If you are looking for a warm, comforting dinner that comes together with minimal effort, this Easy One-Pot Meatball Soup for Cozy Nights is exactly what you need. Made with tender meatballs, vegetables, pasta, and a creamy Italian-style broth, this soup is hearty enough to be a full meal while still being simple and family-friendly.
Perfect for chilly evenings, busy weeknights, or anytime you want a no-fuss dinner, this one-pot soup delivers big flavor without a sink full of dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pot Meatball Soup
This soup checks all the boxes for an ideal comfort food recipe. It is rich and creamy without being too heavy, filling without being complicated, and packed with familiar flavors everyone loves.
Because everything cooks in a single pot, cleanup is quick and easy. It is also very flexible, allowing you to use frozen meatballs, adjust the vegetables, or lighten it up based on what you have on hand.
Ingredients for Easy One-Pot Meatball Soup
Soup Base
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb fully cooked meatballs
- 1 cup small pasta such as ditalini or shells
Creamy Finish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley or spinach
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
You can use beef, turkey, or chicken meatballs depending on your preference. For a lighter soup, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.
If you need a pork-free option, choose beef or turkey meatballs. Gluten-free pasta works well, but cook it separately and add it at the end to prevent overcooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3: Add Meatballs
Add the meatballs to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes so they heat through and release flavor into the broth.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the pasta and cook according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until the soup thickens slightly.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add fresh parsley or spinach if desired, then serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fully cooked meatballs to save time
- Stir pasta often so it does not stick to the bottom
- Keep heat low after adding cream to prevent curdling
- Add extra broth if the soup thickens too much
- Grate your own Parmesan for best flavor
Flavor Variations
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat
- Stir in kale or spinach at the end for extra greens
- Use cheese-filled meatballs for extra richness
- Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness
- Swap Parmesan with Romano for sharper flavor
Serving Suggestions
This Easy One-Pot Meatball Soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls. A simple green salad or roasted vegetables on the side completes the meal without adding much effort.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb broth as it sits, so add extra broth when reheating.
For freezing, freeze the soup without pasta for best texture. Add freshly cooked pasta when reheating. Frozen soup keeps well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbs | 26g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
FAQ About Easy One-Pot Meatball Soup
Can I use frozen meatballs?
Yes, frozen fully cooked meatballs work perfectly and do not need to be thawed first.
How do I keep the soup from getting too thick?
Add extra chicken broth when reheating or simmering. Pasta naturally absorbs liquid over time.
Can I make this soup dairy-free?
Yes, replace cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew milk and skip the cheese.
Is this soup kid-friendly?
Absolutely. The flavors are mild, creamy, and comforting, making it great for kids.
Can I cook the pasta separately?
Yes, cooking pasta separately is a great option if you plan to store leftovers or freeze the soup.
Easy One-Pot Meatball Soup for Cozy Nights
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- cutting board
- chef’s knife
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 lb fully cooked meatballs
- 1 cup small pasta (ditalini or shells)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley or spinach (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery and cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add the meatballs and simmer for about 10 minutes to heat through.
- Stir in the pasta and cook according to package directions, about 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Add parsley or spinach if desired and serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Final Thoughts
This Easy One-Pot Meatball Soup for Cozy Nights is the kind of recipe that makes dinnertime stress-free and satisfying. With simple ingredients, rich flavor, and minimal cleanup, it is a reliable comfort food you will want to make again and again.
