If you’re craving a soul-warming bowl that feels like a cozy hug in a meal, this Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe checks all the boxes. It’s a vibrant medley of tender turkey meatballs, wholesome veggies, delicate pasta, and fresh spinach swimming in a fragrant, savory broth. Perfectly portioned mini meatballs bring protein-packed comfort without heaviness, while the blend of Italian seasonings and Parmesan adds that classic, irresistible charm. Whether you’re aiming to impress guests or just want a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special, this soup is guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential ingredients come together to make this soup a comforting masterpiece. Each item plays its part in building vibrant flavors, pleasing textures, and appetizing color — making this Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe both wholesome and delicious.
- Ground turkey: Lean and tender, it forms the base of flavorful mini meatballs that stay juicy after baking.
- Breadcrumbs: Add structure to the meatballs ensuring they hold their shape and have a delightful bite.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a savory, nutty complexity that enhances the meatballs and finishes the soup beautifully.
- Large egg: Acts as a binder in the meatball mixture, keeping everything together perfectly.
- Minced garlic: Brings that aromatic depth that’s key in any Italian-inspired dish.
- Dried Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that delivers that unmistakable Italian flair.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout, balancing and highlighting the flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Forms the heart of the soup, providing a light but savory liquid base.
- Diced carrots: Add subtle sweetness and color to brighten the bowl.
- Diced celery: Offers a mild crunch and freshness to complement the cooked veggies.
- Chopped onion: Builds foundational flavor with its natural sweetness and depth.
- Small pasta (orzo or acini di pepe): Tiny pasta shapes that cook quickly and nestle perfectly alongside the mini meatballs.
- Fresh spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a burst of nutrients while wilting gently into the soup.
- Olive oil: Used to sauté the vegetables, it enhances flavor and lends a silky mouthfeel.
How to Make Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and bake the mini turkey meatballs
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things clean and prevent sticking. In a large bowl, mix ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, egg, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly combined. Rolling the mixture into 1-inch meatballs takes a little time but ensures each bite-sized sphere cooks uniformly. Arrange the meatballs on the baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until they’re golden and fully cooked through, which guarantees tender, juicy bites in your soup.
Step 2: Sauté the aromatic vegetables
While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery to the pot and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the vegetables soften and release their natural sweetness. This step is crucial; it builds a flavorful foundation for the broth that will carry the entire dish.
Step 3: Simmer the soup with meatballs and pasta
Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, add the freshly baked mini meatballs along with your choice of small pasta like orzo or acini di pepe. Let everything simmer together for 10 to 12 minutes, which allows the pasta to cook al dente and the meatballs to soak up lovely broth flavors, melding everything into harmony.
Step 4: Finish with fresh spinach and seasoning
To add a bright, nutrient-packed finish, stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for just 2 more minutes until it’s wilted but still vibrant. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top—you won’t regret it!
How to Serve Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is your chance to add visual appeal and a boost of flavor. A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few shards of Parmesan crisp adds unexpected texture and a cheesy richness that pairs beautifully. You can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for those who like a subtle kick or some finely chopped fresh parsley to brighten the look and flavor.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with crusty, rustic bread to soak up every last drop of broth. Garlic bread or a simple toasted baguette with olive oil and herbs provides a lovely contrast in texture. For a lighter option, a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances the warmth of the soup perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe in individual bread bowls for a spectacular presentation. Another idea is to ladle the soup into small, wide bowls and top each serving with a swirl of pesto or a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the flavor. These little touches make mealtime feel truly special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the flavors from mingling with other foods. Before refrigerating, allow the soup to cool slightly to avoid condensation inside the container, which can dilute the flavor.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this soup later, it freezes well too. Transfer cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It’s best to freeze without the fresh spinach and pasta, adding those fresh when reheating to keep their textures bright and appealing. Frozen portions can last up to 3 months.
Reheating
For the best flavor and texture when reheating, warm the soup gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add fresh spinach and any leftover cooked pasta at this time, stirring until the spinach wilts and the pasta heats through. Avoid microwaving directly if possible, to prevent uneven heating and preserve the meatballs’ tenderness.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken instead of ground turkey?
Absolutely! Ground chicken is a great substitute and will work just as well in this Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe. It offers a similarly mild flavor and lean texture that pairs perfectly with the herbs and broth.
What pasta works best for this soup?
Small, bite-sized pasta shapes like orzo or acini di pepe are ideal because they cook quickly and fit nicely on a spoon alongside the mini meatballs. You can also try tiny shells or ditalini if you want to switch things up.
Is it possible to make this soup vegetarian?
While this recipe centers around turkey meatballs, you can adapt it by substituting the meatballs for vegetarian options like chickpea balls or vegan “meatballs.” Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
How do I keep the meatballs from falling apart in the soup?
Baking the mini meatballs separately before adding them to the soup is key to ensuring they stay intact. The breadcrumbs and egg act as binders to hold everything together, so be sure to mix the meatball ingredients well and handle them gently when shaping.
Can I prepare the meatballs ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare and bake the meatballs a day in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to make the soup, simply add the pre-cooked meatballs to the broth during the simmering step to warm through.
Final Thoughts
This Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that comforts the soul and satisfies the appetite. Its simplicity combined with thoughtful ingredients makes it a perfect recipe for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends alike. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s a kitchen favorite that will warm you up from the inside out, and might just become your new go-to for making mealtime special.
Print
Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Mini Turkey Meatball Italian Wedding Soup is a comforting and wholesome meal featuring tender turkey meatballs baked to perfection, simmered in a flavorful chicken broth with fresh vegetables, pasta, and spinach. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it balances protein and greens in a classic Italian-inspired broth.
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
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup carrots, diced
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup small pasta (such as orzo or acini di pepe)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the meatballs from sticking.
- Make the Meatball Mixture: In a large bowl, combine ground turkey, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, egg, minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Form and Bake Meatballs: Roll the mixture into 1-inch meatballs and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the meatballs are golden and fully cooked through.
- Sauté Vegetables: While the meatballs bake, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Simmer Soup with Meatballs and Pasta: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the baked turkey meatballs and small pasta to the pot. Let everything simmer together for 10-12 minutes until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Spinach and Final Touches: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted into the broth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control salt levels better.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use gluten-free pasta.
- You can prepare the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- If you prefer, cook the meatballs in a skillet instead of baking for a faster option, but baking yields a tender, less greasy meatball.
- Spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard for a different leafy green flavor.
