Description
Indulge in the deliciously rich flavors of Creamy Italian Meatball Soup, a comforting dish that warms the soul. This delightful soup features tender, homemade meatballs nestled in a creamy tomato-based broth, accompanied by hearty pasta and vibrant greens. Perfect for cold evenings or cozy gatherings, this recipe is simple enough for novice cooks yet impressive enough to please any crowd. Each bowl bursts with Italian flavors, making it a must-try for soup lovers. Serve it with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound (450g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or elbow macaroni)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach or basil, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Form into 1-inch meatballs.
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and celery until soft; add minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in diced tomatoes and broth; season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add meatballs to the simmering soup and cook for 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Mix in chopped spinach or basil just before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg