This Meatball Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, this creamy Italian soup features juicy meatballs, tender pasta, and a rich tomato broth filled with herbs. It’s an easy recipe that combines the flavors of classic spaghetti night into a hearty bowl of goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This soup comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal with family and friends.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, Italian seasoning, and creamy broth creates a deliciously rich flavor profile.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta types for a unique twist each time.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the comforting taste of this delicious meatball soup.
Tools and Preparation
To make this Meatball Soup, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment can make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Ideal for cooking soups as it distributes heat evenly and allows for ample room for all ingredients.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and combining flavors without scratching your cookware.
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 the pot over medium heat.
- Add 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 a bit and caramelize.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, and more salt & pepper.
- Cook while stirring frequently for about 1 minute to release flavors.
Step 4: Deglaze the Pot
- Splash in some chicken broth to clean the bottom of the pot by scraping up any browned bits.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Stir in the remaining chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, uncooked rotini pasta, and cooked meatballs.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Simmer
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is cooked al dente.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Cream
- Stir in baby spinach and heavy cream until spinach wilts and soup is warmed through.
Step 8: Final Touches
- Season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
- Garnish with shaved Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy your delicious Meatball Soup! If you loved this recipe, leave a 5-star rating and review below!
How to Serve Meatball Soup
Serving Meatball Soup is an opportunity to elevate the meal with delightful accompaniments. This dish can be enjoyed on its own, but adding a few extras can enhance the overall experience and flavor.
With Crusty Bread
- Garlic Bread: Toasted bread slathered with garlic butter complements the soup’s creamy texture.
- Baguette Slices: Freshly sliced baguette adds a crunchy contrast and is perfect for dipping.
Topped with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil gives an aromatic touch that pairs well with the Italian flavors.
Adding Extra Protein
- Grated Parmesan: A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese enhances the savory notes of the soup.
- Crumbled Bacon: For a smoky flavor, crispy bacon bits make an unexpected yet delicious topping.
How to Perfect Meatball Soup
To achieve the best version of your Meatball Soup, consider these helpful tips. Each suggestion can help you tailor the soup to your taste preferences.
- Use Homemade Meatballs: Making your own meatballs allows you to control the seasoning and freshness.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cooking pasta just right ensures it remains firm and doesn’t become mushy in the soup.
- Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go; adding too much salt at once can overwhelm the dish.
- Incorporate Fresh Vegetables: Adding carrots or zucchini can enhance nutrition and flavor while keeping it colorful.
- Simmer for Flavor Depth: Allowing the soup to simmer longer melds all flavors together beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Meatball Soup
Pairing side dishes with Meatball Soup can create a more rounded meal. Here are some excellent options that will complement this rich soup perfectly.
- Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup.
- Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: These fluffy biscuits are perfect for mopping up every last drop of soup.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a wonderful depth of flavor and nutrition.
- Pasta Salad: A refreshing cold pasta salad could provide contrast to the warm soup.
- Stuffed Peppers: These savory bites can make your meal more filling and satisfying.
- Bruschetta: Topped with fresh tomatoes and basil, bruschetta offers a refreshing bite alongside your soup.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making meatball soup can be a delightful experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that could affect the final dish. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Overcooking the meatballs: Cooking meatballs too long can make them tough. Ensure you add them to the soup only after they’ve been cooked through and simmer them just until heated.
- Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic builds flavor. Don’t rush this step; take your time to caramelize the onions properly for a richer taste.
- Not seasoning adequately: A bland soup is disappointing. Taste as you go and adjust with salt, pepper, and herbs to enhance the flavors.
- Using cold broth: Cold broth can lower the cooking temperature. Always use room temperature or warm broth to maintain a steady simmer.
- Ignoring pasta cooking times: Different pastas have varying cook times. Check your pasta’s instructions and add it at the right moment for perfect texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store meatball soup in airtight containers.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Meatball Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Meatball Soup
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover the soup in an oven-safe dish. Heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm on medium heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding meatball soup that might help you enjoy this dish even more!
How can I make meatball soup healthier?
You can use lean ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs and swap heavy cream for a lighter option like half-and-half or milk.
Can I use different types of pasta in meatball soup?
Absolutely! While rotini works well, feel free to substitute with any pasta you prefer, such as shells or macaroni.
What is the best way to serve meatball soup?
Serve it hot with freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top and a sprinkle of parsley for added flavor.
Can I make meatball soup ahead of time?
Yes! This dish actually tastes better when made ahead, allowing flavors to meld together. Just store properly before reheating.
How do I customize my meatball soup?
Experiment with different vegetables like carrots or zucchini, or add beans for extra protein and fiber. Herbs like basil or thyme can also elevate the flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This creamy Italian meatball soup is not just delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or using different types of protein. Give it a try; it’s sure to become a family favorite!
Meatball Soup
Indulge in the comforting embrace of Meatball Soup, a creamy Italian delight that transforms your favorite spaghetti night into a hearty bowl of goodness. This easy-to-make recipe features juicy homemade or frozen meatballs, tender rotini pasta, and a rich tomato broth infused with aromatic herbs. In just 35 minutes, you can create a meal that brings warmth to any cozy family dinner or gathering. Perfectly seasoned and versatile, this soup invites customization with your favorite vegetables, making it a delightful choice for everyone at the table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Soup
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 recipe homemade meatballs (or 18-20 oz. 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. crushed tomatoes
- 8 oz. uncooked rotini pasta
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper
- Shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare meatballs according to the recipe or package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat; sauté onions with salt and pepper until caramelized (6–8 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, tomato paste; cook for about a minute.
- Deglaze the pot with a splash of chicken broth.
- Add remaining broth, crushed tomatoes, pasta, and cooked meatballs; season well.
- Bring to a simmer; reduce heat and cover for 12–15 minutes until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in spinach and cream; cook until heated through.
- Adjust seasoning; garnish with cheese and parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 355g)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
