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Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 29 reviews

This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender homemade meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth with vegetables, pasta, and a luscious creamy finish. Perfect for a cozy meal, this soup blends classic Italian flavors with wholesome ingredients for a satisfying bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

Meatballs

  • 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Soup Base and Vegetables

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients

  • 1 cup small pasta (such as ditalini or orzo)
  • 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until just combined.
  2. Shape the Meatballs: Form the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs about 1 inch in diameter and place them on a baking sheet or plate.
  3. Brown the Meatballs: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides, but not fully cooked through. Remove the meatballs and set aside.
  4. Make the Soup Base: In the same pot, add the remaining olive oil and sauté the onion, carrots, and celery until softened, about 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Add Garlic and Herbs: Stir in the minced garlic, dried basil, and oregano; cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Combine and Simmer: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
  7. Cook the Pasta: Add the pasta to the pot and cook according to package instructions, then reduce the heat to medium-low.
  8. Add Meatballs: Return the browned meatballs to the pot and simmer the soup for an additional 10 minutes to cook the meatballs thoroughly.
  9. Finish the Soup: Stir in the chopped spinach or kale and heavy cream. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the greens are wilted and the soup is heated through.
  10. Season and Garnish: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey with ground beef or chicken based on preference.
  • Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta for a gluten-free version.
  • For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit it entirely.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stove.
  • Add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian meatball soup, creamy meatball soup, easy soup recipe, homemade meatballs, comforting Italian soup

Find it online: https://nayabaker.com/creamy-italian-meatball-soup-recipe/