Italian Meatball & Tortellini Soup

This hearty soup combines tender, flavorful Italian meatballs and cheese-filled tortellini in a rich tomato broth, simmered with herbs and vegetables. It’s comforting, nourishing, and perfect for cozy evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced meal in a bowl—protein, carbs, and vegetables
• Comforting and flavorful, yet light
• Great for meal prep—freezes beautifully and tastes even better next day

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef and/or pork
• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Egg
• Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme)
• Garlic, minced
• Onion, finely diced
• Carrots and celery, diced
• Olive oil
• Chicken or beef broth
• Crushed tomatoes
• Cheese tortellini
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper

directions

1. Make the meatballs: In a bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Shape into small meatballs (~1‑in).
2. Brown the meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium. Brown meatballs until sealed (they’ll finish cooking in the soup). Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, sauté onion, carrots, celery, and garlic until softened (4–5 minutes).
4. Build the broth: Add broth and crushed tomatoes; bring to a simmer.
5. Simmer meatballs: Return meatballs to pot, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Add tortellini: Stir in tortellini and cook per package instructions until tender.
7. Finish with greens: If using, stir in spinach or kale until wilted.
8. Season and serve: Adjust salt and pepper, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Substitute ground chicken, turkey, or sausage for the meatballs
• Use spinach-filled tortellini or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs
• Add diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra veggies
• Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or Italian sausage
• Top with a dollop of ricotta or drizzle of pesto for extra richness

storage/reheating

• Store: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat
• Freeze: Seal in a freezer-safe container (leave out tortellini if preferred); freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes—prepare and refrigerate or freeze meatballs separately, then add to the soup when simmering.

What if I don’t have tortellini?

Use other pasta shapes like ravioli, gnocchi, or small shells—adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Omit meatballs and use plant-based tortellini or add white beans for protein. Use vegetable broth.

How can I make the broth richer?

Stir in a splash of cream or half-and-half just before serving for a creamier soup.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely—small meatballs and cheese tortellini are a hit with children. Keep veggies finely diced if picky eaters.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes—add frozen mixed vegetables with the broth. Adjust cooking time slightly.

How do I keep meatballs from falling apart?

Don’t overmix the meatball mixture, and brown them gently before simmering—they finish cooking inside the broth.

Can I use homemade broth?

Definitely—homemade broth adds more flavor. Use chicken, beef, or vegetable as preferred.

Can I freeze the soup with pasta included?

Pasta may soften too much. For best texture, freeze soup without pasta and add fresh when reheating.

What herbs work best in this soup?

Italian staples like oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley complement this soup beautifully. Fresh herbs go in at the end, dried go in with the broth.

Conclusion

The Italian Meatball & Tortellini Soup is a comforting, flavorful dish that offers all the satisfaction of a classic Italian-inspired meal in one pot. With tender meatballs, cheesy pasta, and a vibrant broth, it’s a delicious choice for chilly nights, easy family meals, or make-ahead lunches.

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