Name: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 3 cloves garlic, minced (divided); 1 small onion, diced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or orzo); 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a cozy, one-pot meal filled with tender meatballs, small pasta, and vegetables simmered in a rich tomato-cream broth. It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage (or a mix of both)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
1 small onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp Italian seasoning
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
2 tbsp tomato paste
4 cups chicken or beef broth
1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1 cup small pasta (ditalini, elbow, or orzo)
2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, 1 minced garlic clove, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Roll into small 1-inch meatballs.
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same pot, sauté diced onion until translucent. Add remaining garlic and tomato paste; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add crushed tomatoes and broth. Stir well, then return meatballs to the pot. Simmer for 20–25 minutes.
Stir in pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
Reduce heat and add heavy cream. Stir until soup becomes creamy and smooth.
If using, add spinach or kale and cook until wilted.
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley or basil and extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use ground turkey for a lighter version.
For extra creaminess, stir in shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese.
Freeze without pasta for up to 3 months; add fresh pasta when reheating.
Thicken by simmering uncovered or adding extra Parmesan.
Serve with crusty bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 520
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 950mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 110mg