Why Make This Recipe

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting dish that marries the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with a satisfying creamy texture. This luscious soup is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, hosting friends, or looking for a hearty meal to warm you up on a chilly day, this recipe is an excellent choice. The combination of tender meatballs, creamy broth, and savory spices creates a dish that’s both indulgent and comforting.

How to Make Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef or pork
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
Italian seasoning to taste

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, parsley, egg, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Add the meatballs and cook until they are browned and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream and diced tomatoes, and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes.
Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or parsley if desired.

How to Serve Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

This soup is best served hot, and can be enjoyed as a main dish alongside some crusty bread or a fresh salad. You can also pair it with garlic bread or a side of pasta for a more filling meal. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley to enhance the presentation and flavor.

How to Store Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

To store leftovers, let the soup cool down to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it for longer, consider freezing it in portions. When ready to eat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove until warmed through.

Tips to Make Creamy Italian Meatball Soup

Ensure your meatballs are uniformly sized so they cook evenly.
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a bit of cornstarch blended with water towards the end of cooking.
For more depth of flavor, sauté some onions and carrots in the pot before adding the chicken broth and meatballs.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs or spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Variation

For a lighter version, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef or pork. You can also replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or skip it altogether for a brothier soup. Adding vegetables, such as spinach or kale, towards the end of cooking can boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen meatballs instead of homemade?
Yes, you can use frozen meatballs to save time. Just add them directly to the simmering broth and adjust the cooking time as necessary until they are heated through.

2. Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?
Absolutely! You can use plant-based ground meat alternatives and vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also add beans or lentils for protein in place of meatballs.

3. How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup?
To adjust the heat, you can add red pepper flakes or omit any spices that you feel may contribute to spiciness. Additionally, using diced tomatoes with mild seasoning can help control the overall heat level in the soup.