Creamy Italian Meatball Tortellini Soup

$To make a delicious Creamy Italian Meatball Tortellini Soup, gather these main items: - 6 cups chicken broth - 2 cups broccoli florets - 1 cup diced carrots - 1 cup frozen peas - 2 cups cheese tortellini - 1 cup heavy cream These ingredients create a rich base full of flavor and texture. The chicken broth brings warmth, while the veggies add a nice crunch. Next, prepare the meatballs with these ingredients: - 1 pound ground beef - 1/2 pound ground Italian sausage - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 egg - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste The meatballs are the star of the dish. Mixing the beef and sausage gives a great flavor blend. Finish your soup with these garnishes: - Fresh basil Adding fresh basil enhances the soup’s aroma and adds a pop of color. It’s a simple touch that makes a big difference in presentation. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a large bowl. Add 1 pound of ground beef and 1/2 pound of ground Italian sausage. Mix in 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Then, crack 1 egg into the bowl. Next, add 2 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Don’t forget to sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. Use your hands to mix everything well. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch wide. Now, heat up a large pot over medium heat. Drizzle in some olive oil. Add the meatballs to the pot and brown them on all sides. Once golden, carefully remove the meatballs and set them aside. In the same pot, pour in 6 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add 2 cups of broccoli florets, 1 cup of diced carrots, and 1 cup of frozen peas. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the veggies are slightly tender. Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Next, add 2 cups of cheese tortellini. Cook them according to the package instructions, about 3-5 minutes. Once the tortellini are soft, reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing everything well. Warm the soup for another 2-3 minutes, but don’t let it boil. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve it hot and enjoy! To make great meatballs, use a gentle hand. Mix the ground beef and sausage with breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, and spices. Don’t overwork the mixture; this keeps them light. Shape them into 1-inch balls. Brown them in olive oil for a nice crust. This step adds flavor and texture. Add vegetables to the broth at the right time. Bring the chicken broth to a simmer. Then, add the broccoli, carrots, and peas. Cook them for 5-7 minutes, so they soften but stay crisp. This timing makes the soup bright and fresh. You can adjust cooking time based on your taste. For a rich, creamy soup, add heavy cream at the end. Stir it in after cooking the tortellini. This helps keep the cream smooth and prevents curdling. Heat gently; don’t boil the soup after adding cream. Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Fresh basil on top adds a lovely touch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables add vibrant flavors and nutrients to your soup. Opt for fresh basil and seasonal veggies whenever possible. Customize Your Meatballs: Feel free to experiment with different types of ground meat or add spices to the meatball mixture for a unique flavor profile. Save Time: You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and freeze them. Just add them frozen to the soup during cooking for a quicker prep time. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter soup, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half or milk without sacrificing too much flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the meats in this soup. Ground turkey works well. It gives a lighter taste. You might also try ground chicken or pork. Each meat adds its own flavor. Mix ground beef and sausage for a rich taste. You can also make meatballs with just one type of meat. Just remember to adjust cooking times if you use leaner meats. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat. Use mushrooms and lentils for a hearty base. You can also make chickpea meatballs. They are tasty and high in protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more veggies like spinach or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients. This way, you keep the soup creamy and satisfying without meat. To enhance the flavor, consider adding fresh herbs. Thyme, oregano, or rosemary can brighten the soup. You might add a splash of lemon juice for brightness. A touch of red pepper flakes adds spice. If you like a bolder flavor, try smoked paprika. You can also throw in some parmesan rind while simmering. It adds depth and richness to your soup. Experiment with these options to find your perfect blend! After making your creamy Italian meatball tortellini soup, let it cool down. Transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it instead. To freeze the soup, place it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The soup can stay fresh in the freezer for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat the soup, pour it into a pot. Heat it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until it's warm. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. Make sure it’s steaming hot before serving. Enjoy this delicious soup again! Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. It tastes even better the next day! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, heat it gently on the stove. Keep in mind the tortellini may soak up some broth. If it looks thick, just add a bit more chicken broth. If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free choice. Almond milk mixed with cornstarch can work too. Whichever you choose, it will still give a lovely creaminess to your soup. Yes, you can find gluten-free tortellini in many stores. Look for brands made with rice or corn flour. They cook just like regular tortellini. You can enjoy this creamy soup without gluten worries. Just make sure to check the labels carefully. In this blog post, we explored key ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a hearty soup with meatballs. I shared tips for perfecting meatball texture, achieving tender veggies, and ensuring creamy soup. You can easily vary the recipe with different meats or vegetarian options. Proper storage and reheating will keep your dish fresh and tasty. Remember, cooking is fun, and this recipe offers many choices to enjoy! Happy cooking with your soup creations!$

Creamy Italian Meatball Tortellini Soup

A hearty and creamy soup filled with meatballs, vegetables, and cheese tortellini.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
0.5 pound ground Italian sausage
0.5 cup breadcrumbs
0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 unit egg
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
6 cups chicken broth
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup carrots, diced
1 cup frozen peas
2 cups cheese tortellini
1 cup heavy cream
for garnish fresh basil

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground Italian sausage, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined, then shape into small meatballs (about 1 inch in diameter).
In a large pot over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the broccoli florets, diced carrots, and frozen peas, cooking for about 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are slightly tender.
Carefully return the browned meatballs to the pot. Add the cheese tortellini and cook according to package instructions, usually about 3-5 minutes or until the tortellini are tender.
Once the tortellini are cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to combine. Allow the soup to warm for an additional 2-3 minutes, but do not bring it to a boil.
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot with fresh basil.

Keyword creamy, Italian, meatballs, soup, tortellini