Description
This Chunky Italian Meatball Soup is a hearty, comforting main-course featuring tender meatballs, flavorful broth, orzo pasta, and a medley of vegetables. Quick and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes, itโs perfect for busy weeknights and can be customized with your favorite veggies. A sprinkle of fresh parmesan brings it all together for a classic Italian flavor.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 cup water
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 pound small Italian meatballs
- 3/4 cup orzo or other small pasta
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
To Serve
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Instructions
- Prepare the Aromatics โ In a large saucepan, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 additional seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes โ Pour in the chicken stock, water, and diced tomatoes. Stir to combine and increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.
- Add Seasonings, Meatballs, Pasta, and Vegetables โ Add in the Italian seasoning, Italian meatballs, orzo (or other small pasta), and frozen mixed vegetables. Mix well.
- Simmer the Soup โ Return the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked and the meatballs are heated through.
- Serve โ Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For convenience, keep homemade meatballs in the freezer to use as needed.
- You can substitute the regular diced tomatoes with diced tomatoes that include onions or garlic for extra flavor and less prep.
- Feel free to use any combination of vegetables you have on hand; green beans, peas, and carrots all work well.
- This soup is flexible and always delicious, no matter what veggies you use!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 2 cups)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg