Italian Wedding Soup w/Chicken

Enjoy a comforting bowl of Italian Wedding Soup, made with homemade chicken meatballs and fresh spinach. It's a simple, hearty meal where tender meatballs meet leafy greens in a flavorful broth, rounded off with a handful of small pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup brings a taste of Italian tradition to your table with everyday ingredients.

For Chicken Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 egg, beaten

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Soup:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 carrots, peeled and chopped

• 2 celery stalks, chopped

• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth

• 1 cup small pasta (like orzo or acini di pepe)

• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Extra grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Make Meatballs: In a bowl, mix together the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Gently form into small, bite-sized meatballs and place on the prepared baking sheet.

3. Bake Meatballs: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and lightly golden.

4. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.

5. Add Broth & Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

6. Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the soup and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

7. Add Spinach & Meatballs: Stir in the spinach and the baked meatballs. Cook until the spinach is wilted and the meatballs are heated through, about 3-5 minutes.

8. Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top.

Enjoy your homemade Italian Wedding Soup with a healthy twist of spinach and chicken meatballs!