Description
This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender Italian-style meatballs simmered in a flavorful broth enriched with fresh vegetables and finished with a luscious creamy finish. Infused with classic Italian herbs, baby spinach, and topped with grated Parmesan, this soup is perfect for warming family dinners and satisfying appetites.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb Italian-style meatballs, cooked
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups baby spinach
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil: In a large soup pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add the diced onion, sliced carrots, and celery to the pot. Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, letting the aroma release without burning.
- Add broth and herbs: Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in Italian seasoning and dried basil to infuse the soup with aromatic flavors.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and vegetables to soften further.
- Add meatballs: Incorporate the cooked Italian-style meatballs into the soup and continue simmering for another 10 minutes to heat them through and blend flavors.
- Stir in cream and spinach: Slowly add the heavy cream followed by baby spinach leaves. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the broth becomes creamy.
- Season to taste: Add salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish generously with grated Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finishing touch.
Notes
- Frozen cooked meatballs can be used for convenience—just add them directly to the simmering soup.
- For a heartier meal, add a small pasta like ditalini during the simmering stage.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
