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Italian Wedding Soup

Italian Wedding Soup, prepared with handmade turkey meatballs, small pasta, and dark leafy greens, is both simple and delectable. Ready in only 30 minutes!
Prep Time20 minutes
Active Time10 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: dinner, Soup
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: Italian Wedding Soup
Yield: 8

Materials

For the Meatballs:

  • 20 oz ground turkey breast 99% lean 1.3 lb total
  • 1/4 cup seasoned whole wheat breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup parsley finely chopped
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/4 cup onion minced
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

For the soup:

  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion minced
  • 2 small carrots finely diced
  • 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • Parmesan cheese rind optional
  • 1 16 oz head escarole fresh spinach, or any dark leafy green, chopped
  • fresh cracked pepper to taste
  • 3 ounces uncooked acini di pepe or orzo, ditalini or small gluten-free pasta shape (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

Stove Directions:

  • In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, sauté the olive oil, onions, and carrots until tender, about 5 minutes. Bring the chicken stock and, if using, the Parmesan cheese rind to a boil while covered.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and cheese. Using your (clean) hands, carefully incorporate all of the ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
  • Form little meatballs, approximately 1 tbsp apiece; you'll have around 40. Place them on a sheet pan and broil on the second rack from the top until brown, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • When the stock reaches a boil, add the meatballs, pasta, and chopped escarole.
  • Add fresh black pepper, salt if required, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the spaghetti and meatballs are well cooked. Remove the parmesan cheese rind and serve.

Instant Pot Directions:

  • Press sauté and add the oil, onions, and carrots. Saute for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, before pressing cancel and adding the chicken stock and, if desired, the Parmesan cheese rind to the saucepan. Cover and cook under high pressure for 10 minutes to come to a boil. Quick or natural release.
  • Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine the ground turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, onion, garlic, salt, and cheese. Using your (clean) hands, carefully incorporate all of the ingredients until thoroughly mixed.
  • Form little meatballs, approximately 1 tbsp apiece; you'll have around 40.
  • When the stock reaches a boil, add the meatballs, orzo, and chopped escarole. Add fresh pepper, adjust the salt as required, cover, and cook under high pressure for 5 minutes, then quickly release. Remove the parmesan cheese rind and serve.