Description
Cheesy Meatball Tortellini Soup is a cozy and comforting Italian-inspired soup featuring tender homemade meatballs, cheesy stuffed tortellini, and a rich, creamy broth infused with herbs and fire-roasted tomatoes. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this flavorful soup is easy to customize and satisfies both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 oz) can fire-roasted tomatoes
- 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Pasta & Cream
- 9 oz cheese tortellini
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Seasonings & Garnishes
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for topping
- Red pepper flakes (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meatballs: Combine ground beef or Italian sausage with breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well and roll the mixture into small meatballs about one inch in diameter. Set aside.
- Build the Flavorful Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add fire-roasted tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine. Pour in chicken or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook the Meatballs: Carefully add the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth. Let them cook gently for about 15 minutes, or until fully cooked through and tender.
- Add the Tortellini: Once meatballs are cooked, add the cheese tortellini directly into the pot. Cook according to package instructions, usually 3 to 5 minutes, until the tortellini is tender but still firm.
- Make It Creamy: Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream or half-and-half. Warm the soup through without bringing it to a boil. Season with salt, pepper, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Finish by stirring in or sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano to boost aroma and flavor.
- Add tortellini near the end of cooking to prevent it from getting mushy.
- For extra flavor, sear meatballs in a pan before adding to the soup.
- Adjust creaminess by using half-and-half or milk for a lighter version.
- Taste and season gradually to avoid over-salting, especially if using salty broths and cheeses.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: Cheesy Meatball Tortellini Soup, Italian soup, comfort food, quick dinner, creamy soup, meatball soup, tortellini recipe
