Spaghetti and Meatball Soup Recipe

If there’s a dish that tastes like a warm, comforting hug in a bowl, Spaghetti and Meatball Soup is it—imagine all the joys of the classic pasta dinner, but with the coziness of a hearty soup! Tender mini meatballs, twirly spaghetti, and a rich tomato-basil broth come together to create a meal that makes everyone at the table smile. It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight, yet special enough to serve to friends and family craving something familiar but with a fun twist. The very essence of Spaghetti and Meatball Soup lies in its deep, savory flavors, a hint of herbaceous basil, and parmesan dusted over the top for that irresistible finish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need is a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh touches to create Spaghetti and Meatball Soup. Each ingredient works its magic—bringing out the heartiness, richness, and those classic Italian flavors we just can’t resist.

• Mini meatballs: These bite-sized gems add rich flavor and protein to every spoonful; homemade or Trader Joe’s party size are both stellar choices.
• Chicken broth: The backbone of our soup, it gives a savory, comforting depth; beef or vegetable broth work perfectly for different tastes or dietary needs.
• Marinara sauce: Use your favorite jarred sauce or homemade for luscious tomato flavor with a touch of Italian herbs.
• Bay leaf: Just one packs a punch, infusing the broth with subtle earthiness and aroma.
• Spaghetti: Breaking noodles into bite-sized pieces makes the soup extra slurpable and fun for everyone.
• Basil leaves: Fresh basil chiffonade adds a pop of color and a burst of fragrant, peppery flavor right before serving.
• Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parm makes each bite creamy, salty, and just a little indulgent.

How to Make Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by getting those mini meatballs ready to shine. If you’re using store-bought, just follow the package instructions—they’re often cooked and just need a quick reheat, which saves loads of time. If you’re whipping up homemade meatballs, bake or pan-fry them until golden and cooked through, as this locks in flavor and helps them hold together in the soup. Set them aside so they’re ready to dive into the pot soon.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Broth

Place a large stockpot or Dutch oven on medium heat—this will be the heart of your Spaghetti and Meatball Soup. Whisk together the chicken broth, luscious marinara sauce, bay leaf, and three cups of water. Let it all come together as it heats up, stirring now and then. Once it starts to boil, the aroma is your first hint that cozy times are near!

Step 3: Add Spaghetti and Meatballs

Add in the broken pieces of spaghetti and your cooked meatballs straight into the bubbling broth. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer—this helps the flavors mingle and ensures the pasta cooks to tender perfection without sticking together. Let it all cook for about 10-12 minutes. The spaghetti should be perfectly al dente and the meatballs warmed through.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

When the spaghetti is just right, fish out the bay leaf and get ready for the finishing touches. Ladle the piping hot soup into bowls, top generously with fresh basil and a shower of grated Parmesan. You’re ready to serve up the Spaghetti and Meatball Soup immediately—because this is one dish that’s best enjoyed while it’s hot and fragrant.

How to Serve Spaghetti and Meatball Soup

Garnishes

A handful of freshly chiffonade basil offers a bright, herby lift to your Spaghetti and Meatball Soup, cutting through the richness of the broth. Don’t be shy with the Parmesan either; a generous sprinkle melts into the hot soup for that magical Italian finish. If you love a bit of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes does wonders!

Side Dishes

Pair your Spaghetti and Meatball Soup with golden slices of garlic bread, a crusty baguette, or even simple breadsticks—something to soak up every last drop of that savory tomato broth. For a lighter touch, a simple green salad tossed with balsamic vinaigrette brings freshness to the meal and balances the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the soup in oversized mugs for a playful, cozy vibe that’s perfect for casual family nights. For dinner parties, offer toppings in little bowls so everyone can DIY their basil and Parmesan amount. Or make it a sharing affair with one big, steaming Dutch oven on the table and let everyone ladle their own. Whichever way you serve Spaghetti and Meatball Soup, the presentation always brings a smile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Spaghetti and Meatball Soup can be cooled and transferred to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but the pasta will soak up more broth—add a splash of extra broth or water when reheating, if needed, for the perfect consistency.

Freezing

To freeze, portion the soup into airtight freezer-safe containers, leaving space for expansion. For best results, freeze before adding the pasta—or if already mixed in, know that spaghetti will get softer after thawing, but the soup will still be delicious. Freeze for up to three months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm Spaghetti and Meatball Soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if it’s thickened in the fridge or freezer. Microwave reheating works too, just heat in intervals and stir to make sure those meatballs get hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta in Spaghetti and Meatball Soup?

Absolutely! While spaghetti is classic, feel free to experiment with small shapes like ditalini, orzo, or broken angel hair. Just remember that cooking times may vary, so check for doneness.

Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?

Yes! Substitute in your favorite plant-based meatballs and swap chicken broth for a rich vegetable broth. The soup still turns out hearty, flavorful, and just as cozy.

Can I make Spaghetti and Meatball Soup in a slow cooker?

You can—just add the broth, marinara, bay leaf, and cooked meatballs to the slow cooker, then cook on low for a few hours. Add the broken spaghetti in the last 20-30 minutes so it doesn’t get overly soft.

How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy when storing leftovers?

If planning ahead, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings. That way, any leftover spaghetti doesn’t soak up all the broth or lose its tender bite.

What wine pairs well with Spaghetti and Meatball Soup?

A light Chianti, Sangiovese, or even a Pinot Noir beautifully complements the rich tomato broth and savory meatballs without overwhelming the soup’s delicate herbal notes.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes capture the joy of a beloved comfort meal while making things extra fun—Spaghetti and Meatball Soup truly does both. Whether you’re serving family, friends, or just feeling like a cozy treat yourself, I hope this becomes a tradition at your table. Give it a try and let the slurping, meatball-spearing, and smiles commence!

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