Name: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe

Let’s talk about the ultimate cozy meal: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup. Imagine nourishing meatballs, snuggled in a velvety, Parmesan-laced broth with tender pasta and vibrant greens—every spoonful is pure comfort. This soup brings together the classic flavors of Italy with a rich, creamy twist, making it just the thing for cool evenings or when you’re craving a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re serving family or sharing with friends, this is one recipe that always gets rave reviews and plenty of second helpings!

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Italian Meatball Soup comes from humble pantry staples working together in perfect harmony. Each ingredient has a role to play—creating layers of flavor, a pleasing texture, and those gorgeous, comforting colors that make the whole pot simply irresistible.

Ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork): Delivers a savory foundation and tender meatballs packed with flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Help bind the meatballs and keep them delightfully moist.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness both in the meatballs and soup base.
Egg: Acts as a binder to hold everything together.
Garlic: A double dose turns up the aromatic intensity—don’t hold back!
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to round out that authentic Italian flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer, adjust to suit your personal taste.
Fresh parsley (optional): Brings herby brightness to the meatballs and as a garnish.
Olive oil: For sautéing and adding a hint of fruity richness.
Onion: Gives a subtle sweetness as the flavor base for the soup.
Celery: Lends gentle crunch and earthy undertones.
Diced tomatoes: Bring vibrant color, tang, and depth to the broth.
Chicken or beef broth: Provides the savory backbone—use your favorite or homemade if you have it!
Small pasta (ditalini or elbow macaroni): Adds hearty, comforting body to the soup.
Heavy cream: The not-so-secret ingredient for unbeatable silkiness.
Fresh spinach or basil: Stirred in at the end for a pop of color and freshness.
Extra Parmesan, fresh basil or parsley, and crushed red pepper flakes: For serving—let everyone personalize their bowl.

How to Make Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

Start by mixing the ground beef (or blend of beef and pork), breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and a touch of fresh parsley in a large mixing bowl. Use a gentle hand—overmixing can make the meatballs dense. Once blended, roll into small, one-inch balls. This is where the love goes in and makes every bite of your Creamy Italian Meatball Soup just a little better!

Step 2: Cook the Meatballs

Heat a splash of olive oil in your biggest soup pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Gently brown the meatballs on all sides, a few minutes per batch. You don’t need to cook them through just yet—they’ll finish in the soup. Include as much of that flavorful fond (those golden bits left behind) in the next steps as possible.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, without wiping it clean, add diced onion, chopped celery, and minced garlic. Sauté for three to four minutes, stirring often, until soft and fragrant. This is where your kitchen starts smelling incredible! The veggies soak up all those lovely meatball drippings for extra flavor.

Step 4: Build the Soup Base

Pour in the diced tomatoes and the rich chicken or beef broth. Stir everything together and season with more Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Return those golden, waiting meatballs to the pot, nestling them into the warm, savory broth. Gently simmer for about fifteen minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld and the meatballs to finish cooking through.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

Now add the small pasta of your choice—ditalini or elbow macaroni work especially well. Let the soup simmer gently for another eight to ten minutes, until the pasta is irresistibly tender but not mushy. Keep an eye on it, as small pasta can go soft quickly!

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Turn the heat down to low and pour in the heavy cream and another handful of grated Parmesan. Stir everything together, letting it warm through for two or three minutes. This is when magic happens: the broth turns delightfully creamy and silky, making your Creamy Italian Meatball Soup irresistibly rich.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, stir in the chopped spinach or basil, letting the leaves wilt gently into the soup. Taste and tweak the seasoning to your liking—maybe another pinch of salt or a crack of black pepper. Ladle into bowls, then top with extra Parmesan, more fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Garnishes

The finishing touches really make Creamy Italian Meatball Soup special. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives a salty, nutty crown, while torn basil or parsley adds vibrant color and freshness. For a spirited kick, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes is lovely—but always let your guests add their own so everyone gets their perfect bowl.

Side Dishes

This soup is hearty all by itself, but a thick slice of crusty Italian bread or homemade garlic toast makes it utterly swoonworthy. If you’re after a lighter touch, a simple green salad dressed with lemon or balsamic vinegar pairs beautifully and keeps the meal bright and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For a casual family night, serve Creamy Italian Meatball Soup in big rustic bowls with bread for dunking. If you’re hosting a dinner party, try ladling the soup into mini mugs or ramekins for a fun appetizer course. You can even set up a little garnish bar, letting everyone customize with their own herbs and cheese—guaranteed to bring on the smiles!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Italian Meatball Soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. The pasta may absorb more broth as it sits, so you can always add a splash of extra cream or broth when you reheat to bring back that luscious texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the soup in individual portions (leave a little room for expansion). If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze just the meatballs and broth before adding the cream, cheese, and greens—those fresh ingredients are best added after thawing to maintain their texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stovetop over low heat, stirring gently to avoid breaking up the meatballs. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. Microwaving is convenient too, especially for single portions; just cover loosely and stir every minute until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of beef and pork in the meatballs?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well and make for a lighter yet still delicious version of Creamy Italian Meatball Soup. Just watch the cook time, as leaner meats can dry out faster—don’t overbake your meatballs.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Ditalini, elbow macaroni, or any small-shaped pasta are ideal as they soak up the broth and aren’t too heavy. If you prefer gluten-free, go for your favorite small gluten-free pasta, added towards the end of cooking to maintain the best texture.

Can I make Creamy Italian Meatball Soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can! If making ahead, consider cooking the pasta separately so it doesn’t get overly soft. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup and stir in freshly cooked pasta and the greens for just-wilted freshness.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

For a lighter version, try half-and-half, whole milk, or even unsweetened canned coconut milk (for a subtle twist). Just know the soup won’t be quite as silky as with heavy cream, but it will still be delicious!

How do I keep my meatballs from falling apart in the soup?

Binding is key—don’t skip the egg and breadcrumbs. Also, sear the meatballs before simmering; this creates a lovely crust that holds them together as they cook through in your Creamy Italian Meatball Soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about homemade Creamy Italian Meatball Soup—big flavor, melt-in-your-mouth comfort, and a hearty dose of Italian flair. I hope you’ll gather your ingredients, summon your inner nonna, and give it a try soon. Once you’ve had one creamy, herby spoonful, it’ll be a regular favorite in your kitchen too!

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting and flavorful soup loaded with tender meatballs, pasta, and a creamy broth. Perfect for a cozy night in or a family meal.

Instructions

Prepare the Meatballs In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix gently until combined. Avoid overmixing. Roll the mixture into small 1-inch meatballs and set aside.
Cook the Meatballs Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat with olive oil. Sear the meatballs for 2-3 minutes per side until browned. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables In the same pot, add onion, celery, and garlic. Sauté until softened (3-4 minutes).
Build the Soup Base Add diced tomatoes and broth. Stir well. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Return the meatballs to the pot and simmer for 15 minutes.
Cook the Pasta Stir in the pasta and simmer for 8-10 minutes until tender.
Make It Creamy Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it heat through for 2-3 minutes.
Finish and Serve Stir in chopped spinach or basil until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

You can customize the soup by adding your favorite vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
For a lighter version, you can use ground turkey instead of beef.
This soup pairs well with crusty bread for dipping.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian