What is the difference between Creamy Italian Wedding Soup and Creamy Italian Meatball Soup?

The main difference lies in the texture and base. Italian Wedding Soup uses a clear broth with small pasta and tiny meatballs, while Creamy Italian Meatball Soup has a smooth, rich base with larger, more flavorful meatballs. It’s heartier and feels more indulgent without being heavy.

What makes this Italian meatball soup recipe easy for beginners?

This soup is incredibly simple — no fancy tools or techniques are needed. Everything comes together in one pot. The meatballs are easy to form, and the creamy broth develops flavor quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Can I make creamy meatball soup in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the meatballs first to lock in flavor, then place them in the slow cooker with broth and veggies. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours . Add cream and Parmesan during the last 30 minutes for the best texture.

Is there an old-fashioned version of meatball soup?

Yes! Old-fashioned meatball soup typically skips the cream and uses a tomato or clear broth instead. It’s seasoned with garlic, parsley, and oregano — a humble, rustic version that’s still full of Italian comfort.

Creamy Italian Meatball Soup – The Best 5-Step Comfort Bowl

Name: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork); ¼ cup breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 egg; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1 garlic clove, minced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 1 onion, diced; 2 carrots, peeled and sliced; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 4 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture); ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups spinach or kale (optional); Fresh parsley, for garnish

Description

This Creamy Italian Meatball Soup combines tender homemade meatballs, rich broth, and creamy Parmesan flavor in every spoonful. Perfect for cold nights, this cozy Italian comfort dish is hearty, family-friendly, and ready in about an hour.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Meatballs:

1 lb ground beef (or half beef, half pork)
¼ cup breadcrumbs
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 egg
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Soup:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter texture)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups spinach or kale (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Make the Meatballs:
Combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, seasoning, and garlic in a large bowl. Mix gently and shape into small balls (about 1 inch).
Brown the Meatballs:
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same pot, melt butter. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Simmer the Broth:
Pour in chicken broth, scraping the pot to release any browned bits. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and add browned meatballs. Simmer 10–15 minutes.
Add Cream and Finish:
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer another 5 minutes until creamy and smooth. Add spinach (if using).
Serve:
Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm with crusty bread.

Notes

For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

To freeze: prepare soup without cream, cool completely, and add cream after reheating.

Gluten-free? Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs.

For extra creaminess, stir in 2 oz of cream cheese before serving.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop / Slow Cooker / Instant Pot
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
Calories: 420 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 870 mg
Fat: 29 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 16 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 23 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg

Keywords: Creamy Italian Meatball Soup, Italian soup recipe, comfort food, creamy soup, easy soup dinner, homemade meatballs, creamy broth