Description
This Slow Cooker Meatball Soup is a creamy, comforting meal made with Italian-style meatballs, tomatoes, broth, tender ditalini pasta, Parmesan cheese, and fresh spinach. With just 10 minutes of prep, the slow cooker does most of the work, making it perfect for an easy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 20 ounces frozen Italian-style meatballs
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 6-ounce can tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 16 ounces dry ditalini pasta
- 1 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
Instructions
- Add the frozen Italian-style meatballs, diced onion, minced garlic, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and dried thyme to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–8 hours.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch and heavy cream together until smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the cream mixture into the soup and stir well.
- Add the dry ditalini pasta, shredded Parmesan cheese, and fresh baby spinach. Stir to combine.
- Cover and continue cooking for 15–30 minutes, or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. Check the pasta regularly to avoid overcooking.
- Stir the soup well and serve warm. Enjoy!
Notes
- Time-saving tip: Use a food processor or small food chopper to dice the onion quickly.
- Adjust the thickness: If the soup becomes too thick after adding the pasta, stir in extra chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended because the pasta can become mushy after thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in short intervals in the microwave. Add a little broth if needed.
- Pasta tip: The pasta continues to absorb liquid as the soup sits, so serve soon after it becomes tender for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American