Pin it
Let me tell you about my Creamy Italian Meatball Soup it's become our ultimate comfort meal. Picture tender juicy meatballs swimming in this rich tomato cream broth with perfectly cooked pasta. Every spoonful tastes like a cozy Italian dinner transformed into the most comforting bowl of soup.
Why You'll Fall in Love
This soup warms your soul with those classic Italian flavors we all crave. I love that it comes together in just 30 minutes using simple ingredients from my pantry. Add some crusty garlic bread on the side and you've got pure comfort in a bowl.
What You'll Need
- Meatballs: Homemade or store-bought both work beautifully.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Big 28 oz can makes our base.
- Chicken Broth: Six cups gives us perfect soup consistency.
- Pasta: Two cups rotini those spirals catch all the goodness.
- Heavy Cream: Half cup makes everything silky.
- Baby Spinach: Three cups for color and goodness.
- Tomato Paste: Two tablespoons deepens the flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: One teaspoon of herby magic.
- Garlic and Onion: Our aromatic flavor base.
Let's Make It Together
- Start With The Meatballs
- Make your own or grab your favorite frozen kind both work great here.
- Build The Base
- Soften those onions and garlic in olive oil until your kitchen smells amazing.
- Create The Broth
- Add tomato paste herbs broth and crushed tomatoes let it all simmer together.
- Add The Good Stuff
- Drop in pasta and meatballs cook until that pasta's just right about 12 minutes.
- Make It Creamy
- Stir in spinach and cream watch it become silky and perfect.
- Time To Enjoy
- Ladle it up top with fresh Parmesan grab some garlic bread.
Pin it
My Best Tips
Season as you go makes all the flavors pop. Got a Parmesan rind? Toss it in while simmering pure gold. Add more broth or cream until it's just how you like it.
Keep It Fresh
This soup stays good in the fridge five days keeps getting better. When reheating add a splash of cream or broth keeps that silky texture. Always taste and adjust the seasoning.
Plan Ahead
Make those meatballs and broth ahead save the pasta for last. Fresh cooked pasta makes such a difference keeps everything perfect.
Freezer Friendly
Skip the pasta when freezing add it fresh later. Stays perfect up to three months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight heat up add fresh pasta good as new.
Pin it
Make It Your Own
Try kale instead of spinach swap in white beans. Love heat? Add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños. It's so flexible make it just how you like it.
Perfect Partners
Nothing beats dunking garlic bread in this soup. A simple Caesar salad on the side makes it complete. Sometimes I roast some veggies to go alongside pure Italian comfort.
Make It Cheesy
That hit of fresh Parmesan or Pecorino at the end makes everything better. They melt into the hot soup creating little pockets of cheesy goodness.
Going Gluten Free
Use your favorite gluten free pasta or try rice instead. Check those meatballs and broth labels if needed. Everyone can enjoy this bowl of comfort.
Pin it
Switch It Up
Sometimes I turn this into a casserole use less broth top with cheese. Under the broiler until bubbly makes it extra special.
More Veggies Please
Toss in carrots celery bell peppers whatever you love. Cook them with the onions and garlic builds such good flavor.
Spice It Up
Red pepper flakes cayenne pepper adjust the heat how you like. Start small you can always add more makes it your own.
Company Ready
This soup always impresses at dinner parties. Serve it in pretty bowls fresh herbs on top everyone loves it.
Pin it
Kid Friendly
Little pasta shapes make it fun for kids to eat. Blend the spinach right in if they're picky about greens. They'll never know it's good for them.
Dairy Free Options
Coconut milk works beautifully instead of cream. Try nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor keeps it dairy free but delicious.
Meal Prep Magic
I love making a big batch portioning it out for the week. Quick to reheat perfect lunch or dinner anytime.
Everyone's Favorite
This soup just works those tender meatballs creamy broth perfect pasta. It's the kind of recipe that becomes a family tradition everyone asks for.
Pin it
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen meatballs?
- Yes, use an 18-20 oz bag of thawed frozen meatballs instead of homemade. Just make sure they're fully thawed or cooked according to package directions.
- → Why is my soup getting too thick?
- The pasta continues to absorb liquid as it sits. Add extra broth or cream to thin the soup to your desired consistency.
- → How can I add more flavor?
- Season with salt and pepper at each step of cooking. Adding a Parmesan rind during simmering adds great depth of flavor.
- → Can I make this ahead?
- Yes, but the pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits. You might need to add more broth when reheating.
- → What can I substitute for spinach?
- Kale or other leafy greens work well. Just adjust cooking time as needed for tougher greens.