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Cozy Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs

Italian Wedding Soup with Turkey Meatballs - featured image

A comforting and nourishing Italian wedding soup featuring tender turkey meatballs, savory broth, fresh vegetables, and tiny pasta pearls. Perfect for a quick, easy, and hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground turkey (preferably lean, but not too dry)
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs (Italian seasoned works well)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 medium carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup small pasta like acini di pepe or orzo
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or escarole, roughly chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Freshly grated Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground turkey, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently until just combined, about 1-2 minutes. Avoid overmixing.
  2. Using a small cookie scoop or spoon, form the mixture into bite-sized meatballs (about 1 inch diameter). Set aside on a plate.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Carefully add turkey meatballs one by one. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until meatballs are fully cooked and broth is flavorful.
  5. Add small pasta to the simmering soup. Cook for 7-9 minutes or until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Stir in fresh chopped spinach or escarole. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until greens wilt. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle soup into bowls and sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overmix meatball mixture to keep meatballs tender. Use fresh herbs for best flavor. Simmer soup gently to keep meatballs intact. Add pasta just before serving or cook separately to avoid mushiness. Meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated or frozen. Add a splash of broth or water when reheating if soup thickens.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian wedding soup, turkey meatballs, comfort food, easy soup recipe, healthy soup, homemade soup, quick dinner