Cozy Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup for Ultimate Comfort

There’s something magical about a warm bowl of Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup that wraps around you like a cozy blanket on a chilly day. You can almost hear the meatballs singing in harmony with the broth, creating a symphony of flavors that dances on your palate. The scent wafting through your kitchen is not just an invitation; it’s a warm hug from your grandma telling you everything will be alright. Perfect for lazy Sundays or when you need an extra dose of comfort after a long week, this soup promises to be your new best friend.

Imagine gathering around the table, laughter filling the air as everyone dives into their bowls. Each spoonful brings a delightful explosion of savory goodness, with tender meatballs mingling with vibrant spinach and al dente pasta. It’s not just another meal; it’s an experience steeped in nostalgia and warmth that transforms any ordinary day into something special.

Ingredients for Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: Choose lean ground beef or turkey for flavorful meatballs without excess fat.
• Fresh Spinach: Opt for bright green leaves that add both color and nutrients to your soup.
• Pasta: Use small pasta shapes like ditalini or orzo that soak up the broth beautifully.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the soup its aromatic base; avoid pre-minced varieties if possible.
• Onion: Sweet onions add depth to the flavor; chop them finely for even distribution.
• Canned Tomatoes: Use crushed tomatoes for richness, or diced tomatoes for added texture.
• Broth: Vegetable or chicken broth serves as the flavorful liquid base; homemade is ideal but store-bought works well too.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs

In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey with minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and any herbs you love—Italian seasoning works wonders here! Mix until just combined but don’t overwork it; nobody likes tough meatballs.

Step 2: Form and Cook the Meatballs

Shape the mixture into bite-sized balls and set them aside. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil and brown those meatballs until golden—about 5 minutes should do it! They don’t need to be fully cooked at this stage since they’ll finish cooking in the soup later.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Once your meatballs are beautifully browned, remove them from the pot (don’t worry—they’ll return). In that lovely rendered fat left behind (yum!), toss in more garlic and onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 4: Add Liquid Gold

Pour in your broth along with canned tomatoes and bring everything to a boil. Stir in your pasta of choice; let it cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 5: Stir in Spinach

Once the pasta is nearly ready, fold in that fresh spinach. It wilts down quickly—just give it a minute or so until it’s tender and vibrant green.

Step 6: Return Meatballs & Serve

Carefully return those glorious meatballs back into the pot; let them simmer for another few minutes until everything is heated through. Season with salt and pepper if needed before ladling into bowls.

Transfer to plates and enjoy with crusty bread or sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of decadence! This Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup isn’t just food; it’s warmth served in a bowl—a hug you can eat!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by making the meatballs—mix your ground meat with spices and roll them into bite-sized wonders. Sear those beauties in a pot for extra flavor before adding broth and pasta. Cook the pasta while the soup simmers, and toss in fresh spinach right before serving.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add some crushed red pepper for heat or sprinkle in parmesan cheese for extra richness. You can even throw in other veggies like carrots or bell peppers to make it your own!

Storing & Reheating

To store, cool the soup completely and transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of broth to revive the soup’s consistency.

Cooking this Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup reminds me of my grandma’s kitchen filled with laughter and love. She would always say, “Good food brings good company,” and I couldn’t agree more!

FAQs:

What ingredients are needed for Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup?

To make Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup, you will need ground meat (beef, turkey, or chicken), fresh spinach, pasta of your choice, diced tomatoes, vegetable or chicken broth, onion, garlic, and various herbs like basil and oregano. You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. This recipe offers flexibility; feel free to adjust the vegetables and spices according to your taste preferences.

How long does it take to prepare Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup?

Preparing Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup typically takes around 30 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the type of meatballs you use. If you opt for pre-made meatballs, you can save time. However, if you’re making them from scratch, consider an additional 15-20 minutes for mixing and baking before adding them to the soup. This ensures a flavorful dish that everyone will enjoy.

Can I make Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup in advance?

Yes, you can definitely make Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup in advance. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as flavors meld together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a little extra broth if needed, as pasta tends to absorb liquid over time. This makes it a perfect meal prep option for busy weeknights.

Is Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup healthy?

Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup is a healthy option packed with nutrients. The spinach adds vitamins A and C while the meatballs provide protein. Using whole grain pasta can increase fiber content too. By controlling the amount of salt and opting for low-sodium broth, you can further enhance its health benefits. Overall, it’s a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal without compromising on flavor.

Conclusion for Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup:

In summary, Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines hearty meatballs with fresh spinach and comforting pasta. With a simple ingredient list and easy preparation steps, this recipe fits perfectly into any busy lifestyle. Enjoying this soup not only warms you up but also provides essential nutrients necessary for a balanced diet. Whether served on chilly evenings or as part of meal prep, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

Warm your soul with this delightful Pasta Spinach Meatball Soup, brimming with tender meatballs, vibrant spinach, and al dente pasta in a savory broth. Perfect for cozy dinners!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb lean ground beef or turkey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
• 6 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup small pasta (like ditalini or orzo)
• 4 cups fresh spinach

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef or turkey, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix until just combined.
2. Shape the mixture into bite-sized meatballs and set aside.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Brown the meatballs for about 5 minutes until golden but not fully cooked.
4. Remove meatballs from the pot. In the remaining fat, sauté additional minced garlic and chopped onion until softened and fragrant.
5. Pour in broth and crushed tomatoes; bring to a boil.
6. Stir in pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
7. Add fresh spinach to the pot; stir until wilted (about one minute).
8. Return meatballs to the pot and simmer for an additional few minutes until heated through.
9. Season with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. Add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat or toss in other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for variety. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat with a splash of broth.