Dive into the heart of Italian comfort food with our Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup! This delightful dish combines tender, savory turkey meatballs with a rich, flavorful broth, vibrant spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta, making it the ultimate cozy meal for any occasion. Whether you're looking to impress guests or simply enjoy a delicious bowl of homemade goodness, this recipe is your ticket to culinary bliss. With just 45 minutes from prep to table, you’ll be savoring each warm spoonful in no time. Ready to elevate your soup game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup small pasta (e.g. acini di pepe)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Roll the turkey mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs, approximately 1-inch in diameter. Aim to create around 20-24 uniform meatballs.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Lightly spray or coat with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Gently brown the meatballs in the pot, turning them carefully to ensure even cooking. Cook for about 5-6 minutes until they develop a golden exterior.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot with the browned meatballs. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.
- Add the small pasta to the broth and cook for approximately 6-8 minutes or until the pasta is almost al dente.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and let it wilt into the soup for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld together.
- Serve hot, ensuring each bowl has a generous portion of meatballs, pasta, and spinach.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh spinach and high-quality chicken broth. Fresh ingredients can elevate your soup to a whole new level!
- Customize Your Meatballs: Feel free to add herbs or spices to the meatball mixture, such as chopped parsley or crushed red pepper, to give them a unique twist.
- Pasta Choices: While acini di pepe is traditional, you can substitute with other small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini if you prefer.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks in the broth. You want it to be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when you remove the soup from the heat.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the soup to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps the flavors meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
- Make It Ahead: This soup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stove before serving!
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top each bowl with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of olive oil for added richness and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
