Description
A cozy, comforting soup filled with tender homemade meatballs, vibrant vegetables, creamy broth, and Italian flavors. This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is perfect for chilly evenings and family dinners, bringing warmth and nostalgia to every spoonful.
Ingredients
- For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/3 cup Italian-style breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until just combined. Roll into 20–24 mini meatballs.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches on all sides. They don’t need to be fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot. Sauté the chopped onion and diced carrots for 5–7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Add the browned meatballs back to the pot. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10–12 minutes.
5. Stir in the pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes, until wilted.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot with freshly grated Parmesan and crusty bread if desired.
Notes
If making ahead, slightly undercook the pasta to prevent it from becoming mushy during reheating.
The soup thickens as it sits—add a splash of broth or water when reheating to loosen it up.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg