Name: Meatball Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 18-20 oz. bag of frozen chicken 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

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If you’re looking for a heartwarming dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a touch of Italian charm, this Meatball Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s packed with tender chicken meatballs, savory broth, fresh spinach, and the perfect pasta spiral all swirled together in a creamy, tomato-rich base. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or need a satisfying meal that comes together quickly, this soup is going to be your new favorite. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a bowl of pure joy that’s both nourishing and indulgent in the best way.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several white bowls and a glass measuring cup arranged on a white marbled surface. From top left to bottom right, there is a small white bowl with golden olive oil, a medium white bowl filled with uncooked yellow spiral pasta, a glass measuring cup with white milk, a small white bowl with grated light yellow cheese, a small white bowl with dried green herbs, a medium white bowl holding fresh dark green spinach leaves, a medium white bowl containing browned meatballs, a medium white bowl filled with chopped white onions, a can opened to reveal chunky red tomato sauce, and a glass measuring cup filled with light brown broth. All items are clear and bright, emphasizing the fresh and varied textures of the ingredients. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Meatball Soup Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful selection of ingredients that bring it all to life. Each component plays an essential role, from the hearty meatballs to the vibrant spinach, creating a balance of texture, color, and taste that will delight your senses.

Frozen chicken meatballs (18-20 oz.): Convenient and delicious, these provide the protein-packed star of the soup without extra prep time.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables to develop deep, savory flavors.
Yellow onion (1, diced): Gives a sweet and aromatic base once caramelized, essential for that cozy soup depth.
Garlic (6 cloves, minced): Delivers a punch of flavor that breathes life and warmth into the broth.
Italian seasoning (1 tablespoon): A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that ties the soup’s flavors to its Italian inspiration.
Tomato paste (2 tablespoons): Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds a welcome richness to the soup’s heart.
Chicken broth (32 oz.): The liquid gold that forms the soup’s comforting base, enhancing all the flavors.
Crushed tomatoes (28 oz. can): Provides acidity and body, balancing the creamy and savory components.
Uncooked rotini pasta (8 oz.): The perfect shape to capture broth and hold onto bits of meat and spinach.
Baby spinach (2 cups): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and nutrition, wilting gently into the soup.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Gives the broth a smooth, luscious finish that makes every spoonful irresistible.
Kosher salt and fresh cracked pepper: Essential seasonings for rounding out and enhancing the overall taste.
Shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley: The perfect garnishes for an elegant final touch with extra flavor and freshness.

How to Make Meatball Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Meatballs

You can absolutely use the frozen chicken meatballs straight from the bag after thawing overnight in the fridge, or if you prefer, make your own homemade Italian or air fryer meatballs for that extra personal touch. This flexibility makes the Meatball Soup Recipe easy for any weeknight or special occasion.

Step 2: Sauté Onions to Perfection

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and add the diced yellow onion with generous pinches of salt and pepper. Cook the onions, stirring occasionally, until they begin to caramelize and turn a gorgeous golden brown. This step builds the foundation for the soup’s deeply savory flavor, so take your time here.

Step 3: Add the Garlic and Seasonings

Next, toss in the minced garlic along with Italian seasoning and tomato paste. Stir frequently to release all those joyful aromas and allow the tomato paste to deepen in flavor—this takes just about a minute but adds a hearty punch to the broth.

Step 4: Deglaze the Pot

Pour in a few splashes of chicken broth to loosen and scrape all the delicious browned bits off the bottom of the pot. This step is critical because those bits are flavor gold and add extra richness to your soup.

Step 5: Combine Broth, Tomatoes, Pasta, and Meatballs

Stir in the remaining broth, the crushed tomatoes, uncooked rotini pasta, and your prepared meatballs. Season again with salt and pepper. This is where all the elements come together to start building the hearty, comforting soup that’s about to warm your belly.

Step 6: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender

Bring your soup to a gentle simmer over medium-high heat, then reduce to low and cover. Let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente texture. This simmering allows all the flavors to meld beautifully throughout the soup.

Step 7: Finish with Spinach and Cream

Stir in the fresh baby spinach and heavy cream until the spinach wilts and the soup is warmed through. This step adds a velvety finish and a fresh, vibrant note that balances the robust tomato base.

Step 8: Taste and Garnish!

Give your soup a final seasoning tweak with salt and pepper as needed, then ladle it out and add a generous sprinkle of shaved Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley. This not only elevates the flavors but makes your bowlsof Meatball Soup look as gorgeous as they taste.

How to Serve Meatball Soup Recipe

A white bowl filled with creamy orange tomato sauce with visible herbs, containing twisted rotini pasta and three browned meatballs placed evenly in the soup. Some dark green leafy bits are scattered in the sauce, and a silver spoon rests inside the bowl on the right side. The bowl is on a white marbled surface with a white cloth that has black stripes partially visible under the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Shaved Parmesan adds a nutty, savory richness that melts perfectly into the hot soup, while freshly chopped parsley brings brightness and a pop of green that makes each serving inviting and fresh. Don’t skip these little finishing touches—they make all the difference.

Side Dishes

Serve your Meatball Soup alongside some crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping and soaking up every last flavorful drop. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can also complement the richness of the soup wonderfully, giving your meal balance and lightness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this soup in mini bread bowls for an adorable, edible twist that doubles the comfort. Alternatively, ladle it into colorful bowls and garnish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for a touch of elegance. Setting the table with rustic napkins and fresh herbs will complete the cozy vibe perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your Meatball Soup Recipe tastes fantastic the next day as the flavors deepen even more. Simply store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for best quality.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, making it a superb make-ahead meal option. Freeze it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Just be aware that the pasta might absorb some liquid and get softer after thawing, so you can always add a little broth or water when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your meatball soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If it seems too thick, stir in a splash of broth or water to loosen it up. For microwave reheating, heat in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I use beef meatballs instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Beef, turkey, or even vegetarian meatballs work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time if using homemade meatballs and enjoy the same hearty comfort.

Is it okay to substitute the rotini pasta with something else?

Yes! You can swap rotini for any small pasta shape like ditalini, orzo, or mini shells. The key is to choose pasta that holds broth well and cooks quickly.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Definitely! Skip the heavy cream or replace it with coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative. You’ll still get a nice creamy texture with a slightly different but delicious flavor.

How spicy is the Meatball Soup Recipe?

This recipe is mild and comforting, but if you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it a little kick.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time for a weeknight meal?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients up to step 5 and refrigerate overnight. When ready to cook, simply simmer until the pasta is tender and finish with spinach and cream just before serving for maximum freshness.

Final Thoughts

This Meatball Soup Recipe is a true kitchen champion, blending simplicity and rich flavor in a way that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a cozy solo meal, it delivers comfort, ease, and pure satisfaction with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a go-to recipe that brings smiles all around your table!