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Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for chilly days. Featuring tender Italian-style meatballs, fresh vegetables, and a creamy broth enriched with heavy cream, this soup combines classic Italian flavors with a satisfying texture. The addition of spinach or kale adds a nutritious touch, making it both delicious and nourishing. Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a delightful finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 carrots, sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 6 cups chicken or beef broth

Main Components

  • 20 cooked Italian-style meatballs (homemade or frozen)
  • 1 cup small pasta (ditalini, orzo, or mini shells)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or kale (optional)

Seasoning and Garnish

  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

  1. Sauté vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, sliced carrots, and sliced celery, sautéing for 5–6 minutes until softened and aromatic.
  2. Add garlic and seasoning: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for one more minute to release their flavors.
  3. Simmer broth: Pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook meatballs and pasta: Add the cooked Italian-style meatballs and your choice of small pasta. Let cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through.
  5. Add cream and greens: Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, along with the fresh spinach or kale if using. Cook a few more minutes until the greens have wilted and the soup reaches a rich, creamy consistency.
  6. Season to taste: Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference.
  7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan cheese before serving hot.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream.
  • You can use either chicken broth or beef broth depending on your preferred flavor profile.
  • Frozen meatballs work perfectly and save prep time; just ensure they’re thoroughly heated in the soup.
  • Add extra Italian herbs like basil or oregano for more depth of flavor.
  • This soup pairs well with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatball soup, creamy meatball soup, easy Italian soup, hearty soup recipe, Italian comfort food

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/creamy-italian-meatball-soup-recipe/