Rigatoni Meatball Soup

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## 👩‍🍳 **Instructions**

### 🧆 1. **Make the Meatballs**
In a bowl, combine all meatball ingredients. Mix gently with your hands (don’t overwork the meat). Roll into small, bite-sized meatballs—about 1 inch in diameter.

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven. Brown the meatballs in batches until golden on all sides (they don’t need to be cooked through). Remove and set aside.

### 🥕 2. **Build the Soup Base**
In the same pot, add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Sauté the onion, carrots, and celery over medium heat until softened, about 5–6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute.

### 🍅 3. **Add Broth and Tomatoes**
Pour in the broth and crushed tomatoes. Stir in oregano and basil. Bring to a gentle boil.

### 🍝 4. **Simmer and Add Pasta**
Return the browned meatballs to the pot. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Then add rigatoni and simmer until the pasta is al dente, about 10–12 more minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick.

### ✅ 5. **Season and Serve**
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle soup into bowls, top with fresh parsley and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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## 🍞 **What to Serve With Rigatoni Meatball Soup**

– Warm crusty bread or garlic toast
– A simple green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
– Roasted vegetables
– A glass of red wine (optional—but delightful)

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## ❄️ **Make-Ahead & Storage Tips**

– **Make-Ahead:** The soup base (without pasta) can be made a day in advance.
– **Storage:** Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
– **Freezer Friendly:** Freeze in airtight containers without the pasta. Add fresh-cooked rigatoni when reheating to avoid mushy noodles.

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## ❤️ Why You’ll Love It

– One-pot meal = less cleanup
– Kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and totally comforting
– Customizable with veggies or different pasta
– Tastes even better the next day

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## 🥣 Final Thoughts

**Rigatoni Meatball Soup** is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm blanket and tastes like a family dinner at Nonna’s table. It brings together the heartiness of meatballs, the comfort of pasta, and the richness of Italian-style broth—all in one delicious bowl.

So grab a spoon, settle in, and enjoy every bite of this hearty, home-cooked favorite.

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Want a printable version, gluten-free pasta swap tips, or a slow cooker variation? Just let me know—I’ve got you covered!