Creamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any day of the week. Packed with tender meatballs, fresh spinach, and a rich creamy broth, it’s sure to satisfy your cravings with every spoonful.
Ingredients
- Italian meatballs (store-bought or homemade, about 12-15 pieces)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic over medium heat until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the chicken broth and the Italian meatballs to the pot. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the meatballs are heated through and cooked fully, about 10-15 minutes.
- Step 3: Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and let the soup warm through for another 3-5 minutes.
- Step 4: Add the fresh spinach to the pot and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Give the soup a final stir and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, brown the meatballs in a skillet before adding them to the soup.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter soup.
- Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for a cheesy finish.
- Try adding chopped carrots or celery along with the onion for added texture and nutrients.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm gently on the stove to prevent the cream from curdling, stirring occasionally. This soup can also be frozen, but the texture of the cream and spinach may change slightly upon thawing.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen meatballs for this soup?
Yes, frozen meatballs work well. Just add them directly to the simmering broth and cook until heated through, which may take a few minutes longer.
Is this soup suitable for low-carb diets?
Yes, this creamy soup with meatballs and spinach is low in carbohydrates and can fit well into a low-carb or keto-friendly diet.
PrintCreamy Italian Meatball Soup Recipe
A rich and comforting Creamy Italian Meatball Soup featuring tender Italian meatballs simmered in a savory chicken broth, enriched with heavy cream and fresh spinach, perfectly seasoned with Italian herbs, garlic, and onion for a hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb Italian meatballs
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Liquids and Seasonings
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and fragrant, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add broth and meatballs: Pour in the chicken broth and add the Italian meatballs to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the meatballs are heated through and cooked fully, approximately 15 minutes.
- Incorporate cream and seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Allow the soup to gently simmer for another 5 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Add spinach: Finally, add the fresh spinach to the pot and cook until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir well and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked or homemade Italian meatballs for convenience.
- For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or swiss chard if preferred.
- Serve with crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Italian meatball soup, creamy soup, Italian soup, meatball recipe, comfort food, spinach soup
