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, for garnish; Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

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If you are looking for a hearty, comforting bowl that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Meatball Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. Bringing together tender, flavorful meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, bright baby spinach, and a rich tomato broth enriched with creamy goodness, this soup is both satisfying and utterly delicious. Whether you make the meatballs from scratch or use frozen, every spoonful offers a delightful balance of texture and flavor that’s perfect for a family dinner, weeknight meal, or feeding a crowd with minimal fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a collection of ingredients all placed on a white marbled surface. There is a large white bowl filled with cooked meatballs, standing out with their dark browned texture. Nearby, a white bowl holds fresh, bright green spinach leaves with visible veins. A smaller white bowl contains finely chopped white onions, showing a crisp, moist texture. Next to it, another white bowl holds dry spiral pasta in a golden yellow color. A can of crushed red tomatoes is open with a rich red, slightly chunky texture. A small white bowl has pale yellow minced garlic, textured and moist. Beside it is another small white bowl filled with mixed dried herbs that look green and brown. A white ceramic cup houses a golden light yellow olive oil with a smooth surface. Lastly, a clear glass measuring cup contains a golden brown broth, smooth and translucent. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Nothing fancy here, just a handful of simple ingredients that work in harmony to create a soup full of flavor, color, and texture. Each element plays a vital role—onions and garlic give depth, Italian seasoning adds an herby touch, and the combination of broth and tomatoes forms the rich base that the meatballs and pasta soak up beautifully.

Homemade or thawed meatballs: The star protein of the dish, providing rich, meaty bursts in every bite.
Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, adding a smooth, fruity undertone.
Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a caramelized aroma when cooked down.
Garlic cloves: Essential for that classic aromatic foundation.
Italian seasoning: A bold blend of herbs that brings a savory, rustic character.
Tomato paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and thickens the broth slightly.
Chicken broth: The cozy, flavorful liquid base for the soup.
Crushed tomatoes: Provide a bright, tangy note that balances the richness.
Uncooked rotini pasta: Twisty shapes that soak up the broth elegantly.
Baby spinach: For a fresh pop of green and subtle earthiness.
Heavy cream: Adds a luscious creaminess that rounds out the flavors.
Kosher salt & fresh cracked pepper: To season and enhance every component perfectly.
Shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley: Bright, salty, and fresh garnishes to finish the soup beautifully.

How to Make Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Meatballs

Start by using either a batch of your favorite homemade Italian meatballs, my quick air fryer meatballs recipe, or a package of thawed frozen meatballs. This step is crucial since the quality of the meatballs sets the tone for the whole soup. If using frozen, make sure they’re completely thawed or warmed through before adding to the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the diced yellow onion with generous pinches of kosher salt and cracked pepper. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes, allowing the onions to soften and caramelize slightly—this process develops amazing flavor that forms the base of your soup.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Add the minced garlic cloves, Italian seasoning, and tomato paste to the pot. Keep stirring for about a minute so the garlic doesn’t burn and the tomato paste cooks through, deepening in flavor. This quick step gives your broth a rich, concentrated tomato depth.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in a few splashes of chicken broth to loosen and scrape up all those brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. This “fond” contains tons of flavor and stirring it in is what transforms a simple soup base into something extraordinary.

Step 5: Add Remaining Broth, Tomatoes, Pasta, and Meatballs

Stir in the rest of the chicken broth, the entire can of crushed tomatoes, uncooked rotini pasta, and your cooked meatballs. Season with more salt and pepper and give everything a thorough stir so all the ingredients mingle well.

Step 6: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring the soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat. Then reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the pasta is perfectly al dente, tender but with a slight bite. The meatballs will heat through further and soak up some of the broth’s flavor.

Step 7: Add Spinach and Cream

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in two cups of fresh baby spinach and half a cup of heavy cream—this step brings brightness from the greens and a silky richness that ties everything together perfectly. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed through.

Step 8: Final Seasoning and Garnish

Taste your soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and finish with shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. These garnishes add salty nuttiness and fresh herbaceous notes that really elevate the dish.

How to Serve Meatball Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with a creamy orange sauce containing three brown meatballs and several pieces of spiral-shaped pasta. Small green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding contrast to the warm colors of the dish. The sauce looks smooth with chunks of tomato and leafy greens mixed in. A silver spoon is inside the bowl, resting on the pasta and meatballs, and the bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a black and white checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can take your Meatball Soup Recipe from good to unforgettable. Aside from shaved Parmesan and chopped parsley, feel free to add a squeeze of lemon for a citrusy pop or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Crunchy garlic bread or freshly cracked black pepper on top also enhance the experience.

Side Dishes

This soup shines as a complete meal, but pairing it with crusty artisan bread, a fresh green salad, or a simple caprese plate can round out the dining experience beautifully. These sides offer complementary textures and flavors without overwhelming your bowl full of comforting goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun family dinner, serve the Meatball Soup Recipe in fun, colorful bowls that highlight the vibrant reds and greens in the soup. You can also ladle it into bread bowls for a rustic twist or portion it into mason jars for easy grab-and-go lunches that look as good as they taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Meatball Soup Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and avoid the pasta becoming mushy. Give it a good stir before reheating to recombine all the lovely flavors.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, freeze the soup without the cream and spinach for best results. Pasta can sometimes change texture after freezing, so it’s better to add fresh spinach and cream when you reheat. Freeze in portions for easy future meals.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Once warm, stir in spinach and cream if they were removed prior to freezing, and let the soup simmer until everything is perfectly heated through and the flavors meld again.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought meatballs in this Meatball Soup Recipe?

Absolutely! Using store-bought meatballs is a convenient shortcut that works perfectly, especially if they are high quality. Just make sure they are fully thawed or cooked before adding them to the soup.

What type of pasta works best in this soup?

Rotini is ideal because its twists hold onto the broth well, but you can substitute with other shapes like ditalini, small shells, or even orzo. Avoid very large pasta that might overpower the meatballs or take too long to cook.

Can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the meatballs for hearty vegetarian or plant-based meatballs and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The rest of the ingredients stay the same, and you’ll have a satisfying meatless soup.

How spicy is this Meatball Soup Recipe?

This recipe is mild and family-friendly. If you enjoy more heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing stage or garnish with hot sauce at the table.

Is it okay to add the cream at the end?

Yes! Adding the heavy cream at the end keeps it from curdling and preserves its luxurious texture. Stir it in just before serving to gently warm without boiling.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Soup Recipe is a go-to that never fails to impress with its rich flavors, lovely textures, and that unbeatable homemade warmth. Whether you’re craving a cozy weeknight dinner or feeding a hungry family, this soul-satisfying soup always delivers joy in every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your new favorite comfort food!

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