The Story & Intro
Bonjour my friends! 👋 I’m Lacamorea, a 31-year-old French girl who traded the cobblestone streets of Paris for the cozy kitchens of America 🇫🇷➡️🇺🇸. Ever since I could reach the countertop, I’ve been whisking, stirring, and sneaking tastes of cake batter when no one was looking 🍰😋. Cooking isn’t just my passion it’s my love language, my therapy, and my favorite way to make people smile.
But today, I want to invite you somewhere very close to my heart a warm kitchen filled with the bubbling aroma of Creamy Italian Meatball Soup. This soup reminds me of chilly evenings when all you want is something comforting, filling, and wrapped in love. I still remember the first time I made creamy Italian meatball soup for friends here in the US. The windows were fogged up, music was playing softly, and the pot on the stove felt like a hug in liquid form.
This creamy Italian meatball soup is one of those recipes that brings everyone to the table no phones, no distractions, just spoons clinking and smiles growing. It’s rich without being heavy, creamy yet balanced, and packed with tender meatballs, herbs, and cozy Italian flavors. If you’re looking for a soup that feels like home, this creamy Italian meatball soup is it.
I love how forgiving this recipe is. Your meatballs don’t have to be perfect. Your chopping doesn’t have to be fancy. This creamy Italian meatball soup welcomes you exactly as you are messy kitchen and all 💛.
🛒 Ingredients
For the meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or orzo)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Make the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix gently don’t overwork it. Roll into small bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. They don’t need to be cooked through yet. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
In the same pot, add onion and sauté until soft and translucent. Stir in garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Cook until fragrant.
Step 4: Create the Soup Base
Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor. Stir in diced tomatoes and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Simmer
Add meatballs back to the pot and reduce heat. Simmer for 15 minutes so everything becomes best friends in the pot.
Step 6: Pasta Time
Add pasta and cook until tender, about 8–10 minutes.
Step 7: Make It Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Add spinach and let it wilt gently.
Step 8: Season & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Ladle into bowls and enjoy your creamy Italian meatball soup immediately.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This creamy Italian meatball soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty garlic bread 🥖
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Extra Parmesan sprinkled on top
- A glass of light red wine or sparkling water with lemon
I also love serving this soup family-style, straight from the pot. It encourages second helpings and long conversations.
🧾 Recipe Card
Creamy Italian Meatball Soup
⏱️ Time
- Prep: 20 minutes
- Cook: 30 minutes
- Total: 50 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Chicken broth
- Pasta
- Heavy cream
- Spinach
👩🍳 Instructions
- Mix and roll meatballs
- Brown meatballs
- Build soup base
- Simmer meatballs
- Add pasta
- Stir in cream, cheese, and spinach
📝 Notes
- Swap cream for half-and-half if desired
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed
🍽️ Nutrition (Approx.)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 22g
Conclusion
This creamy Italian meatball soup is more than just a recipe it’s a moment. A pause in your busy day. A reminder that comfort can come from a single pot on the stove. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this soup brings warmth, flavor, and joy every single time.
From my kitchen to yours, I hope this creamy Italian meatball soup becomes one of those recipes you come back to again and again 💛🍲.
