This meatball soup is the perfect comfort dish for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The creamy tomato broth filled with juicy meatballs and tender pasta makes it a hearty meal that warms the soul. With its rich flavors and simple preparation, this recipe brings all the goodness of Italian cuisine right to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: This meatball soup comes together in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and crushed tomatoes creates a velvety broth that enhances every bite.
- Versatile Meal: Perfect as a main dish or served with crusty bread for dipping, this soup fits any occasion.
- Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
- Customizable Ingredients: Use homemade meatballs or frozen ones based on your time constraints without sacrificing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
Before you get started on this delicious meatball soup, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Essential for cooking the soup evenly and providing enough space for all ingredients.
- Chef’s knife: A sharp knife helps you chop ingredients efficiently, making prep work quick and easy.
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!
Ingredients:
– 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 or cooked according to package directions.
Step 2: Sauté the Onions
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced yellow onion along with salt and pepper.
- Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally until they start to brown.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, salt, and pepper.
- Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
- Pour in a few splashes of chicken broth to clean the bottom of the pot.
- Scrape up any bits stuck to create extra flavor.
Step 5: Combine Remaining Ingredients
- Stir in the remaining chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, uncooked pasta, and cooked meatballs along with more salt and pepper.
Step 6: Simmer the Soup
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low and cover; let simmer for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Cream
- Stir in baby spinach and heavy cream until spinach wilts.
Step 8: Season & Garnish
- Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Garnish with shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Step 9: Enjoy!
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How to Serve Meatball Soup
Serving meatball soup can elevate your meal experience. Whether you are hosting a cozy dinner or enjoying a comforting bowl on a chilly evening, there are many ways to enhance this dish.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Parsley: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
- Basil: Add fresh basil leaves for an aromatic twist that complements the flavors beautifully.
Pair with Crusty Bread
- French Baguette: Serve slices of warm French baguette for dipping into the creamy broth.
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds a delicious crunch and enhances the overall flavor of the meal.
Accompany with Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with meatball soup, adding crispness and tanginess.
- Mixed Greens Salad: A light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
Offer Cheese Options
- Shaved Parmesan: Provide extra shaved Parmesan at the table for guests who want a cheesy finish.
- Mozzarella: Melted mozzarella on top can add an indulgent layer of creaminess.
Serve as Part of a Meal
- Appetizers: Consider starting the meal with antipasto or bruschetta to set the Italian theme.
- Dessert: End on a sweet note with tiramisu or panna cotta for a delightful finish.
How to Perfect Meatball Soup
To make your meatball soup truly unforgettable, follow these simple tips for perfection.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavors and textures, making your soup taste vibrant.
- Cook meatballs properly: Ensure your meatballs are cooked through before adding them to the soup to maintain their integrity.
- Adjust creaminess: Control the amount of heavy cream based on your preference for richness; less cream yields a lighter soup.
- Season gradually: Taste as you go; adjust salt and pepper in increments to avoid over-seasoning.
- Let it rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together beautifully.
- Add pasta wisely: Cook pasta al dente before adding it to prevent it from becoming mushy in the soup.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Soup
Pairing side dishes with meatball soup can create a complete meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread is not only delicious but also ideal for dipping into the flavorful broth.
- Caprese Salad: This fresh salad made with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offers a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Bruschetta: Crispy toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and basil adds a nice crunch and acidity.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables bring added color and nutrition, enhancing your dining experience.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers serve as hearty accompaniments that complement the meatball theme.
- Cheesy Garlic Knots: Soft, cheesy garlic knots provide an indulgent treat that pairs wonderfully with any Italian dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making meatball soup can be straightforward, but a few missteps can lead to disappointing results. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
Skipping the sautéing: Failing to sauté the onions and garlic can result in a bland flavor. Always take the time to cook them until they are soft and aromatic.
Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long will make it mushy. Be sure to follow package directions for al dente cooking since it will continue to cook in the soup.
Using low-quality ingredients: Not using fresh herbs or quality broth can impact the taste significantly. Choose high-quality ingredients for better flavor.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: If you skip tasting and adjusting salt and pepper, your soup may end up bland. Always season to your liking, especially after adding cream.
Not allowing flavors to meld: Rushing through cooking times can prevent flavors from developing. Make sure to simmer adequately for a rich broth.
Forgetting garnishes: Neglecting toppings like Parmesan or parsley leaves your soup looking less appealing. Always finish with garnishes for added flavor and presentation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate within two hours of cooking.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
Freezing Meatball Soup
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- Allow the soup to cool completely before freezing.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Meatball Soup
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer soup to an oven-safe dish and cover; heat for about 20-25 minutes.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl; heat on high in intervals of 1-2 minutes, stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Curious about meatball soup? Here are some frequently asked questions that might help!
What is Meatball Soup?
Meatball soup combines flavorful meatballs, pasta, and vegetables in a creamy tomato broth. It’s a comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Can I use frozen meatballs for Meatball Soup?
Yes! Frozen meatballs work well in this recipe. Just thaw them overnight or cook according to package instructions before adding them to the soup.
How do I customize my Meatball Soup?
You can add different vegetables like carrots or zucchini, try various pasta shapes, or even spice it up with red pepper flakes for extra heat!
Is Meatball Soup healthy?
It can be! By using lean ground meat and plenty of veggies, you create a nutritious meal option that is still hearty and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Italian meatball soup is not just comforting; it’s also versatile! You can easily adapt it by changing ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s adding more greens or using different types of pasta, feel free to experiment. Try this recipe soon—you’ll love how easy and delicious it is!
Meatball Soup
Indulge in the warmth of this comforting Meatball Soup—a delightful blend of juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich creamy tomato broth. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or gathering with friends, this dish encapsulates the essence of Italian cuisine. With its velvety texture and robust flavors, it’s a soup that nourishes both the body and soul. Effortlessly prepared in just one pot, this recipe promises an easy cleanup while delivering a satisfying meal in under 35 minutes. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course or paired with crusty bread, this Meatball Soup is sure to become a favorite on your table.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main
- Method: One-pot cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- Homemade or frozen meatballs
- Olive oil
- Yellow onion
- Garlic
- Italian seasoning
- Tomato paste
- Chicken broth
- Crushed tomatoes
- Uncooked rotini pasta
- Baby spinach
- Heavy cream
- Kosher salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare meatballs according to your choice (homemade or thawed frozen).
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onion until browned.
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning; cook until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping up any bits.
- Stir in remaining chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, pasta, and meatballs; season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer until pasta is al dente.
- Add spinach and heavy cream; stir until the spinach wilts.
- Taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 1 ½ cups)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
