Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
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Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
Warm, comforting, and full of flavor, this Hearty Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Meatball Soup is the ultimate cozy dinner recipe! Juicy organic meatballs simmer in a creamy tomato-based broth infused with garlic, sundried tomatoes, and my signature Tuscan Marry Me spice blend. Tossed with short-cut pasta, fresh kale, and plenty of Parmesan cheese, this one-pot soup is hearty enough for a full meal yet elegant enough to serve for guests. Dairy-free, Vegan, Gluten-free, + Slow Cooker options.
Let me tell you, this Hearty Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Meatball Soup recipe is love in a bowl. Inspired by my obsession with all things cozy and my love for “marry me” flavors—like my Creamy Tuscan 'Marry Me' Chicken—this soup is pure magic. Picture tender, flavorful meatballs simmered in a creamy tomato broth with Tuscan herbs. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and might just earn you a proposal—or at least a whole lot of compliments! Haha.
Made with simple pantry staples like olive oil, chicken or beef stock, tomato paste, and white wine, it’s an easy weeknight dinner that feels gourmet. Whether you use chicken, beef, pork, or even plant-based meatballs, this Tuscan-inspired creamy meatball soup will win over everyone at the table. Perfect for meal prep, family dinners, or chilly nights—this is comfort food done right!
If you’re as hooked on “marry me” flavors as I am, and if this has you swooning, don’t miss my Tuscan ‘Marry Me’ Butter Beans, ‘Marry Me’ Tuscan Chicken Gnocchi Soup, or the irresistible ‘Marry Me’ Shrimp + Grits. These recipes are packed with flavor and guaranteed to win hearts!
Jump to:
- Why Is It Called 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup?
- Why You Will LOVE This Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
- How To Make Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
- Ingredients
- How To Make Homemade Tuscan Blend
- Tips for the Best Meatball Soup
- Best Vegetables to Add
- Best Short-Cut Pastas for Meatball Soup
- What To Serve With 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup?
- Can I Make Vegan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup?
- Variations to Try
- Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup Q + A's
- More Comforting Soup Recipes to Try this Season!
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
Why Is It Called 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup?
OK you might be wondering about the name “Marry Me' Meatball Soup” It’s inspired by the viral Marry Me Chicken recipe you might have seen on TikTok, which claims that the dish is so irresistible, that it might just get someone to propose! Haha. I get why—it’s that good! I put my own spin on it with some extra flavors, and it turned out amazing. Trust me, this dish is a total winner!
Why You Will LOVE This Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
This isn’t just another soup recipe—it’s comfort in a bowl! The creamy broth, tender meatballs, and Tuscan-inspired spices create a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and nourishing. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal that works for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or even dinner parties.
- It’s super easy to make.
- Simple set + forget it—-Simmer, Simmer, Simmer over the stovetop!
- Only requires ONE pot.
- Makes for a great weeknight meal or laidback weekend with a full vegan + dairy-free option.
- So creamy and full of texture.
- Great for meal prepping and make aheads for the week!
- Super flavorful. Bold tuscan and warm flavors!
- Perfect Fall + Winter vibes!
- Did I mention, it’s just delicious?
How To Make Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
This soup is so simple and can be made in one pot! Heat olive oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add garlic + tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, salt, Tuscan Marry Me Blend + flour. Add chicken stock, heavy cream, white cooking wine, meatballs, kale, and pasta, and simmer for 15-20 minutes until the meatballs are cooked and pasta is tender. Stir in parmesan and cook for another minute.
Note: The soup will thicken as the pasta cooks, so just 4 ounces of pasta is needed. Serve with extra parmesan and bread if desired. See recipe card for full breakdown!
Ingredients
- Meatballs. The star of this soup! You can use chicken, beef, pork, or even plant-based meatballs depending on your preference. Fresh or frozen both work—just adjust the cooking time.
- Short-cut pasta. Pasta like fusilli, penne, or rigatoni soaks up the creamy Tuscan broth beautifully. For a lighter option, try whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta.
- Olive oil. A base for sautéing garlic and building flavor. You can also use avocado oil or butter for a slightly different richness.
- Garlic. Fresh minced garlic deepens the Tuscan flavor and pairs perfectly with sundried tomatoes. Garlic powder works in a pinch, though fresh is best.
- Chicken or beef stock. Creates a rich, savory base for the soup. Vegetable stock is a great substitute if you want to keep it vegetarian.
- Flour. Helps thicken the broth to create that luscious creamy texture. Arrowroot starch or cornstarch are excellent gluten-free alternatives.
- Tuscan Marry Me Blend. A signature spice mix that adds bold, herby flavor. You can make your own with Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
- Sea salt. Balances all the flavors. Kosher salt or pink Himalayan salt work just as well.
- Tomato paste. Adds a rich, concentrated tomato flavor. You can also swap with fire-roasted tomatoes for a smokier note.
- Heavy cream. Creates the luxurious creamy base. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or cashew cream.
- White cooking wine. Adds brightness and depth. If you prefer not to cook with wine, substitute with extra stock and a splash of lemon juice.
- Sundried tomatoes. Brings sweet, tangy, and savory flavor. Herb-roasted tomatoes or even oven-dried cherry tomatoes make a great swap.
- Kale. Adds freshness, texture, and nutrients. Spinach or Swiss chard can be used instead.
- Parmesan cheese. Finishes the soup with savory, cheesy goodness. Pecorino Romano or a dairy-free parmesan alternative also work beautifully.
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR COOKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS SOUP!
Here, I've curated a list of cooking + baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods or cooked meals, especially with this Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup recipe. Everything from my fave baking sheet, dutch ovens, immersion hand-blender, mixing bowls, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
How To Make Homemade Tuscan Blend
Making your own homemade Tuscan Blend is super simple and brings a burst of flavor to your dishes! Of course, you can always grab my Marry Me Blend for the same deliciousness with zero effort.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 tsps dried parsley
- 2 tsps dried basil
- 2 tsps dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- 2 bay leaves.
Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl or jar. Stir until evenly mixed. Transfer the blend to an airtight container or spice jar. This easy homemade blend gives you that rich, savory Tuscan flavor that works in so many dishes! Enjoy!
Tips for the Best Meatball Soup
- Brown the meatballs first: Adds depth and seals in juices.
- Cook pasta separately if meal-prepping to avoid it soaking up all the broth.
- Don’t skip the cream: It balances the acidity of the tomato paste and creates that signature “marry me” texture.
- Use fresh herbs or blends: My Tuscan Marry Me Blend gives the soup a professional, restaurant-quality finish.
Best Vegetables to Add
While kale is a classic addition, you can switch things up with:
- Spinach for a softer bite
- Swiss chard for a slightly earthy flavor
- Zucchini or mushrooms for extra heartiness
- Roasted red peppers for a smoky, sweet note
Best Short-Cut Pastas for Meatball Soup
The type of pasta you choose can make a big difference in how your soup turns out. Short-cut pastas are ideal because they soak up the creamy Tuscan broth while holding their shape. Here are the best options:
- Fusilli. Spiral-shaped pasta that grabs onto the sauce and herbs beautifully.
- Penne. A classic choice with ridges that lock in the creamy broth.
- Rigatoni. Larger tubes that make every bite extra hearty and satisfying.
- Farfalle (Bowtie). Adds a fun shape and works well with chunky ingredients like meatballs and kale.
- Ditalini. Small, tubular pasta often used in soups, perfect if you prefer smaller bites.
- Orecchiette. “Little ear” pasta that cradles bits of meatball, kale, and Parmesan in every spoonful.
For a gluten-free option, choose brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or chickpea pasta.
For a lighter version, whole wheat pasta adds extra fiber while still pairing perfectly with the creamy tomato base.
What To Serve With 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup?
This soup is hearty and delicious on its own, but these sides make the perfect complement -
- Crusty bread for dipping
- Garlic bread for extra flavor
- A side of buttery mashed potatoes
- Crispy roasted potatoes for a bit of crunch
- A simple green salad or tomato salad
- My favorite Hot Honey Garlic Dinner Rolls
Can I Make Vegan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup?
To make this soup entirely vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or Almond milk (use only about ¾ cup instead), the meatballs with plant-based meatballs, and the parmesan with dairy-free cheese shreds or parmesan like So Delicious Dairy-Free or Violife for the best melting results.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Tuscan Meatball Soup: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage meatballs.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
- Low-Carb Twist: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Vegetarian Style: Use plant-based meatballs and vegetable stock.
Make Ahead + Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze the soup without the pasta for 2–3 months (add fresh pasta when reheating).
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup Q + A's
Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
Definitely. Add everything except the pasta, cream, and cheese into your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. Stir in the cream, Parmesan, and cooked pasta at the end before serving.
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta like brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta, and swap the flour with cornstarch or arrowroot starch to thicken.
It's so important to use freshly-grated parmesan cheese for the creamiest results in your creamy garlic chicken gnocchi soup. While you can use shredded cheese, it won't melt as seamlessly because it has a special "coating", which prevents it from melting smoothly.
NOTE: If you only have shredded cheese, then I recommend adding it the soup while it's simmering in the last 5 minutes or so, stirring until melted and then topping it immediately after serving it into bowl(s).
Yes! Just simmer them a bit longer until heated through.
Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream, oat milk cream, or cashew cream, and use dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Yes! Use plant-based meatballs, vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock, and swap in dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. It’s just as creamy and flavorful.
Use chicken or turkey meatballs, light cream, and whole wheat or lentil-based pasta.
The creamy, garlicky, sun-dried tomato sauce combined with tender meatballs and herbs makes it irresistible—the kind of recipe that wins hearts instantly!
More Comforting Soup Recipes to Try this Season!
Now that you've fallen in love with this Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup recipe, try these family-friendly recipes next!
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Tortellini Soup
- Hearty Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Chickpea Soup
- Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup
- Loaded Vegan Veggie Soup
- Easy Flavorful Rigatoni Meatball Soup
- Creamy Lemon Broccoli Tortellini Soup
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried my Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!
Hearty Tuscan 'Marry Me' Meatball Soup
Ingredients
SOUP:
- 10 ounce organic meatballs, fresh or frozen (You can use chicken, plant-based or ground beef or pork meatballs)
- 4 ounces your fave short-cut pasta, uncooked (I used fusilli pasta)
- 1-2 Tbsps Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 5 cups chicken or beef stock, organic
- 3 Tbsps organic all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ Tbsps Tuscan Marry Me blend (You can purchase my Marry Me Blend for authentic flavor or make this homemade as well---See Notes)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 4 Tbsps tomato paste, organic
- 1 cup organic heavy cream
- 3 Tbsps white cooking wine (You can sub with chicken stock, if desired)
- 5-6 sundried tomatoes, roughly chopped (You can also use my Herb Roasted Tomatoes or sundried tomatoes for the best results)
- 1 cup chopped kale
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan cheese
OPTIONAL TOPPING:
- Freshly-grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
TO MAKE THE SOUP:
- In a medium-sized dutch oven pot over medium high-heat, add the olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, and meatballs (if using frozen), sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, salt, Tuscan Marry Me Blend, and flour, stirring until combined. NOTE: If using fresh meatballs, be sure to sear them first and then add them in with liquid ingredients.
- Add in the chicken or beef stock, heavy cream, white cooking wine, kale, and uncooked pasta, stirring to combine. Let simmer for another 15-20 minutes or until the meatballs are fully cooked through and the pasta is tender. Stir in the freshly-grated parmesan and let simmer for another 1-2 minutes.
- NOTE: The soup will thicken as the pasta cooks, which is why you only need 4 ounces instead of a full pack of pasta.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately into prepared bowl(s), top with freshly-grated parmesan and with a side of bread, if desired.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Leftovers can be stored in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, for optimal freshness. Can also be frozen for 4-6 months. To defrost, simply place soup in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature before re-heating on the stove top to serve.
- VEGAN MEATBALLS: If you don't want to make Homemade Vegan Meatballs, you can always use store-bought ones. Gardein has a great option!
- SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in spice/herb flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
- VEGAN, GLUTEN-FREE, SLOW COOKER OPTIONS: See FAQ section!
- HOMEMADE TUSCAN BLEND: 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 2 tsps dried parsley, 2 tsps dried basil, 2 tsps dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried rosemary, + 2 bay leaves.
Nutrition
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This soup was incredible!! The meatballs and pasta was chefs kiss!! Thank you and keep em coming!!