Imagine a bowl of pure culinary magic that transports you straight to the heart of Italy with every single spoonful! This Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs isn't just a meal - it's a warm embrace of flavor that combines lean, tender meatballs, delicate pasta, and vibrant spinach in a soul-warming chicken broth. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you're craving a nutritious, restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just one hour, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort food that impresses both family and dinner guests.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 60 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup small pasta
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until well incorporated.
- Gently form the meat mixture into small, uniform meatballs approximately 1-inch in diameter. Place formed meatballs on a clean plate and set aside.
- In a large soup pot, heat chicken broth over medium-high heat until it reaches a gentle simmer. Carefully drop the prepared meatballs into the simmering broth.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and allow meatballs to cook for about 10-12 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add small pasta to the broth and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes, or until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and becomes tender.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Ladle the soup into serving bowls, ensuring each portion has meatballs, pasta, and spinach.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an optional sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Tips
- For ultra-tender meatballs, mix ingredients gently and avoid overworking the meat, which can make them tough.
- Use a small cookie scoop or wet hands to create uniform meatballs for even cooking.
- Check meatball doneness with a meat thermometer - they should reach 165°F internally.
- Add spinach at the last minute to maintain its bright green color and fresh nutrients.
- For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or adding a parmesan rind while simmering.
- This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 85mg
