Method
Step 1 — Prepare the base
- Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced celery. Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 2 — Add garlic and herbs
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, and dried oregano. Cook for 1 minute to release all the aromas.
Step 3 — Add tomatoes and broth
- Pour in the canned tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir well, bringing everything together into a flavorful broth.
Step 4 — Add meatballs
- Add the cooked or frozen beef (or chicken) meatballs to the pot. Stir gently so they warm evenly.
Step 5 — Simmer thoroughly
- Bring the soup to a gentle boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes so the flavors blend and the meatballs heat through.
Step 6 — Add pasta
- Add the short pasta to the soup. Continue simmering for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta becomes tender.
Step 7 — Add cream and spinach
- Lower the heat and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently. Add fresh spinach and let it wilt into the soup for 2–3 minutes.
Step 8 — Adjust seasoning
- Taste the soup and add salt and black pepper as needed. Adjust the creaminess or seasoning to your liking.
Step 9 — Serve warm
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, hearty flavor.
Notes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Reheating Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If thick, add broth or water to reach the perfect consistency. 🥄 Variations
1. Chicken Italian Soup Use chicken meatballs instead of beef. 2. Extra Creamy Version Add 2 extra tablespoons of cream cheese for richer texture. 3. Tomato-Rich Version Use crushed tomatoes for a deeper tomato flavor. 4. Veggie Loaded Add carrots, zucchini, or peas. 5. Low-Carb Skip pasta and add more spinach or zucchini slices. 6. Herby & Fresh Add fresh basil and parsley at the end. 7. Spicy Version Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. 8. Cheese Lover’s Soup Add extra Parmesan or mozzarella. 9. Brothier Version Add an additional cup of broth. 10. Gluten-Free Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, frozen beef or chicken meatballs work perfectly. 2. Can I make it without cream? You can use milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. 3. Can I use fresh tomatoes? Yes—use 2–3 large tomatoes, chopped. 4. Can I substitute the pasta? Any short pasta works, or you can use rice instead. 5. Does the soup thicken as it cools? Yes, because pasta absorbs liquid. Add broth if needed. 6. Can I add mozzarella? Absolutely—melt it in for extra creaminess. 7. Is it spicy? No—unless you add red pepper flakes. 8. Can I use beef broth instead? Yes, but chicken broth keeps it lighter. 9. Can I make it ahead? Yes—just store pasta separately for best results. 10. What goes well with this soup? Garlic bread, salad, or toasted baguette. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup brings together everything comforting and delicious about Italian cooking: tender meatballs, savory vegetables, soft pasta, rich cream, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The result is a hearty, warm, and deeply satisfying dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, full of classic flavors, perfect for family dinners, and customizable for any taste. Whether you're craving something creamy, comforting, or Italian-inspired, this soup is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.
Refrigerator Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer Freeze without pasta for up to 2 months. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Reheating Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat. If thick, add broth or water to reach the perfect consistency. 🥄 Variations
1. Chicken Italian Soup Use chicken meatballs instead of beef. 2. Extra Creamy Version Add 2 extra tablespoons of cream cheese for richer texture. 3. Tomato-Rich Version Use crushed tomatoes for a deeper tomato flavor. 4. Veggie Loaded Add carrots, zucchini, or peas. 5. Low-Carb Skip pasta and add more spinach or zucchini slices. 6. Herby & Fresh Add fresh basil and parsley at the end. 7. Spicy Version Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño. 8. Cheese Lover’s Soup Add extra Parmesan or mozzarella. 9. Brothier Version Add an additional cup of broth. 10. Gluten-Free Use gluten-free pasta or omit pasta entirely. ❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen meatballs? Yes, frozen beef or chicken meatballs work perfectly. 2. Can I make it without cream? You can use milk or half-and-half for a lighter version. 3. Can I use fresh tomatoes? Yes—use 2–3 large tomatoes, chopped. 4. Can I substitute the pasta? Any short pasta works, or you can use rice instead. 5. Does the soup thicken as it cools? Yes, because pasta absorbs liquid. Add broth if needed. 6. Can I add mozzarella? Absolutely—melt it in for extra creaminess. 7. Is it spicy? No—unless you add red pepper flakes. 8. Can I use beef broth instead? Yes, but chicken broth keeps it lighter. 9. Can I make it ahead? Yes—just store pasta separately for best results. 10. What goes well with this soup? Garlic bread, salad, or toasted baguette. 🏁 Conclusion This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup brings together everything comforting and delicious about Italian cooking: tender meatballs, savory vegetables, soft pasta, rich cream, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs. The result is a hearty, warm, and deeply satisfying dish that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s easy to make, full of classic flavors, perfect for family dinners, and customizable for any taste. Whether you're craving something creamy, comforting, or Italian-inspired, this soup is guaranteed to become a favorite in your home.
