Meatball Soup with Cheese Tortellini – Hearty, Cheesy, and Comforting

Meatball Soup with Cheese Tortellini is the ultimate cozy meal—rich, flavorful broth filled with tender meatballs, cheesy pasta, and vibrant vegetables. It’s a comforting bowl that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a little comfort food. I first made this soup on a cold winter night, and it instantly became a family favorite. The combination of savory meatballs and pillowy cheese tortellini creates a satisfying texture and taste that feels both homey and indulgent. I once added a handful of spinach at the end for color and freshness—it made the soup even better. Whether you serve it for dinner or meal prep for the week, this soup is hearty, wholesome, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Meatball Soup with Cheese Tortellini is the perfect balance of hearty and light. The flavorful broth is loaded with juicy meatballs, tender vegetables, and cheesy tortellini that melt in your mouth. It’s a one-pot meal that’s easy to make, satisfying, and family-friendly. You can use homemade or store-bought meatballs, and it’s ready in under an hour. The rich tomato base pairs beautifully with the cheesy pasta, making every spoonful comforting and delicious.

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Ingredients

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

Meatballs – Use homemade or frozen; beef, pork, or a mix all work well.

Cheese tortellini – Adds richness and a satisfying bite to the soup.

Olive oil – For sautéing the vegetables and building flavor.

Onion – Brings sweetness and depth to the broth.

Garlic – Adds warmth and aroma to the soup.

Carrots and celery – Provide texture and subtle sweetness.

Crushed tomatoes – Create a flavorful tomato base for the broth.

Chicken or beef broth – The liquid foundation of the soup, rich and savory.

Italian seasoning – Brings classic herb flavor to the dish.

Salt and black pepper – For essential seasoning.

Spinach (optional) – Adds freshness and color at the end.

Parmesan cheese – For garnish and extra cheesy goodness.

Fresh parsley or basil – To finish with a bright, aromatic touch.

Directions

In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.

Add the meatballs to the pot and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until fully cooked (if using fresh) or heated through (if using frozen).

Stir in the cheese tortellini and cook according to package directions, usually 5–7 minutes, until tender.

If using spinach, add it during the last minute of cooking and stir until wilted.

Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Equipment needed

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 people.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat until hot. If the tortellini absorbs too much broth, add a bit of water or extra stock before reheating. You can also freeze the soup without the tortellini for up to 2 months, then add fresh pasta when reheating.

Variations and Customizations

Creamy Meatball Tortellini Soup – Add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a velvety texture.

Spicy Version – Add crushed red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage meatballs.

Vegetable-Packed Soup – Add zucchini, peas, or kale for extra nutrients.

Chicken Meatball Soup – Use chicken meatballs for a lighter version.

White Bean Tortellini Soup – Stir in a can of white beans for more heartiness.

Pesto Finish – Swirl a spoonful of pesto into each bowl for a fresh, herby flavor.

Cheesy Overload – Stir in extra shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a richer broth.

FAQs

Can I use frozen meatballs?

Yes, they work great—just simmer a bit longer until fully heated through.

Can I use different tortellini?

Absolutely! Spinach and ricotta or mushroom tortellini are delicious options.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, but cook the tortellini separately and add when reheating to avoid sogginess.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, use veggie broth, skip the meatballs, and add more vegetables or beans.

How can I make it creamy?

Add heavy cream or a splash of milk at the end of cooking.

Can I freeze the soup?

Yes, freeze without tortellini for best texture, then add pasta when reheating.

What can I serve with it?

Garlic bread, a simple salad, or crusty rolls make perfect sides.

How do I thicken the soup?

Simmer uncovered a bit longer or stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste.

Can I use other pasta?

Yes, small shapes like ditalini or mini shells also work.

Can I add wine to the broth?

Yes, a splash of red or white wine adds depth—just let it cook off before adding broth.

Conclusion

Meatball Soup with Cheese Tortellini is the ultimate comfort meal—a perfect blend of hearty meatballs, tender pasta, and a flavorful tomato broth. It’s cozy, filling, and simple enough for a weeknight yet special enough for company. With every spoonful, you get the warmth of homemade cooking and the satisfaction of a complete meal in one bowl. Whether you enjoy it on a cool evening or as a make-ahead lunch, this soup will become one of your favorite go-to comfort recipes.