Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Introduction

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is the ultimate comfort food—warm, hearty, and full of rich Italian flavors. Juicy, well-seasoned meatballs simmer in a creamy, herb-infused broth alongside tender pasta, spinach, and vegetables. This cozy soup feels like a hug in a bowl and is perfect for chilly evenings, family dinners, or when you want something satisfying yet simple.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or Italian sausage
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Soup

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika or red chili flakes (optional)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup small pasta (rotini, fusilli, or shells)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Make the Meatballs
   In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and form into small meatballs.
2. Brown the Meatballs
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs and brown on all sides (they don’t need to be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
3. Build the Soup Base
   In the same pot, add onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika or chili flakes.
4. Simmer
   Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add pasta and cook for about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Meatballs & Cream
   Return meatballs to the pot and lower heat. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 5–7 minutes until meatballs are fully cooked and soup thickens slightly.
6. Finish with Veggies
   Add spinach and bell pepper. Cook 2–3 minutes until spinach wilts.
7. Season & Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.

Tips for the Best Creamy Meatball Soup

• Make smaller meatballs so they cook evenly in the soup
• Use Italian sausage for extra flavor
• Add pasta near the end to prevent overcooking
• A splash of cream cheese can make it extra creamy
• Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, fully cooked frozen meatballs work well—just add them directly to the simmering soup.

What pasta works best?
Short pasta like rotini, fusilli, shells, or ditalini holds up best in soup.

Can I make this soup spicy?
Absolutely—use spicy Italian sausage or add extra chili flakes.