Name: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef or Italian sausage; ½ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 large egg; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes; 4 cups chicken or beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or elbow); 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¼ cup fresh basil, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste

When you need a bowl of cozy comfort with bold Italian flair, this Creamy Italian Meatball Soup delivers every time. Rich, hearty, and loaded with flavor, this soup blends savory meatballs, tender pasta, and fresh greens in a luscious tomato cream broth. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want something that feels like a hug in a bowl.

What makes this soup stand out is how it balances creamy indulgence with bright, herbaceous notes. The meatballs soak up the broth beautifully, the pasta adds just the right bite, and fresh basil ties it all together. This one-pot wonder is weeknight-friendly but feels like something special.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To bring this Creamy Italian Meatball Soup to life, you’ll need a few key tools:

Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot: This is essential for building flavor in layers and accommodating the full batch of soup. The heavy bottom ensures even cooking.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring without scratching your pot.
Mixing Bowl: For combining and shaping the meatballs.

Sheet Pan (optional): If you prefer to bake your meatballs before adding them, a sheet pan lined with parchment will do the job.
Ladle: For serving up that creamy goodness with ease.

Having these tools handy streamlines the process and helps create a soup that’s as beautiful to look at as it is to eat.

Ingredients for the Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the creamy, savory profile of this soup:

Ground beef or Italian sausage: The foundation of the meatballs, bringing richness and depth.
Breadcrumbs: Helps bind the meatballs and add structure.

Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty layer to the meatball mix.
Egg: Acts as a binder to keep the meatballs together.
Garlic and onion: Aromatics that build the base flavor of the soup.

Diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and balances the richness.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the broth.
Chicken or beef broth: Forms the hearty, savory backbone of the soup.

Heavy cream: Adds the signature creaminess and luxurious texture.
Small pasta (like ditalini or elbow): Provides body and makes each spoonful satisfying.
Fresh spinach or kale: Introduces brightness and a healthy green touch.

Basil and Italian seasoning: Infuses the soup with herby warmth.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances every component.

How To Make the Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, salt, and pepper. Roll into bite-sized balls and set aside. You can bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or brown them directly in your pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil in your Dutch oven. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Base

Stir in tomato paste and cook briefly to caramelize. Add diced tomatoes and broth, then bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Meatballs and Simmer

Gently add meatballs to the pot. Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Step 5: Stir in Pasta and Cream

Add the pasta and cook until just tender. Reduce heat and pour in the cream, stirring to combine.

Step 6: Finish with Greens and Herbs

Add fresh spinach or kale and stir until wilted. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle in fresh basil just before serving.

Serving and Storing Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

This soup is best served hot, ladled into bowls and garnished with extra basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan. A side of crusty bread or garlic knots makes it a complete, comforting meal.

For storage, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, warm it gently on the stove over medium heat to avoid separating the cream. The pasta may absorb more liquid over time, so add a splash of broth when reheating if needed.

To freeze, leave out the pasta (add fresh when reheating), and store for up to 2 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this soup lighter?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and swap ground turkey or chicken for the meatballs.

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes! If you’re short on time, frozen meatballs work just fine. Simmer them in the broth a little longer until fully heated through.

What pasta works best?

Ditalini, elbows, or small shells are great because they hold their shape and size in the broth.

How do I prevent the cream from curdling?

Make sure to lower the heat before adding the cream and avoid boiling the soup once it’s been added.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs in the meatballs and gluten-free pasta to make it suitable.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Just prepare the meatballs separately and add them to the slow cooker with the broth and tomatoes. Stir in the cream and pasta in the last 30 minutes.

Want More Soup Ideas?

If you loved this Creamy Italian Meatball Soup, you’ll want to try these cozy, flavor-packed recipes next:

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Creamy, cheesy, and layered with Italian flavor.
Hearty Creamy Ditalini Soup for Chilly Nights: A filling option perfect for cold evenings.
Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff: Creamy comfort meets savory mushrooms.

Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup: A meaty, cheesy bowl of satisfaction.
Louisiana Seafood Gumbo: A Southern-inspired soup with bold flavors.

And if you’d like even more comforting bowls like this one, be sure to visit my Pinterest board: Life With Olivia Recipes for daily inspiration.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime you’re craving comfort in a bowl.

Tried it? Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you. Did you add extra spice? Use a different green? I love hearing how others make it their own.

Have a question or a tweak to share? Drop it below—we’re all here to help each other enjoy home cooking even more.

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is the perfect comfort dish for cozy nights. Juicy homemade meatballs, pasta, and leafy greens come together in a rich tomato cream broth seasoned with herbs and garlic. It’s a one-pot meal that feels both hearty and indulgent.