30-Minute Hearty Spaghetti and Meatball Soup
Transform classic spaghetti and meatballs into a warming, soul-satisfying soup perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings. This comforting one-pot meal combines tender pasta, savory meatballs, and rich marinara in a flavorful broth base. The addition of fresh basil and Parmesan cheese brings brightness and depth to every spoonful. Using frozen meatballs makes this recipe incredibly convenient while still delivering homestyle flavors the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 24 oz jar marinara sauce, prepared
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 30 meatballs, small precooked frozen, thawedhomemade meatballs1:1fresher
Use your favorite recipe
- 8 ounces spaghetti, broken into 2 inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- salt
- pepper
Instructions
- 1
Bring chicken broth, water and marinara sauce to a simmer in a large pot or Dutch oven
- 2
Stir in garlic and Italian seasoning
- 3
Add meatballs and return to a simmer
- 4
Stir in spaghetti and simmer for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender
- 5
Stir in fresh basil and Parmesan cheese
- 6
Season with salt and pepper to taste
- 7
Serve with additional basil and Parmesan cheese for garnish if desired
Tips
Break spaghetti into smaller pieces before adding to ensure even cooking and easier eating with a spoon.
Thaw frozen meatballs completely before adding to prevent lowering the soup temperature too much.
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, as the broth and Parmesan will add saltiness.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Pasta may absorb liquid when stored.
Can prepare broth base ahead and add meatballs and pasta when ready to serve.
Serve immediately while hot with crusty bread and extra Parmesan.
Common Mistakes
Don't overcook pasta as it will become mushy and continue cooking in hot broth
Add Parmesan at the end to prevent curdling from extended heat
Substitutions
Use your favorite recipe
FAQ
Can I use fresh meatballs instead of frozen?
Yes, use cooked fresh meatballs. Add them the same way as frozen ones, just ensure they're fully cooked through before adding to the soup.
How long will leftovers keep?
Store in refrigerator up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more liquid over time, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing isn't recommended as the pasta texture becomes mushy. Instead, freeze the broth base separately and cook fresh pasta when serving.