Meatball Soup Recipe

“`html

There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a hearty bowl of Meatball Soup that warms you from the inside out. This recipe combines tender, juicy meatballs with a rich tomato broth, perfectly al dente pasta, and vibrant baby spinach, all finished with a splash of creamy goodness. Whether you’re in need of a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or just craving a bowl of soul-soothing flavors, this Meatball Soup hits every note with an irresistible blend of savory, tangy, and fresh ingredients that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Meatball Soup lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient complements the others effortlessly. From the hearty homemade or frozen meatballs to the fresh baby spinach and aromatic garlic, every component plays its part in creating a bowl of pure comfort and flavor.

• Meatballs: Use homemade or thawed frozen meatballs for juicy, flavorful bites throughout the soup.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps soften the onions for a sweet, caramelized base.
• Yellow onion: Diced and cooked until lightly browned to build a savory foundation.
• Garlic: Six cloves minced, providing that unmistakable warmth and depth.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that enhances every spoonful.
• Tomato paste: Concentrates flavor and adds a beautiful red hue to the broth.
• Chicken broth: The heart of the soup, giving it a rich and savory body.
• Crushed tomatoes: Brings vibrant acidity and texture to balance the richness.
• Rotini pasta: The perfect shape to soak up the broth and nestle with the meatballs.
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and a subtle earthiness to the soup.
• Heavy cream: Swirled in at the end for a creamy, luscious finish.
• Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning at every step.
• Shaved Parmesan and fresh parsley: For garnish, adding a salty tang and herbal brightness.

How to Make Meatball Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start with your favorite homemade Italian meatballs or thaw a bag of frozen meatballs overnight. These juicy morsels form the star of the show, soaking up the broth and infusing every spoonful with savory goodness.

Step 2: Sauté Onions to Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add diced yellow onions with a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir occasionally and let the onions soften and caramelize — this browning brings out their natural sweetness, adding incredible flavor depth to your soup.

Step 3: Build the Base with Garlic and Seasoning

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste to your pot. Cooking them together for about a minute releases their aromas and allows the tomato paste to deepen in flavor. Don’t forget to season this mixture with salt and pepper as well.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Splash in a bit of chicken broth and gently scrape the browned bits off the bottom of the pot. These little caramelized bits are flavor gold, so be sure not to skip this step!

Step 5: Combine Broth, Tomatoes, Pasta, and Meatballs

Pour in the remaining chicken broth, the can of crushed tomatoes, uncooked rotini pasta, and your prepared meatballs. Season with salt and pepper, then stir everything together to meld the flavors before bringing it to a gentle simmer.

Step 6: Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let your soup simmer for about 12-15 minutes. This slow cooking allows the pasta to soak up flavor while staying perfectly al dente alongside tender meatballs.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Cream

Stir in fresh baby spinach and heavy cream until the spinach wilts and the soup turns beautifully creamy. This final touch balances tangy tomatoes and savory meatballs with silky richness and a burst of green freshness.

Step 8: Season and Garnish

Taste the soup and season with additional salt and fresh cracked pepper to your liking. Ladle it into bowls and sprinkle with shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley for a finishing flourish that adds both texture and a burst of flavor.

How to Serve Meatball Soup

Garnishes

The perfect garnishes bring each bowl of Meatball Soup to life. Shaved Parmesan offers a salty, nutty kick while fresh parsley adds vibrant color and a subtle herbal note that brightens every spoonful. Feel free to toss in a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little more excitement.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up every drop of delicious broth. A simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette can provide a fresh contrast, making your meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress? Serve your Meatball Soup in rustic bread bowls for a fun, edible container or ladle it over a bed of risotto for a hearty twist. Layered in a clear glass mug, the colorful ingredients create a visual feast that’s just as delightful as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Meatball Soup cool completely before transferring leftovers to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeks.

Freezing

While freezing soup with pasta can sometimes change texture, this Meatball Soup freezes well if you keep the pasta separate or use a sturdy shape like rotini. Store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add a splash of broth or water if the soup thickens too much. For creamier results, stir in a little extra cream after warming.

FAQs

Can I make Meatball Soup vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the meatballs for plant-based alternatives or hearty veggie balls. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and you’ll still get a nourishing, flavorful soup that satisfies cravings.

What type of pasta works best in Meatball Soup?

Rotini is perfect because its spirals hold onto broth and bits of meat beautifully. However, other small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or mini shells also work wonderfully, allowing the pasta to cook evenly without overpowering the soup.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Stir in crushed red pepper flakes during cooking or add a dash of hot sauce just before serving. You can also choose spicy Italian sausage meatballs to bring in a subtle heat that melds with the soup’s flavors.

Is this Meatball Soup freezer-friendly?

Yes, but to preserve the best texture, separate the pasta before freezing or add it fresh when reheating. Freezing the soup without pasta prevents mushiness and keeps the meatballs tender.

Can I use store-bought meatballs?

Definitely! Store-bought meatballs are a great time-saver and still provide plenty of flavor. Just be sure to thaw them properly and cook according to package directions before adding them to the soup.

Final Thoughts

Cooking and sharing this Meatball Soup feels like giving a cozy, flavorful hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, packed with comforting ingredients, and endlessly satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it at home and let this soup become a staple in your kitchen as it has in mine.

“`

Print