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Italian Meatball Soup

First, let me start by saying this is not Italian Wedding Soup. (See that recipe here.)

This is a more tomato-y version of Italian Wedding Soup. It’s thicker and more like spaghetti and meatballs in soup form. And using small shell pasta instead of spaghetti.

Also, I’m very much a ‘make your own’ kind of girl. But this week, something had to give. I’ve been traveling more than normal. Got hit with a cold two weeks ago. Then the dreaded ‘fall grasses’ allergies…which pretty much knocks me on my back every year. Needless to say, I’ve been dragging along.

So I ‘cheated’ and bought pre-made meatballs. Just because….life happens. And I’m cool with that.

(If you want to make your own meatballs, let me suggest these Herbed Meatballs. They would be perfect in this soup.)

Here’s my “spaghetti and meatballs” as soup recipe…

Italian Meatball Soup

So savory and easy to prepare!
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Servings - 4 servings

Ingredients 

  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 carrot sticks, peeled and chopped
  • 6 cups chicken or beef stock
  • 28 oz. can crushed tomatoes
  • 10 oz. box frozen spinach
  • 12 to 16 meatballs pre-made or homemade
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 8 oz small shell pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  • To a large saucepan, add the onion and carrots and saute them in the olive oil for a few minutes. Pour in the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes and frozen spinach and bring to bubbling. Add the meatballs, basil, and thyme, then the small shell pasta.
  • (Note: if making your own meatballs, you'll need to brown them in a skillet before adding them to the soup.)
  • Let cook over medium low heat, at rolling boil until pasta is cooked, about 8 minutes. If cooking raw meatballs, simmer until meatballs are cooked through.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve Italian Meatball Soup.

Erin’s Personal Recommendations for Chili, Soup & Stew Supplies:

See all of our 31 Days of Chili, Soups & Stews Recipes here!

Other “31 Days of” Series to check out:

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