A warm and hearty dish perfect for chilly evenings, Italian Meatball Pasta Soup transforms the essence of a classic Italian meal into a comforting, spoonable format. With tender homemade meatballs, perfectly cooked shell pasta, and a rich, tomato-based broth seasoned with fragrant herbs, this one-pot meal is simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. It’s everything you love about Italian cuisine—delivered in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-pot convenience for easy preparation and cleanup
Hearty and filling with meat, pasta, and vegetables
Rich tomato flavor balanced with aromatic herbs and spices
Customizable with your choice of pasta or broth
Kid-friendly and great for family dinners
Freezer-friendly for future meals
Ideal for meal prep and batch cooking
Easily doubled for entertaining
Comforting and wholesome for any time of year
Made with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Meatballs:

ground beef or Italian sausage
breadcrumbs
grated Parmesan
egg
garlic, minced
dried oregano
salt
black pepper

For the Soup:

olive oil
small onion, chopped
garlic, minced
red pepper flakes (optional)
crushed tomatoes (28 oz can)
beef or chicken broth
Italian seasoning
pasta shells (or any small pasta)
salt
black pepper
fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

directions

In a mixing bowl, combine ground meat, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well and shape into 1-inch meatballs. Set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent.
Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth. Add Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a boil.
Carefully add the prepared meatballs to the boiling soup. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 10 minutes.
Add pasta shells to the pot and continue simmering for another 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta and meatballs are fully cooked.
Taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley or basil.

Servings and timing

Servings: Serves 4–6
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: Approximately 40–45 minutes

Variations

Use Pre-made Meatballs: Save time by using frozen or store-bought meatballs.
Add Vegetables: Stir in chopped spinach, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition.
Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage or add extra red pepper flakes.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta just before serving.
Cheesy Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella or Parmesan on top before serving.
Low-Carb: Replace pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the consistency. Avoid boiling to preserve the texture of the pasta. This soup also freezes well—cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make the meatballs ahead of time?

Yes, the meatballs can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 24 hours or frozen for longer storage before cooking.

What kind of pasta works best for this soup?

Small pasta shapes like shells, ditalini, or elbow macaroni are ideal as they cook evenly and fit well on a spoon.

Can I use turkey or chicken for the meatballs?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner option with great results.

How can I make this soup gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs in the meatballs to make the recipe entirely gluten-free.

Will the pasta become mushy in leftovers?

Yes, pasta may soften over time. To avoid this, cook the pasta separately and add it to individual servings.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, omit the meatballs and use vegetable broth. Add more vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute if desired.

What’s the best way to freeze this soup?

Cool the soup completely, transfer to freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Leave space for expansion.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, cooking pasta separately prevents it from absorbing too much liquid in the soup, especially for leftovers.

Is this soup spicy?

Only mildly spicy due to optional red pepper flakes. Adjust the heat to your preference.

What should I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a green salad are excellent accompaniments.

Conclusion

Italian Meatball Pasta Soup is a soul-warming dish that brings together the rich flavors of tomato, herbs, and savory meatballs in one satisfying bowl. With its simple preparation and hearty ingredients, it’s a reliable recipe that will quickly become a household favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this soup offers comfort, nutrition, and taste in every spoonful.