Italian Meatball Soup: A Cozy, Hearty Meal in a Bowl

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty soup to satisfy the soul, and this Italian Meatball Soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. Bursting with flavors from tender meatballs, aromatic vegetables, and a medley of Italian herbs, this dish is as wholesome as it is delicious. It’s the perfect balance of savory meat, vegetables, and pasta, making it a complete meal all in one bowl. This soup is also incredibly easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you need something warm and filling on the table in 30 minutes or less.

This recipe serves 6 and provides the richness of a classic Italian dish with the ease of a one-pot meal. Whether you use beef or turkey meatballs, the flavor will shine through with every bite, enhanced by fresh vegetables and fragrant Italian seasoning. The addition of spinach adds a pop of color and nutrients, while the small pasta brings extra heartiness to the dish.

Ingredients to Prepare

This Italian Meatball Soup recipe yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners or leftovers for lunch the next day. With a variety of vegetables, pasta, and meatballs, it’s a well-rounded, nutritious meal that will leave everyone feeling satisfied.

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 zucchini, diced
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced cherry tomatoes, undrained
1 cup small pasta (orzo or ditalini)
16 pre-cooked meatballs (beef or turkey)
2 cups spinach leaves
Parmesan cheese, for garnish

How to Make

Making this Italian Meatball Soup is incredibly simple, yet it delivers big on flavor. Follow these easy steps to create a delicious, comforting soup that your family will love.

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften and release their aroma. This step is crucial for building a flavor base for the soup.

2. Add the Zucchini and Seasoning:

Stir in the diced zucchini, along with the salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for another 2 minutes to allow the zucchini to soften slightly and the spices to bloom, enhancing the flavor of the soup.

3. Pour in the Broth and Tomatoes:

Add the chicken broth and the can of diced cherry tomatoes, including the juice. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil. The broth and tomatoes will form the flavorful liquid base of the soup.

4. Add the Pasta and Meatballs:

Once the broth reaches a boil, add the small pasta (orzo or ditalini) and pre-cooked meatballs to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the meatballs are heated through. If you’re using homemade or frozen meatballs, ensure they’re fully cooked and thawed before adding them to the soup.

5. Add the Spinach:

Stir in the spinach leaves and cook for another 2 minutes until they’re wilted and tender. The spinach not only adds color to the soup but also boosts its nutritional value.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Once the soup is ready, ladle it into bowls and garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt slightly into the hot soup, adding a delicious savory finish to each bowl.

Helpful Tips:

• Using Frozen Meatballs: If you have frozen meatballs on hand, they can be added directly to the soup without needing to thaw first. Just adjust the cooking time by a few minutes to ensure they heat through completely.
• Pasta Cooking Tip: To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, cook it al dente. Small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini work best because they hold their shape and texture in the soup without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Broth Substitution: For a richer flavor, you can substitute chicken broth with beef broth or vegetable broth, depending on your taste preferences. If you like your soup on the heartier side, you can also add an extra cup of broth to thin it out.

Serving Suggestions:

• Bread on the Side: Italian Meatball Soup pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The bread absorbs the flavorful broth and adds a satisfying crunch to the meal.
• Salad Companion: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great side to complement the heartiness of the soup without overpowering its flavors.
• Garnish Ideas: In addition to Parmesan cheese, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil on top for extra richness. For a bit of spice, you can also add red pepper flakes.

Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 700mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g

Storage and Leftovers

• Storing Leftovers: This soup stores well, making it a great option for meal prep. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen as it sits, making it even tastier the next day.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply warm the soup in a pot over medium heat until heated through. You may need to add a splash of water or broth if the soup has thickened too much in the fridge. Alternatively, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Freezing: This Italian Meatball Soup freezes beautifully. To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this soup with fresh meatballs?
Yes, you can use fresh meatballs if you prefer. Simply brown the fresh meatballs in a skillet or bake them in the oven before adding them to the soup. You can also simmer raw meatballs directly in the broth, but this may add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What other vegetables can I add to this soup?
This recipe is versatile, and you can easily add or substitute vegetables based on your preferences. Other great additions include bell peppers, mushrooms, peas, or kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so that all vegetables are tender when the soup is ready.

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While orzo or ditalini are great small pasta choices, you can use any pasta you have on hand. Penne, macaroni, or even tortellini will work, though you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the size of the pasta.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this soup vegetarian by omitting the meatballs and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. For a plant-based protein boost, consider adding chickpeas or white beans in place of the meatballs.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy in the soup?
To keep the pasta from becoming too soft, cook it al dente and serve the soup immediately. If you plan on storing the soup, consider cooking the pasta separately and adding it to individual bowls just before serving. This helps maintain the pasta’s texture, especially if you’re planning on freezing the soup.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect cozy meal for any time of year. Its hearty combination of vegetables, pasta, and tender meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth makes it a satisfying option for lunch or dinner. Not only is it quick and easy to make, but it also offers a balance of flavors and textures that the whole family will love.

Serve this soup with a side of crusty bread and a light salad for a complete meal that’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or a comforting dish to warm you up, Italian Meatball Soup is a recipe you’ll want to keep on hand for years to come!

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