Name: Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 recipe of homemade meatballs or 18-20 oz. bag of frozen meatballs, thawed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 yellow onion, diced; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 32 oz. chicken broth; 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes; 8 oz. (about 2 1/2 cups) uncooked rotini pasta; 2 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; Shaved Parmesan cheese; Freshly chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you have a craving for something cozy, comforting, and downright satisfying, this Meatball Soup Recipe is exactly what you need to warm your soul. With tender, juicy meatballs nestled in a rich tomato broth, vibrant baby spinach, and perfectly cooked rotini pasta, it’s a bowl full of hearty flavors and textures that come together in pure harmony. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight meal or something special to serve guests, this soup promises both simplicity and sensational taste, making it a beloved favorite for all seasons.

A white pot filled with a thick red-orange sauce that covers spiral pasta and small round meatballs. The sauce has a smooth texture with visible herbs and small chunks of tomatoes and onions. Bright green spinach leaves are scattered throughout, adding contrast. The pot sits on a white marbled surface, with part of a white and black striped cloth visible near the bottom edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients lay the foundation for this wonderful Meatball Soup Recipe. Each component plays a crucial role, from adding depth and warmth to delivering that comforting, home-cooked feeling you’ll want to savor again and again.

Homemade or frozen meatballs: The star of the dish, offering heartiness and rich flavor with every bite.
Olive oil: Essential for starting the soup with a gentle sauté, enhancing the onions’ natural sweetness.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and aroma, caramelizing beautifully for depth.
Garlic cloves: Provide a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire dish.
Italian seasoning: Infuses those classic Mediterranean herbs, perfectly complementing the tomato base.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor, adding richness and color to the broth.
Chicken broth: The savory liquid that forms the heart of your soup, bringing all ingredients together.
Crushed tomatoes: Give it a bright, tangy natural sweetness.
Uncooked rotini pasta: Twists of pasta that wonderfully catch the broth and nestle alongside the meatballs.
Baby spinach: Offers a fresh, leafy contrast and a boost of nutrients.
Heavy cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that balances the tomato’s acidity perfectly.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: For seasoning to enhance every layer of flavor.
Shaved Parmesan and fresh parsley: Optional garnishes that bring a bright finishing touch and extra savoriness.

How to Make Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Meatballs

Whether you’re making your own Italian meatballs or using thawed frozen ones, having tender, flavorful meatballs ready is the key first step. Cooking them beforehand ensures they stay juicy and don’t fall apart when simmered in the soup, adding satisfying bites throughout the bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Heat olive oil in your pot and add the diced yellow onion accompanied by a pinch of salt and pepper. Cooking them for 6 to 8 minutes until they begin to caramelize unlocks amazing sweetness and depth. Then stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste, cooking for another minute to let those aromas build.

Step 3: Build the Soup Base

Add a splash of chicken broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up those tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. Pour in the remaining broth, crushed tomatoes, uncooked rotini, and your cooked meatballs. Season lightly with salt and pepper and bring it all to a simmer. This is where the magic starts to happen as flavors meld together.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let the soup cook gently for 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente and has absorbed those delicious savory notes from the broth and meatballs.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Stir in fresh baby spinach until just wilted, adding a bright, fresh layer to the rich soup. Then pour in heavy cream, which softens the acidity of the tomatoes and gives the broth a silky, satisfying texture that will keep you coming back for more.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and top with shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for an authentic restaurant-quality touch right at home.

How to Serve Meatball Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange soup that has spiral pasta and three brown meatballs inside. Bits of green herbs and small pieces of tomato float in the thick soup. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl touching one meatball. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has black stripes nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Finishing touches truly elevate this Meatball Soup Recipe. Shaved Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty richness while bright parsley brings a pop of color and freshness. These simple garnishes transform every spoonful into a delightful experience.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with crunchy garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. The bread’s crisp exterior and buttery garlic taste make it perfect for dipping, soaking up every last bit of that flavorful broth.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your soup in small cups as an appetizer, or in a bread bowl for a rustic and hearty presentation. Adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of pesto on top can also bring exciting new flavors to your Meatball Soup Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover meatball soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal even more delicious and easy to enjoy.

Freezing

This Meatball Soup Recipe freezes well for up to 2 months. Just cool it completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and avoid adding the cream beforehand. You can stir it in fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the heavy cream back in at the end to preserve the creamy texture and freshness, ensuring your soup tastes just like the first time.

FAQs

Can I use different types of meatballs?

Absolutely! Beef, pork, turkey, or chicken meatballs all work wonderfully. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the soup to avoid any undercooked surprises.

What can I substitute for rotini pasta?

Any small pasta shape such as ditalini, small shells, or elbow macaroni will work just fine. Just keep the cooking time in mind since smaller pasta may cook quicker.

Is there a vegetarian version of this Meatball Soup Recipe?

Yes! Swap meatballs for plant-based alternatives or hearty mushroom balls. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, keeping all that comforting flavor intact.

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

You can, but cook the meatballs separately to ensure they retain their texture. Then add everything else to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, adding spinach and cream near the end.

How do I ensure my pasta doesn’t get mushy?

Add the pasta towards the end of cooking and monitor its texture closely. Cooking until al dente ensures it retains a nice bite without becoming mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Soup Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and smiles to any table. Its comforting combination of juicy meatballs, tender pasta, vibrant greens, and creamy tomato broth is instantly satisfying without fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own go-to comfort meal when you want something truly special yet simple. Happy cooking and even happier eating!