those tasty bits.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results every time you make meatball soup.
Ingredients
This creamy Italian meatball soup recipe comes together in one pot and is loaded with juicy meatballs and al dente pasta nestled in an herb-filled creamy tomato broth. It’s everything you love about Sunday night spaghetti dinner in a warm, comforting bowl of soup!
- 1 recipe of my homemade meatballs (or an 18-20 oz. bag of frozen meatballs, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 32 oz. chicken broth
- 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz. (or about 2 1/2 cups) uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
- Shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Meatball Soup
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
- Make my easy homemade Italian meatballs recipe or use an 18-20 oz. bag of frozen meatballs that have been thawed overnight in the fridge.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the large pot over medium heat.
- Add the diced yellow onion along with a couple large pinches of salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally for about 6-8 minutes until they start to brown slightly.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
- Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
- Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in a few splashes of chicken broth to clean the bottom of the pot, scraping up any browned bits.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Add the remaining chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, uncooked rotini pasta, and cooked meatballs into the pot.
- Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Simmer
- Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cover; allow it to simmer for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente.
Step 7: Finish with Cream
- Stir in baby spinach and heavy cream until spinach wilts.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
- Taste your soup and season as needed with additional salt and pepper.
Step 9: Serve
- Garnish each serving with shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley before enjoying!
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How to Serve Meatball Soup
Serving Meatball Soup is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal.
With Fresh Bread
- Crusty Baguette – Slice a fresh baguette to mop up the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread – Serve alongside buttery garlic bread for a flavorful pairing.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil – Add fresh basil leaves for a burst of flavor and color.
- Parsley Garnish – Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish.
As Part of a Meal
- Salad Starter – Begin with a light green salad drizzled with vinaigrette for balance.
- Cheese Platter – Offer a selection of cheeses to enjoy before or after the soup.
With Extra Protein
- Grilled Chicken – Add slices of grilled chicken for an extra protein boost.
- Tofu Croutons – For a vegetarian option, serve with crispy tofu croutons.
How to Perfect Meatball Soup
Perfecting Meatball Soup can be simple with the right tips. Here are some suggestions to enhance your recipe.
- Use Quality Broth – Choose homemade or high-quality store-bought chicken broth for rich flavor.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta – Cook pasta al dente as it will continue to soften in the soup.
- Season Gradually – Taste and adjust seasoning throughout cooking to achieve the perfect balance.
- Add Vegetables – Incorporate other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition and texture.
- Make Ahead – Prepare the soup ahead of time; flavors deepen as it sits in the refrigerator.
- Serve Hot – Ensure the soup is served hot for the best experience.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Soup
Pairing side dishes with your Meatball Soup can create a complete meal. Here are some great options to consider.
- Caesar Salad – A classic Caesar salad adds freshness and crunch, complementing the creamy soup.
- Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with tomatoes and basil makes a delicious appetizer.
- Roasted Vegetables – Seasoned roasted veggies offer a healthy, hearty side that balances the meal.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits – Soft, cheesy biscuits are perfect for dipping into your soup.
- Pasta Salad – A light pasta salad provides an additional layer of flavor without overwhelming the main dish.
- Stuffed Peppers – Baked stuffed peppers filled with grains make for a filling side that pairs well with meatballs.
- Antipasto Platter – A variety of cured meats, olives, and cheeses can enhance your Italian dining experience.
- Polenta Fries – Crispy polenta fries are fun to eat and perfect for soaking up extra broth.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making meatball soup can be a delightful experience, but there are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping Homemade Meatballs: Using store-bought meatballs may save time, but homemade meatballs greatly enhance flavor. Try making them from scratch for a richer taste.
- Overcooking the Pasta: Cooking pasta directly in the soup can lead to mushiness. Follow the cooking times closely to keep it al dente and perfectly textured.
- Neglecting Seasoning: Not seasoning your broth can result in bland soup. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go for a flavorful dish.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold broth or cream can lower the temperature of your soup. Warm these ingredients slightly before incorporating them to maintain a cozy warmth.
- Forgetting Garnishes: Skipping on toppings like Parmesan or parsley will miss out on added flavor and presentation. Don’t skip these simple yet impactful finishing touches!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Allow soup to cool before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing Meatball Soup
- Freeze in individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Leave space at the top of the container as the soup will expand when frozen.
Reheating Meatball Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat the soup in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until the soup is hot throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about meatball soup that many people have.
What is Meatball Soup?
Meatball soup is a comforting dish made with meatballs, pasta, and vegetables simmered in a rich broth. It’s perfect for cozy nights!
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, you can use thawed frozen meatballs if you’re short on time. Just make sure they are cooked properly according to package instructions.
How do I customize my Meatball Soup?
Feel free to add different vegetables or spices! Kale, carrots, or zucchini can be great additions for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is Meatball Soup healthy?
With lean meat, spinach, and tomatoes, this soup offers a balance of nutrients while being satisfying. Adjust ingredients to fit your dietary needs!
How long does Meatball Soup last?
Properly stored, it lasts up to 4 days in the fridge and up to 3 months in the freezer. Just remember to keep it in airtight containers!
Final Thoughts
This creamy Italian meatball soup recipe brings together comfort and flavor in every bite. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies or pasta types. Give it a try for a warm meal that’s perfect any night of the week!
Meatball Soup
Indulge in the warmth of our Meatball Soup, a comforting Italian delight perfect for chilly evenings and family gatherings. This creamy soup features juicy homemade or store-bought meatballs intertwined with al dente pasta in a savory tomato broth enriched with fresh herbs and spices. Each spoonful offers a delightful combination of flavors, providing that cozy feeling you crave when comfort food is on your mind. Easy enough for weeknight meals yet impressive enough for special occasions, this one-pot dish is sure to be a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 recipe homemade meatballs (or 18-20 oz. thawed frozen meatballs)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 32 oz. chicken broth
- 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz. uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt
- Fresh cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare meatballs: Use homemade or thawed frozen meatballs.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot, add onion, salt, and pepper; cook until slightly browned (6-8 minutes).
- Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste; cook for 1 minute.
- Deglaze: Pour in chicken broth to scrape up browned bits.
- Combine: Add remaining broth, crushed tomatoes, pasta, and meatballs; season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a simmer; cover and reduce heat for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente.
- Finish: Stir in spinach and heavy cream until wilted.
- Serve: Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
