When the weather gets colder, nothing beats a comforting bowl of creamy soup, and this Creamy Meatball Tortellini Soup is a delicious and hearty choice that’s sure to satisfy. This rich and creamy soup combines tender homemade meatballs, soft cheese or meat tortellini, and a velvety broth packed with flavor from fresh vegetables, herbs, and Parmesan. It’s the perfect meal to warm up your family, and it also makes for great leftovers! Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe has everything you need for a filling, flavorful, and comforting dish.
Ingredients for Creamy Meatball Tortellini Soup
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (9 oz) cheese or meat tortellini
- 1/2 tsp dried basil (or fresh, if available)
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Meatballs
Start by creating the delicious, savory meatballs that will be the star of this dish. In a medium-sized bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well-incorporated.
Form small, bite-sized meatballs by rolling the mixture between your palms. The meatballs should be uniform in size for even cooking. This recipe makes about 20-24 meatballs, depending on their size.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches and brown them on all sides, which will take around 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside. They’ll finish cooking in the soup later.
Sauté the Vegetables
In the same pot, don’t waste those flavorful browned bits from the meatballs. Add a little more olive oil or butter if needed, then toss in the diced onion. Sauté the onion for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and mushrooms. Cook the vegetables for another 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture.
To deepen the flavors, stir in 1 tablespoon of tomato paste and the optional 1/2 tsp of paprika. Cook the paste for about 1 minute, allowing it to coat the vegetables and infuse the dish with a rich, savory base.
Create the Soup Base
Pour in 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the soup to a gentle boil. As the broth heats, it will draw out the flavors from the vegetables, tomato paste, and those savory bits from browning the meatballs.
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will give the vegetables time to soften completely and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Add Tortellini and Meatballs
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the soup, ensuring that they are evenly distributed. Then, add your package of tortellini (cheese or meat, depending on preference). Allow the soup to simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the tortellini are fully cooked and tender.
If you’re using frozen tortellini, you may need to cook it for an additional minute or two. Be careful not to overcook the tortellini, as you want them to retain their structure and not fall apart in the soup.
Finish with Cream and Herbs
To bring the soup together, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, which will create the rich, creamy consistency that makes this dish so comforting. Follow with 1/2 tsp of dried basil and 1/2 tsp of dried oregano. The cream will balance out the acidity of the tomato paste, while the herbs enhance the overall flavor profile.
Let the soup simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow the cream and herbs to blend with the other ingredients. At this point, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference.
Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is perfectly cooked and well-combined, it’s time to serve! Ladle the creamy meatball tortellini soup into bowls, making sure each serving gets a good mix of meatballs, tortellini, and vegetables. For a finishing touch, sprinkle each bowl with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
For an extra indulgent meal, serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic toast to mop up every last bit of that creamy broth.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Swap the Cream: If you want to make a lighter version of this soup, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. This will slightly reduce the richness while keeping the creaminess intact.
- Add Greens: Boost the nutrition by stirring in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking. The greens will wilt down beautifully and add a fresh, earthy flavor to the soup.
- Spice it Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth while it simmers. The subtle spiciness complements the creamy broth perfectly.
- Alternative Meatballs: Try using a mixture of ground pork and beef for the meatballs to add more depth of flavor, or swap beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which you probably will, since this recipe makes a generous amount), store the soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream to restore its creamy consistency.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450-500 kcal
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
Conclusion
This Creamy Meatball Tortellini Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or saving it for a cozy night in, the combination of homemade meatballs, creamy broth, and tender tortellini makes this recipe a surefire hit. With easy substitutions and a wide range of possible variations, you can make it your own while still enjoying the rich flavors that define this dish.