Go Back
A bowl of creamy Italian meatball soup garnished with herbs.

Comforting Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

A delightful soup featuring tender meatballs, rich broth, and creamy goodness, perfect for cold evenings or family gatherings.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Italian
Servings 6 servings
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

Meatballs

  • 1 pound Ground Meat (turkey or plant-based alternatives) Use a healthier option if desired.
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs (gluten-free options available)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (nutritional yeast for vegan alternative)
  • 1 large Egg (or a flax egg for vegan option)
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic Garlic powder can be substituted if necessary.
  • 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper For warmth.
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped) Added for freshness.

Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Vegetable oil or butter can be used.
  • 1 cup Diced Onion Shallots or leeks can be substituted.
  • 1 cup Chopped Celery Adds crunch.
  • 1 can Diced Tomatoes Fresh tomatoes can also be used.
  • 4 cups Broth (chicken, beef, or vegetable)
  • 1 cup Small Pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni) Gluten-free options are available.
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Half-and-half or coconut milk for dairy-free.
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach or Basil Kale or arugula can be used as substitutes.

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley until just mixed. Shape into 1-inch meatballs.

Cooking

  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and chopped celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until softened.
  • Add meatballs carefully to the pot and cook for about 5 minutes, turning until golden brown.
  • Stir in diced tomatoes and pour in the broth. Mix well.
  • Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes.
  • Add small pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Stir in heavy cream and add fresh spinach or basil. Cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until greens wilt.
  • Serve hot, garnished with extra parsley or parmesan, as desired.

Notes

For best results, cook meatballs until fully browned. If using fresh herbs, add towards the end of cooking. Homemade broth enhances richness.
Keyword Comfort Food, Creamy Soup, hearty meal, Italian recipe, meatball soup