Name: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey; ½ cup breadcrumbs; 1 egg, lightly beaten; 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 carrots, diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo); 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that warms you up and makes your taste buds happy. It’s easy to make and brings the classic flavors of Italian meatballs and soup together in one bowl. Perfect for chilly nights or whenever you need a hearty meal, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

How to Make Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
½ cup breadcrumbs
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Meatballs:
In a bowl, mix the ground beef or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Form this mixture into small meatballs.
Make the Soup Base:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté until the vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
Combine and Simmer:
Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Carefully add the meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat and let the soup simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked through.
Finish the Soup:
Stir in the heavy cream, pasta, spinach or kale, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for another 10 minutes until the pasta is tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Serve the soup hot in bowls. Top it with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This dish pairs well with crusty bread or a simple salad.

How to Store Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to reheat it properly before serving again.

Tips to Make Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Use lean ground meat for a healthier option.
Feel free to add more vegetables, like bell peppers or zucchini, for extra nutrition.
Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more broth or cream to your liking.
For extra flavor, let the soup sit for a bit before serving. The flavors will deepen!

Variation

Try adding different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique taste. You can also use different types of pasta or even make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs. Just add them to the soup during the simmering stage and cook until heated through.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Yes, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter version if you prefer.
Can I make this soup in advance?
Yes, this soup stores well. Just keep in mind that the pasta may absorb some broth if stored for a long time, so you may need to add a little more broth when reheating.