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Cozy Meatball and Pasta Soup with Classic Italian Flavors
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Cozy Meatball and Pasta Soup with Classic Italian Flavors

Prep Time7 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time32 minutes

Ingredients

  • Ground meat beef, pork, or a mix – Flavor lives here. Lean is fine, but a little fat = more joy.
  • Breadcrumbs – Helps keep meatballs tender. Dry fresh, whatever you have.
  • Egg – The glue holding the meatballs together emotionally.
  • Grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty savory goodness. Please don’t skip.
  • Garlic – Measure with your heart.
  • Onion – Diced small so it melts into the soup like a pro.
  • Carrots & celery – The classic soup base. Trust the process.
  • Italian seasoning – Instant flavor without overthinking.
  • Tomato paste – Deepens the broth and makes it cozy.
  • Chicken or beef broth – Use low sodium so you stay in control.
  • Small pasta ditalini, elbow, or orzo – Bite-sized and soup-friendly.
  • Olive oil – For sautéing and feeling fancy.
  • Salt & black pepper – Non-negotiable.
  • Fresh parsley or basil optional – For color and pretending you planned ahead.

Instructions

  • Make the meatballs.
  • In a bowl, mix ground meat, breadcrumbs, egg, Parmesan, garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t overmix—this isn’t stress relief. Roll into small meatballs and set aside.
  • Sauté the veggies.
  • Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened and smelling amazing, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the tomato paste.
  • Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes. This wakes up the flavor and makes the soup richer.
  • Pour in the broth.
  • Add broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Scrape the bottom of the pot—those bits are flavor gold.
  • Cook the meatballs.
  • Gently drop meatballs into the simmering soup. Don’t stir aggressively; let them cook peacefully for about 10 minutes.
  • Add the pasta.
  • Stir in pasta and cook until tender, usually 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally so nothing sticks or gets weird.
  • Taste and adjust.
  • Add more salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. Finish with fresh parsley or basil if you’re feeling fancy.