Ingredients
Small meatballs (beef, pork, or chicken)
Chicken broth
Small pasta (acini di pepe, ditalini, or orzo)
Fresh spinach or escarole
Onion, garlic, carrot, celery
Egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese
Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper
Notes
Cooking Tips
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Mini meatballs matter: Keep them small (about 1 teaspoon each) so they cook evenly and fit nicely on the spoon.
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Cook pasta separately if storing: Pasta can absorb too much broth over time—adding it fresh keeps leftovers perfect.
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Boost the broth: Simmer with a Parmesan rind for extra depth, then remove before serving.
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Greens last: Add spinach or escarole at the end to keep them bright and tender.
Variations
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Creamy Version: Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream at the end for a richer soup.
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Low-Carb: Skip the pasta and add extra greens or zucchini ribbons.
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Turkey Meatballs: Use ground turkey for a lighter option.
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Extra Hearty: Add white beans or chickpeas for more texture and protein.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs in the meatballs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g