🕒 Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 30 min | Total Time: 45 min
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 lb ground beef (or mix of beef and pork)
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
For the Soup:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt (to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or elbow)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped spinach or basil
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley
- Crushed red pepper flakes
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Meatballs
In a large bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, cheese, egg, garlic, and seasonings. Gently mix to combine — don’t overmix, so they stay tender!
🍽️ Roll into 1-inch balls and set aside.
2. Brown the Meatballs
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Sear meatballs in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove and set aside — they’ll finish cooking in the soup.
3. Sauté the Veggies
Add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté onion, garlic, and celery for 3–4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
4. Build the Soup Base
Pour in diced tomatoes and broth. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
🥣 Return meatballs to the pot and simmer gently for 15 minutes.
5. Add Pasta
Stir in pasta and cook 8–10 minutes until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Cream It Up
Reduce heat to low. Add cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Let it warm for 2–3 minutes.
7. Finish and Serve
Stir in spinach or basil until just wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot with fresh herbs and more cheese. Enjoy! 😍
Pro Tips
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep meatballs ahead and freeze until ready to use.
- Swap the Pasta: Try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- Dairy-Free?: Sub coconut milk for cream and use vegan Parmesan.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 bowl | 420 | 18g | 35g | 22g | 4g | 6g |
Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
