If you’re craving something comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying, this Hearty Meatball Soup with Pasta and Parmesan Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to meal. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned meatballs swimming in a rich tomato-based broth, with tender pasta pieces and a generous hint of parmesan cheese to round it all out. It’s the kind of soup that warms you from the inside out and fills your kitchen with the most inviting, cozy aromas. Whether it’s a chilly evening or you just want a filling meal, this recipe brings all the classic Italian comforts into one pot, making dinner both straightforward and unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to building layers of flavor and texture in this soup. Each element—be it fresh aromatics or pantry staples—plays a vital role to create a well-balanced and colorful bowl that tastes as delightful as it looks.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Provides a fragrant base for sautéing garlic and helps develop rich flavor.
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic: Fresh garlic adds aromatic depth and a hint of spice that wakes up the soup.
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes: Adds sweetness and complexity without overpowering.
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning: A herbal blend that infuses the broth with classic Mediterranean notes.
- 1 (2-lb) bag frozen meatballs: The star protein that brings heartiness and texture to the dish.
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds body to the broth.
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce: Creates a smooth tomato base for the soup’s luscious consistency.
- 1 (15-oz) diced tomatoes: Adds acidity and a nice chunkiness for visual appeal and taste.
- 4 cups unsalted beef broth: Provides a savory, meaty liquid foundation without excess saltiness.
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce: Brings balanced sweetness, herbs, and richness all in one jar.
- ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese: Adds umami and creaminess right before serving for a final flavor boost.
- 8 oz ditalini pasta or elbow macaroni: These small pastas soak up the broth and provide comforting texture.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, these seasonings enhance and balance all the flavors to perfection.
How to Make Hearty Meatball Soup with Pasta and Parmesan Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large Dutch oven. Add the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant—this releases its wonderful aroma and sets a flavorful base for the rest of the soup. Be careful not to burn the garlic, because that bitterness can overpower the dish.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Next, add the dried onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and your jar of spaghetti sauce. Stir these together to mix all the wonderful layers of tomato flavor. Then, toss in the frozen meatballs and the uncooked ditalini pasta, blending them evenly into the rich broth.
Step 3: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to medium and let it simmer for 20 to 25 minutes. This simmering step allows the meatballs to heat through fully, the pasta to cook until tender, and the flavors to marry beautifully. You’ll start noticing a thick, hearty consistency that’s deeply satisfying.
Step 4: Finish with Parmesan and Seasoning
Once the soup is hot and the pasta is just right, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This adds a creamy, savory touch that rounds out the rich tomato and beef broth. Taste and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to perfect your bowl of goodness. For an extra pop of freshness, garnish with chopped basil or parsley.
How to Serve Hearty Meatball Soup with Pasta and Parmesan Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley will brighten the soup both visually and in flavor. You can also add an extra grating of Parmesan right at the table for added creaminess. A drizzle of good olive oil or a twist of crushed red pepper flakes can add subtle layers of complexity that make each serving truly yours.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs effortlessly with crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up every last drop of the delicious broth. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast, while roasted vegetables can add a nice balance to this hearty main.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve the soup straight from the Dutch oven on the table with a cheese board nearby. For a more elegant setting, ladle the soup into shallow bowls and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of color. Individual ramekins can transform this rustic dish into charming appetizers for a dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two, making leftovers just as delicious—if not more—than freshly made.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but it’s best to cook the pasta separately and store it apart before freezing, as pasta tends to get mushy when frozen and reheated. Freeze the soup base with meatballs in a freezer-safe container for up to three months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you’ve stored pasta separately, add it just before serving to keep it tender and delightful. A quick sprinkle of fresh Parmesan can revive that freshly made taste.
FAQs
Can I use homemade meatballs instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Homemade meatballs add a personal touch and allow you to control seasoning and ingredients. Just brown them first and then add to the soup, adjusting cooking time as needed.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Traditional pasta used in this recipe contains gluten, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta varieties to make this soup suitable for gluten-sensitive diets without compromising taste.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap meatballs for vegetarian alternatives or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and adjust seasonings accordingly to maintain richness.
What type of Parmesan works best?
Freshly grated Parmesan or Parmigiano-Reggiano lends the best authentic flavor. Pre-grated cheese works in a pinch but may not melt as smoothly or taste as rich.
What pasta works best for this soup?
Small shapes like ditalini or elbow macaroni are ideal because they hold just the right amount of broth in each bite, blending seamlessly with meatballs and sauce for the perfect texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly comforting about a big pot of Hearty Meatball Soup with Pasta and Parmesan Recipe. It’s a simple yet deeply satisfying way to bring family and friends together around the table. Give this recipe a try soon—you might just find it turning into a beloved staple in your home as it has in mine.
Print
Hearty Meatball Soup with Pasta and Parmesan Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Meatball Soup featuring tender frozen meatballs simmered in a rich tomato-based broth with pasta and Italian seasonings. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- 1 Tbsp dried minced onion flakes
- 1 Tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (8-oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
- 4 cups unsalted beef broth
- 1 (24-oz) jar spaghetti sauce
Main Ingredients
- 1 (2-lb) bag frozen meatballs
- 8 oz ditalini pasta or elbow macaroni
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped basil or fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, to release its aroma and flavor.
- Add seasonings and liquids: Stir in dried minced onion flakes, Italian seasoning, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and spaghetti sauce to create a rich tomato base.
- Add meatballs and pasta: Add the frozen meatballs and uncooked ditalini pasta to the pot. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer the soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium. Simmer uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes until the soup is hot throughout and the pasta is fully tender.
- Finish and garnish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley before serving for added freshness.
Notes
- Using frozen meatballs helps save time and adds convenience.
- You can swap ditalini pasta with elbow macaroni or other small pasta shapes.
- Adjust seasoning and salt according to preference, especially since broth and sauces may already contain sodium.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes while cooking.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
