There is nothing quite as comforting and delightful as a warm bowl of homemade soup that feels like a big, cozy hug. The Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is one of my all-time favorites because it brings together tender, flavorful turkey meatballs, fresh vegetables, and delicate pasta in a savory broth that is simply irresistible. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and light, making it an ideal meal for any day you crave something wholesome yet comforting. Plus, those mini meatballs add a fun twist that everyone in the family will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple, but each element plays a key role in building the rich and layered flavor we all love. From the juicy turkey meatballs to the fresh spinach, every component contributes to the texture, taste, and even the vibrant color that makes this soup a real crowd-pleaser.
- 1 lb ground turkey: Lean and tender, this is the perfect base for your mini meatballs.
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: Adds lightness and holds the meatballs together without making them dense.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that enhances the meatballs’ flavor.
- 1 large egg: Acts as a binder for the meatball mixture, ensuring they stay perfectly shaped.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses an aromatic, savory note that wakes up every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that adds classic Italian flair effortlessly.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth: The soothing, flavorful base that ties the whole soup together.
- 1 cup carrots, diced: Adds sweetness and a lovely pop of color.
- 1 cup celery, diced: Provides crunch and a mild, fresh taste to balance the richness.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Lends a mellow sweetness when sautéed.
- 1/2 cup small pasta (orzo or acini di pepe): Delicate pasta shapes that marry beautifully with mini meatballs.
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped: Adds vibrant color and a nutrient boost that’s both tasty and good for you.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing vegetables to golden perfection and deepening flavors.
How to Make Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Meatballs
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is just combined. This simple mixture forms the heart of your soup—those mini meatballs will absorb all the lovely broth flavors later.
Step 2: Shape and Bake the Meatballs
Roll the meat mixture into 1-inch sized mini meatballs—this size ensures they cook evenly and quickly. Place them on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer and pop them in the oven for 15-18 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re golden brown and cooked through, providing that perfect tender bite.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
While the meatballs are baking, warm the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, cooking them for about 5-7 minutes until they soften and their natural sweetness shines through. This vegetable base forms the flavorful foundation of your soup.
Step 4: Build the Soup
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once bubbling, carefully add the baked mini meatballs and your small pasta choice. Let everything simmer together for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and the meatballs soak up the savory broth.
Step 5: Finish with Spinach and Seasoning
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt softly in the hot soup—this adds a burst of green freshness and nutrients. Taste your creation and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. Now your Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is ready to serve, warm and inviting.
How to Serve Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra touch of flavor and a beautiful presentation, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese over each bowl right before serving. A few torn basil leaves or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil can also elevate the soup’s look and taste, adding that authentic Italian charm.
Side Dishes
This soup pairs amazingly well with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. These sides complement the soup’s heartiness without overpowering its delicate flavors, ensuring a balanced and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving this soup at a family gathering or dinner party, try ladling it into clear glass mugs or mini bowls for a charming, rustic display. You can even skewer a few meatballs on cocktail sticks as a fun appetizer that echoes the soup’s star ingredient.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer your leftover soup into airtight containers and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe freezes beautifully. Place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat your soup gently on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it and refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will give you a slightly different flavor but still deliciously tender meatballs in this soup.
What type of pasta works best in this soup?
Small pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe are ideal because they cook quickly and can easily be scooped up with the meatballs and broth.
Can I make the meatballs without baking?
Yes, you can gently simmer the raw meatballs directly in the broth until cooked through, but baking helps them hold their shape better and develop a nice texture.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. This soup holds up well when refrigerated or frozen, making it a convenient and nutritious option for busy weeknights.
How can I make this soup gluten-free?
Simply swap the regular breadcrumbs and pasta for gluten-free alternatives. Make sure your broth is also gluten-free to keep the soup safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, foolproof recipe that brings comfort and flavor in every spoonful, you must try this Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe. It’s packed with wholesome ingredients yet light enough to enjoy any time of year, and those little turkey meatballs add such a delightful touch. I genuinely hope this becomes a beloved recipe in your kitchen as it is in mine!
Print
Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and wholesome dish featuring tender turkey meatballs baked to perfection and simmered in a flavorful chicken broth with vegetables, pasta, and fresh spinach. It’s a healthier twist on a classic Italian soup, perfect for a family meal or cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as orzo or acini di pepe)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the meatballs.
- Make Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined to form the meatball mixture.
- Shape and Bake Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes until the meatballs are golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and diced celery, sautéing for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and become fragrant.
- Add Broth, Meatballs, and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the baked turkey meatballs and small pasta to the pot. Let it cook for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and fully cooked.
- Incorporate Spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach wilts into the soup.
- Season and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired for added richness.
Notes
- For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta.
- You can substitute ground turkey with ground chicken or lean beef if preferred.
- If preferred, cook meatballs fully in the pan instead of baking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content effectively.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
