Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
- The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs
- How to Make the Perfect Creamy Broth
- Best Pasta Choices for a Hearty Soup
- Serving and Pairing Ideas
- Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
– This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is rich, comforting, and perfect for cozy nights.
– The homemade meatballs are juicy, flavorful, and easy to make.
– A creamy broth combined with tomatoes and Parmesan creates a restaurant-quality dish.
– Choose small pasta varieties for the best texture and flavor absorption.
– It’s a perfect meal prep option as it reheats beautifully.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
If you’re looking for a hearty, soul-warming dish, this creamy Italian meatball soup is the perfect recipe to try! The combination of juicy meatballs, a rich, creamy broth, and tender pasta makes this a meal the whole family will love. Whether you’re craving comfort food or need a quick dinner idea, this soup delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures.
The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Meatballs
One of the highlights of this dish is the perfectly seasoned meatballs. Using a mix of ground beef, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan, they turn out juicy and tender every time. The key to keeping them from drying out is a light touch—don’t overmix! Browning the meatballs before adding them to the soup also enhances their flavor and gives them a delicious texture.
How to Make the Perfect Creamy Broth
A truly great creamy Italian meatball soup starts with a well-balanced broth. This one combines chicken broth, tomatoes, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese for a rich and flavorful base. The trick is to add the cream at the right time—after simmering the meatballs—so it stays smooth and velvety without curdling.
Best Pasta Choices for a Hearty Soup
Choosing the right pasta is important for achieving the best texture in this dish. Small pasta shapes like ditalini, orzo, or mini shells work beautifully because they soak up the broth without overpowering the soup. If you prefer a low-carb version, try using cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead.
Serving and Pairing Ideas
This creamy Italian meatball soup is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal. A crusty loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth. A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette also makes a great, refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
If you want to meal prep this dish, you’re in luck! This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheats beautifully. Just be sure to add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to maintain its creamy texture. You can also freeze it, but for best results, freeze without the pasta and add freshly cooked pasta when serving.
Looking for more comforting meals? Visit Clara Cooks for more delicious recipes!
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add meatballs and cook until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes, bringing to a boil.
- Reduce heat, add meatballs back into the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and pasta. Cook until pasta is tender, about 10 minutes.
- Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.
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